MATCH REPORT

13-12-11-10-9……………………………………………………2NDS ARE GO! Like lots of teams around the world of hockey bodies on the pitch was an issue this week, so Sutton turned up with a bare 11 players to face a Cambs South side with 13 players in their first game of the new season. Missing 3 core squad members but aided by Synott and the Hales twins the side had a distinct mix of age and youth but mental age wise you could probably throw a small blanket over the entire team! The match started with some strong pressing by South who pushed onto the Sutton goal well, They were kept out by a new defence for the 2's of Clarke, Taylor senior and Hales junior, who in his first game at this level soon settled and had what can only be described as a very strong debut – well done Ben. Eventually something had to give and after Sisson had kicked a low flying missile through a melee of players to give away a short, Sutton then conceded from same short when another attempt to find touch from Sisson was not as successful. 0-1 This did not unnerve the Sutton side and soon the White brothers in midfield were flying into challenges to win the ball and Watt was showing off his engine to provide Synott with the sort of possession he thrives on – these three had started the game struggling to contain South's main threat, the baller in midfield with strong stick skills but sadly for him weaker hamstrings, but were now running the show and it was no surprise when after good work from Synott, Taylor junior and Canham, Hales Senior showed his good skill to equalise. 1-1 Sutton then decided to even up the odds a while, whilst Adam Taylor took a little 2 minute break on the sidelines for an agricultural challenge on said baller! Things soon got back on track as Hales got his and Sutton's second to make it 2-1 and then Will White made it 3-1 as Sutton started to dominate. Cue the first injury break – Olly Taylor took a shot and knocked over the keeper only for Hales to follow up from the rebound and hit the keeper again; thus ending the afternoon early for the South keeper. A long break to ensure his safety ensued and one of the outfielders took his place in goal before the remaining 7 minutes of the half were played. During these 7 minutes Synott scored the goal his performance richly deserved. 4-1 The second half was a mix of Sutton getting two more goals; Hales completing his Hat Trick and Canham scoring the last goal of the game and South losing 3 more players to injury, although 1 did return. The final score was 6-1 – an excellent performance all around, with special mentions to Synott, Watt, Ben Hales, Olly Taylor and of course Gary Hales. Good start – we go again next week.