Match Report

Match : 3rd XI v Portrush 3rds
Date : 2002-12-07
Venue : A
Score : 0-5
Scorers :

By Gareth Moffett

As usual the 3rds fielded a very young team, intially we were looking at only 10 men until George's dad - also called George "volunteered" to stand in. With Tom Watson and Gareth Moffett fulfilling the roles of sweeper & centre-back respectively the younger contingent of the team captured the remaninder of positions.

The 3rd's, as with previous matches, enjoyed a fair amount of posession throughout the match and especially in the 1st half. Unfortunately the lack of older heads spread throughout the team spoke its normal tale as we were unable to move strongly into the opposition circle and convert good passsing and skill levels into well deserved goals.

What the younger players lacked in game nous & cunning they made up for in basic skill & teamsmanship. It easy to see the skills aquired during practise sessions on Monday nights. All players enjoyed the match but the time is quickly coming when we will need to start putting the ball in the back of the net and having a full team, combining the experienced older players & excuberience of the younger legs.

Where have all the other players gone, or are they just scared to tell their girlfriends/wives that the match will start at 16:00 and that they will be late home. The commitment is not to the 1st, 2nds or 3rds it is to the club, East Antrim Hockey Club, it is only your skill level and desire to play that gives you the right the play as a "1st".