Whilst the final scoreline was a bit disappointing for the M6s, was a really good game under the lights, and an opportunity to get 60/70mins into the legs. With both teams trying to gel new combinations and integrate new members of the club into their teams, the early focus was on trying to get the basics right. A really bright start from the 6s saw us moving the ball and keeping possession. As the half wore on a higher press from the 5s saw them start to dominate field position and forced the 6s into some misplaced/rushed or under-hit passes. Despite some great last-ditch tackling and goalkeeping, in the end the 6s managed to get a player free at the back post to take the lead. The 6s did force a number of short-corners and field goal chances, but Marc was in inspired form in the opposition goal. A scrappy goal just before half time saw the 6s go into half time 0-2.
As usual the half time team talk was immediately ignored where calls of "keep the ball away from Rhys - do not dribble at him, do not try and pass through him" were ignored by me as I passed Chris straight into him at the first 16 of the second half.
The 5s scored the goal of the night from a really good short corner routine with several switches drawing the guys off the posts and getting in behind for Mark G to have the easiest of tap-ins. The remaining 25 mins of the game were quite even with some chances for M6 and it was a shame we couldn't quite force the goal home.
We have some really good new players at the club and I am sure both the M6s and M5s approach the season with a high level optimism. On the night technically the 5s won but in the end Hockey was the winner.