Results – 15 January
The cold weather postponed a couple of our matches, and the Men’s 3s won their top-of-the table clash…
Men’s 1 v Leicester 1 – POSTPONED
Men’s 2 v Atherstone Adders 3 – POSTPONED
WIN – Men’s 3 won 4-0 at home to Loughborough Carillon 2
Goals: Owen Arthur, Toby Fletcher, Richard Goswell & Cian Kirke
Player of the Match: Simon Scott
A very cold Saturday afternoon saw the 3rd team return to the second half of the season with a top of the table clash against Loughborough Carillon 2s. The reverse fixture at the start of the season was a close game so we were expecting a hard game.
From the start Harborough were the dominant side but strong Loughborough defensive work kept the score level. Some good work between Owen Arthur, Cian Kirke and Alex Tugwell-Scott came close but we could not get the opening goal. After some good pressure Harborough were awarded a penalty flick which Richard Goswell calmly slotted away. Another goal before half time meant Harborough went in 2-0.
The second half was similar with Harborough having most of the pressure but just not finding that final touch. The solid defence of Raoul Mercer, Rafal Hodgson, Toby Fletcher, Neil James and Seb Jones made sure that any break Loughborough did have were easily dealt with and David Munroe had very little to do in goal.
Harborough kept pushing forward with even Dave Littlewood appearing in the opposition D a few times but he was not quite able to slot the ball away. Harborough finally managed to score 2 more goals resulting in a final score of 4-0 and taking us back to the top of the table.
Player of the Match was Simon Scot. Playing at right back he was solid in defence but kept driving forward and releasing the midfield and forward players. I am sure he actually managed to make it all the way to the opposition D one time towards the end (and then back again). Great Result well done everyone!
WIN – Men’s 4 won 5-3 away to Old Silhillians 5
Goals: Noel Burton (2), Josh Osborne, Isaac Smith & George Smith
A cold, foggy afternoon where the damp clung to you like stale kitchen smells from a run down seaside cafe. Enter a makeshift team of ten into the Old Silhillians arena (which if you have not been there is a rather impressive club house) made more vocal by the presence of a healthy band of rugby supporters. Harborough sported a team of experience and youth against an opponent of similar make up.
The game started well with Harborough quickly taking a lead after a well executed short corner, Noel Burton firing home. Some lovely hockey saw the ten men begin to impose on the game and a second from Noel doubled the lead. Harborough pushed forward and allowed Sills the score somewhat against the run of play. Josh Osborne extended Harborough’s lead before Sills were awarded a short corner just before the break and scored a well taken goal. 3-2 at the break.
The second half began with some good passing play from Harborough but the young lad in the opposition goal frustrated our forward line saving shot after shot before a he produced a fantastic save from an Isaac Smith strike which forced the latter to lob the poor lad. 4-2.
Sills used their extra man and subs well and began to create space as Harborough began to tire. The umpire awarding the home side another short corner. Despite some great defending the home team scored a soft goal that trickled over the line. 4-3.
Harborough pushed on for the last five minutes and some more great passing hockey was rewarded with a well taken goal from George Smith, scoring his first goal at senior level. 5-3.
The last few minutes saw the ball in the opposition half. Full time whistle blew. A fine result for the makeshift team sees the Mens 4s move to second in the table. Well played gentlemen.
(Rugby update: Old Silhillians 15 Evesham 5)
Women’s 1 lost 1-6 at home to University of Warwick 1
Goal: Hettie Scriven-Seager
Women’s 2 lost 0-3 away to Earls Barton 1
Badgers lost 1-2 at home to Welford
Goal: Rosie Smith
