Mens 2nd Team v Richmond 2nds

Having won pretty much every hockey match for the last two seasons, often by double figures, the feeling of losing may have become unfamiliar to many of the JPC 2s players before this season. However, struggles to adapt to a superior hockey league combined with the loss of key players to the 1s/Malaysia meant JPC had only gained a solitary point from their opening five matches. However, there was a sense of optimism today as a strong side took to the field at the Heaton Manor Arena. This was evident from the start, as JPC’s pace and movement put Richmond’s defence under early pressure and many 50/50s fell to a blue and yellow shirt. However, JPC were awarded an early let off – Richmond hit the target from a short corner, only for the ball to have been adjudged not to leave the D. From here JPC piled in the pressure. Later in the first-half, Phil Kelly’s deflected shot from a short corner looped up to injector Craig Duffy, whose brutal volley hit the target off the post, narrowly and thankfully avoiding killing team mate George Moore in the process. Sublime.

1-0 at half-time and from then on JPC really began to seize the initiative, coming close multiple times to increase the lead. No doubt the most memorable miss came from Phil Kelly, who successfully rounded the keeper before impressively missing the exposed goal from close range. Set to feature on many great North East Hockey League Bloopers DVDs. Thankfully a second came eventually after much threatening. Good work from Hamish Adamson in midfield found forward Ollie Kennard who finished expertly on the reverse from close range.

While JPC should have scored more, they'll be happy with much-needed three points and a strong team performance. Ollie James and George Moore did very well in debut, while the players in general should be pleased with their performance. There wasn't much competition as to who received this week’s man of the much – Craig for his finish and genuinely just being very good. Likewise there won't be any surprises as to who won the now infamous ‘tea boy’ vote, but we’ll move on from that.

Match report by Phil Kelly