Men's 2s 3 - 2 Richmond 1s (H)
By Nic Morgan
The Surbiton Hockey Club Men’s 2s secured a dramatic and richly deserved 3–2 victory over Richmond Hockey Club 1st XI yesterday, a performance defined by individual brilliance, fearless defending and a moment of ice-cold composure to seal their first win of the season.
From the outset, Surbiton showed they were more than ready to compete with a 1st XI outfit. The breakthrough came through a piece of individual magic from Nick Nurse. Picking up the ball outside the 25, he drove directly at the Richmond defence. A sharp feint eliminated the first defender, and with tight control at full pace he slipped between a second challenge inside the circle. Creating just half a yard of space, Nurse unleashed a backhand strike across goal that arrowed into the far corner. The keeper was rooted. It was a goal full of confidence and intent, and it set the tone.
Richmond responded as expected, applying sustained pressure and forcing Surbiton to defend resolutely. The game ebbed and flowed, and with the scores finely balanced in the second half came one of the most extraordinary moments of the match.
A fierce Richmond effort from close range looked destined for the roof of the net. The keeper looked beaten, defenders scrambling. But Mark Haycroft, stationed on the post, reacted instinctively. Launching himself across the line, he met the ball with his head and diverted it away from goal. It was brave, committed and utterly decisive. The clearance sparked roars from teammates and preserved parity at a crucial stage.
With the contest poised at 2–2 heading into the closing stages, tension around the pitch was palpable. Then came the final act.
A late penalty corner offered Surbiton one last opportunity. The injection was clean, the stop precise, and Luke Taylor stepped up with calm authority. His drag flick was unstoppable, rising with pace into the bottom corner beyond the keeper’s reach. Net rippling. Bench erupting. Pandemonium behind the goal.
At 3-2, Surbiton saw out the remaining minutes with discipline and heart, sealing a statement victory. Against higher-ranked opposition, the Men’s 2s combined skill, resilience and belief: Nurse’s dazzling solo effort, Haycroft’s fearless headed save, and Taylor’s clinical winner forming the perfect narrative arc.
A first win of the season, and one that will live long in the memory.