Mens 3 vs Bourne Deeping 2

A win 

That was all that we wanted today. It may have been the 5th of November but fireworks were not required. We didn’t need the type of hockey that made the assembled massive oooohh and aaahhh. We just needed to put together the game we knew we were capable of. 

Last season was difficult for St Ives 3s. This season was supposed to be different. However all we could do in the league was draw or lose. The hockey was improving and at times it had even looked like we understood how to play the game but 3 point were elusive. 

We happy few assembled at the out door to see some of the play of the Men’s 2s possibly looking for inspiration. With a changed line up and some new positions we took to the field after the obligatory wait for Mr Ranner. 

We took to the pitch. The captains words ringing in his ears, about quick play transfer to space and dominate possession, Mr Jago in unfamiliar settings as centre back quickly gained the honour of writing the match report as the ball was worked back to transfer. Jago clipped half of half a millimetre of the ball and promptly put it on his own foot. Free hit attack. Another foot in the D not from jago this time but short corner to Deeping. Deeping went for the disguise on the short as we prepared for a well planned and executed routine they went for the surprise and smashed it straight through Mr Denman’s legs. Oh dear 0-1 and not really the start we were looking for. 

We changed up the front line and quickly turned the pressure up enabling Mr McKenna his first goal for the 3s this season. A nicely placed effort after eliminating the defender. 

Cue Miles Cullen. A beautiful finish from persistent pressure. Reminiscent of the goal witnessed in the 2s game Miles on the reverse flicked the ball in to the side board of the goal leaving a baffled Deeping defence. 

John Wilding had a trademark effort on goal which was prevented from entering the goal at chest height. Unfortunately due to resolute defending and a fair quantity of Lemsip St Ives could not convert any more chances. 

2-1 in to half time and St Ives we’re starting to pull ahead and dominate the possession.

Start of the second half the wings, possession and movement of the ball started to tell. However the chances were not being finished. 

In a rush of blood to the head Pete Young decided to show the forwards, midfield, defence, in fact everyone how it should be done. Channeling his inner Olympian he tackled in his own half and went for a wander. With the ball stuck to the end of his stick he beat one, two then there players. Riding the stick tackles and frustrated shoulders as he breezed past Pete entered the opposition 23. Beating the rest of the team seamed only fair and not wanting the goal keeper to feel left out he promptly slotted the ball in the goal. 

Probably the goal of the season however a fine should be forthcoming for a lack of celebration. Minimum a goal of that calibre should have seen Pete riding his stick back to right back while waving an imaginary cowboy hat in the air!

Pressure from Deeping resulted in space behind the defence and opportunities kept falling to St Ives. A flashed ball across the goal was narrowly missed for a tap in for Miles Cullen on the back post. This obviously needled Miles as 5 mins later as a carbon copy flashed through the Deeping D Miles connected to score his Second of the Day. The celebration was Much improved with a Shearer style arm up and a smile beaming from ear to ear. 

4-1 up is not a position St Ives have found them selves in this year but it was nice to see that when we really have to we can play out the remaining time in a game with out conceding silly goals. 

Full time and 3 points. Just what the doctor ordered. A much better feeling to have played some nice hockey and for once be rewarded with the win.