Whilst we lost a few of our core players to Scotland training this week we gained the experience of Luke Cranney and Trigger, which together with Douggie L, Chris Bonnar and Sam T provided a stable base from which the rest of the team could play. Thanks to them for their efforts in marshalling this young team to a tough draw.

Grove went ahead quickly thanks to a super Luke Cranney goal in open play. The students responded quickly to draw level. A well worked penalty corner took us into the lead again when Luke converted.

Shortly after, the students re established parity.

The tempo of the game was fast and the strong student team proved a handful for us.

In the second quarter an excellent move down the right led Archie Mac to feed Clarky who drove down the bye line, before pulling it back to Douggie L on the penalty spot. With little thought the ball was in the back of the net, finishing one of our best moves of the game.

We were 3-2 up at half time and the same into the final quarter. Tiring legs on both sides resulted in spaces opening up all over the park. The students drew level again with 10mins left on the clock.

The game finished rather nervously. We had some chances to win the match that we could not take, alas.

3-3 probably a fair result against a strong student team. Thanks to Tommy D for umpiring.

Wanderers 2s next weekend will provide a similarly stern test.