Grove MH 2nds vs Madras 1st (5-2)

Today we were looking for a strong performance in order to remind one of our strongest players, Aaron Watts, that we will miss him terribly. Aaron has been one of the players of the season thus far and I'm sure his name is one of the first on the team sheet, such is his importance to our developing team. We wish him well in his new surroundings in England and hope his hockey continues to develop and we remind him he will always be welcome at Grove Menzieshill HC. Haste ye back Aaron!

Some rustiness initially in this eagerly anticipated match quickly eased away and some sharp passing down the left led to two quick goals from that man Aaron Watts. One from open play and a second from a penalty corner. Bonnar Jnr and Trigger running the midfield and recycling ball quickly. Ollie Hazell had the beating of his man and provided some good outlet down the left which was passed on to Findlay Duncan and Murdo Kiddie drifting inside. Il presidente was on hand to witness this fluent play lead to a third goal from Dylan Lothian late in the first quarter.

Calls from Bonnar Snr to simplify things in the D in offence and to ramp back on the first time passing were heeded and the second quarter saw further fluency which led Ollie Hazell's goal before half time.

Madras redoubled their efforts in defence and cut off supply lines to stem the flow of goals. A couple of good incursions down the right from Grove brought further penalty corners, one of which was converted by left back Archie Macdonald who received the ball back after injecting and dispatched his goal high and to the left of the keeper.

Xander Swann made some fine saves to keep his goal untroubled, but in the fourth quarter some sloppiness in defence led to two consolation goals from solid Madras attacks. Guess what you might be working on on Tuesday night boys??

This was a strong start to the second half of the season. We look forward to warmer days of hockey ahead.

Good luck to all players involved in Brave Academy training this weekend and also special mention to Alfie B and Murray G who have been selected for further Scottish National training days.