Six of the best

After several previous games being close but falling for the opposition, the team made their final away trip to Middlesbrough with purpose, to achieve one simple objective- 3 points....
The first 5 minutes was taken up with an even battle for control of the game. The match turned as jpc took control with the opening goal and didn't look back, scoring another 3 to leave half time score at a tidy 4-0. At this point while the score reflected the pattern of the half, it was not all plain sailing for the men in blue and gold - as the game became more physical- Michael was given a 2 minute breather by the umpire for letting his frustration known at being consistently fouled. As the score line shows jpc didn't crack when down to 10 with some resoulute defending. Highlight of the half was a beauty of a 1-2 (straight out of Rob the Wise's coaching manual) between Steve Allen and Andy C (on debut) on the edge of the D leading to well finished goal with the next touch.

The half time team talk was spent in a jubilant mood, captain heyward making sure we were still focussed, and Jonny Greenshields telling us to be the Marting Luther King of the hockey pitch...
The second half continued as the first had finished with jpc dominating (despite again been reduced to 10 men briefly for Steve Allen allowing his stick to be hit 15 metres across the pitch by an opposition defender). With another 2 goals scored, the match was completed and a clean sheet kept by seeing off a last minute surge from Furness. Next stop for Craig Duffy was the on site Sauna!

The stats and facts you need to know:

Man of the match went to Nick Heyward for awesome sweeper work showing his versatility playing at centre back.

Birthday boy Tom Fowler with some great distribution from cdm (and providing cupcakes afterwards)

Andy C, great debut managing to avoid some tough tackles

2 goals a piece for Mike and Steve
1 goal each for Dan and Craig

Mike D had to umpire the game after with the defender who had fouled him all match!

Special thanks to Rob and Mike for being flexible and sorting our umpiring crisis late on Friday night (and for the lady from Durham city for swapping her shift) - nick bought them celebrations, heroes would surely have been more appropriate?

Next game home to Durham uni 4s- bring it on!!