Match Report

Match : 2nd XI v Banbridge 5ths
Date : 2004-10-30
Venue : H
Score : 0-3
Scorers :

By Stephen Swann

With little or no experience throughout the team, it looked like it might be a bad day at the office. Phil Irwin\'s words of inspiration before the match can\'t have helped!

However, the game started with East dominating proceedings. The McKennas were lively, Phil Irwin looked silky and even slow-boy Swann was lobbing the ball in all directions.

However, the team were half-a-second off the pace from about 15 minutes into the game. Banbridge finally capitalised on East\'s inability to clear their lines but there was still evidence that the team could salvage something from the game.

The second half was almost a replica of the first with East once again dominating for a short period - without any real threat on the Banbridge goal it might be added. Indeed, when East finally won a short corner, a goal did result - but for Banbridge as part of a quick retaliation.

Another sloppy error late on in the game resulted in a third goal for Banbridge.

There were positives to take from the game however. Robin Smyth at centre back was a rock and fully deserved a \"man-of-the-match\" award for his tenacity and coolness on the ball. Mark McKenna is turning into a \"Willie Cooper\" as his natural ability starts to shine. And let\'s not forget Tom Russell. He has learnt (and absorbed) a lot of hockey playing information in the last 2 years!

G Cooke
A Bell
T Russell
R Smyth
E Baird
M McKenna
P Irwin
M McKenn
R Irvine
S Swann
M Ervin

R Smyth - Solid