"A team must defend with the same desire and application in which it attacks" J. Greenshields 2016
On a warm Saturday in October the men's 1s finally took these wise words to heart and showed what playing like a true team can do.
Nick and Jonny had outlined before the game how important it was to press the uni team effectively to squeeze them out and limit their space. This was shown throughout the game as JPC forced the uni to play the ball around the back before making a mistake and giving JPC the ball back. On the rare occasion they did get past they found themselves to be no match for the rocks in defense of Simon Baker, Henry Mullen, George Moore, Matt Nicholson and Pete Basta. Throughout the game Jonny Greenshields only had a couple of saves to make which highlighted how well the team, and the defense in particular, played.
Going forward both Hamish Burnett and Andy Cockerill were fantastic, ruining their opposite numbers and once again showing the older guys how hockey should be played. Andy ran the right back around so much he was seen whimpering after the game on the sideline.
But JPC needed to score to make the effort worthwhile. Up steps Dan Clarke. The first goal was scored when the ball was worked well from the midfield to Michael Davison up top on the edge of the D. Through a combination of dribbling and being tackled the ball fell to Dan on the edge of the D for a first time slap into the goal. Great finish, 1-0.
The second goal came after some more excellent pressure on the press by JPC. With no options the uni player played a weak pass across the half way line which was intercepted by Dan Clarke on the charge. Beating the first 2 players he charged towards the D, leaving the uni players (and some JPC centre forwards) trailing in his wake. Beating the last defender he drew the keeper to the left before calmly finishing into the bottom right corner. Fantastic run, 2-0.
The second half was more excellent teamwork and defending from JPC and the game finished with the only thoughts being how we had not won by more!
9 points out of 9 to start the season. Fantastic stuff and hopefully more points to come at a difficult clash with Durham Uni this weekend.