1st Team Vs Berkswell & Balsall Common

On the wettest Sunday in the history of Coventry Old Wulfs embarked upon their first competitive match of the season, in the first round of the Vase.

Once again this was a side composed of some regulars but missing other normal team members, but Wulfs began in confident mood, with coach Thorpe on the sidelines to help organise the team.

Berkswell played a high-paced game that threatened to undo Wulfs, but some incisive play resulted in threats at the other end to, and a team attack begun by Birch resulted in a tap-in goal for Owen Shave. Berkswell were let down by their own finishing, poor penalty corners and a number of last-ditch defensive heroics. At half time Wulfs held a narrow advantage.

After the break the Old Wulfs circle began to resemble the Alamo, in all but the fact that it was less of a 13 day seige in Texas and more of a struggling defensive hockey match.

Ablard picked up an injury which stretched the midfield, but Pritchard and Griffiths continued to battle away. However it became more and more difficult for Wulfs to keep the ball, or work it out of defense. Fortunately for Wulfs, the Berkswell strikers continued to misfire, and when the did find the target keeper Pearson was on hand to save the day.

With less than a minute to go, yet another penalty corner led to a fine finish at the back post, and Wulfs were facing golden goal extra time.

It didn't look good for Wulfs, but they started extra time brightly, and Ed Hole almost stole glory when he rounded the Berkswell keeper, only to be denied by the last defender. But Wulfs were tired, and soon the home side were carving out their own chances. After a point blank save it seemed the game may go the distance, but another chance was unstoppable. Wulfs were beaten.

Roll on the league!