Grove MH 2nds vs Harris 1sts

The performance in this match against a strong Harris 1st team was a world away from our first fixture of the season against the same team.

Our young team, ably supported by Trigger, Louden, Tilston and Bonnar Snr, showed significantly more skill, desire and fitness in this return leg. A damp Dawson Park was illuminated by moments of brilliance, particularly our final goal which I doubt had ever been executed better on the training ground.

We were under the cosh from the start and Harris took their chances well and quickly went 2-0 up. A goal back from Murdo Kiddie brought temporary reprieve before the lead was again restored to two by Harris by half time.

Our second half performance showed that some of these young players have improved so much by playing in this team and the structure provided to them by senior team mates and coaches. They are lucky to have this, the process is clearly working.

The boys raised their game and began to get the better of their opponents. Murray G scored a goal from an aerial battle, tenacity won that one. Harris scored a breakaway goal again but Grove were in the ascendency. The penalty corner goal from Kiddie was timed to perfection. 3-4 down with minutes to go. Alas no magic draw but a powerful performance left spectators wanting more.

Four or five of our players had their best games of the season.

On to next year. Some work over the summer will see this team become one to watch next year, even with a change of personnel.