Sparticans 0 - 2 Men’s 5s (H)

Helped no doubt by our selection as team of the week, a probable record crowd was drawn to Pitch 2 for the early evening Division 5 showdown between the youthful 5s and the less youthful Sparticans. Thanks to everybody who came to watch a high quality and exciting game.

In the first fixture, the Sparticans edged a narrow victory despite the 5s having more chances and Saturday saw a mirror image unfold. The 5s went ahead with a well taken early goal, though this was their only clear cut chance of the first period, and frustratingly Sparticans shots failed to yield an equaliser in a game played at a pace which probably favoured younger legs.

Half time saw injured Skippy Belly urge us to keep to the game plan he’d laid out at some length pre-match (we need a whiteboard) and we continued to take the game to the promotion chasers. But the chances kept going begging and as the game opened up the 5s created a number of their own. We defended solidly throughout, as has been the case throughout this enjoyable season.

Our plans took a blow when Spartican Of The Day Ollie had to leave to be steri-stripped, and we hope this didn’t impact on social plans too much. We stuck at it but in the last minute it was the 5s who forced a second goal and with it the three points.

As the supporters dispersed, debriefs started and we reflected on a game well played. Save It Lee won Moment of the Match for previously unseen stick skills which set up one of our many attacks. The game was very well managed by Barney and Oliver, fresh from their promotion clinching win before us. The 5s now follow suit, and congratulations to them.  

This was a great match to play in despite the result, just two more to go now to wrap up league hockey for another season - 3.10pm back on Pitch 2 next week, we hope to see some of the fans return...