At least the Rugby boys beat Australia- The Redsox team
Redsox 1 -2 Epsom – December 3rd
A game of two halves on a sunny afternoon saw Epsom just manage to hold onto their 2-0 half time lead to come out with a 2-1 win.
The Redsox with a big and strong squad were looking for revenge against the best team in the league; we started strongly but Epsom’s young legs and outstanding forward line were fast and skilled enough to take the initiative for most of the first half. Epsom created the opening goal with a good flowing move and then won a short corner just before half time which they converted with a flicked rebound off Mark Boothroyd – a perfect time to score & a terrible time to concede.
In the second half Redsox stepped up the pressure and scored early on with a mis-hit Rage strike that looked to be going wide of the right post before the Epsom right half kindly deflected it in (Rage will claim the goal but the rest of the team said their quiet thanks to the Epsom defender); despite having more of the possession thereafter we were unable to find the equaliser and indeed it took a fine sliding save from Mark to keep us only one goal behind.
Bartie rotated the squad well to ensure everyone got at least half a game and everybody gave their all but we came up short against a well organised team whose younger legs and attacking play gave Epsom the edge and a deserved victory. My man of the match was Andy Holden who helped us keep the excellent Epsom forwards in check but everyone played well and it was an excellent game of hockey played in a good competitive spirit in the December sunshine.
The result means Epsom top the league and the Redsox remain in 3rd place but with games in hand over the top two, although these places may change marginally when later results come in
Thanks to Mike Gray and Immy for umpiring well, and to Trevor, Nigel and Hamish for coming to support the team. Needless to say, spirits were lifted as we enjoyed some beers and watched the England rugby boys stage their outstanding comeback and brilliant win against Australia, there were some immense performances from the squad but I still think the GB Hockey ladies team deserve to win BBC SPOTY team award.
Next week we have London Wayfarer’s at home 10am and then on December 17th OCs away also at 10am so please let Bartie know availability as soon as possible as we need to win both to keep hard on Epsom’s heels.
Micky