3rd Team Vs Finchfield 5s

3rds welcomed Finchfield to WGS for this local derby. Both teams were within a few points of each other with 3rds being 3 pts ahead.

Finch’s got the game on the way but it was OW who took the initiative and were creating the better chances.  On 8 minutes Old Wulf’s took the lead when Gary scored assisted by Vish. 1-0. The game was a tightly balanced affair with both sides creating opportunities.  On 20 mins Finches were awarded what would turn out to be their only Penalty Corner to level the scores at 1-1. Both teams went close to a second goal with OW’s having the better opportunities but failing to get the break through.

Half Time 1-1.

Following the restart OW’s went close almost immediately when Gary was unlucky not to get a shot on target putting the ball just wide of the post. Within 2 minutes OW’s were back on the attack with Andy J unlucky not to convert with the ball hitting the post before coming back into play only to hit the back of the keeper and go out for a long corner.  On 46 minutes OW’s were awarded a Penalty corner. Nic injected to Jandu who hit a sweet ball at pace towards goal, only for the ball to bounce off the keepers pads, Gary reacted quickest to dispatch the ball into the net, 2-1 OW’s. The game was paused for 5 minutes to allow Finches Keeper to check their leg for injury such was the ferocity of the first strike. Following the restart Finches began to press and on 50 minutes got their reward when a ball played out from wide was deflected in by Finches C/Fwd close to the far post. 2-2. Finches were starting to have the better of the play and their youth started to combine well which resulted in their 3rd on 57 minutes from open play. 2-3. Not to be undone OW’s were back level on 61 minutes when Vish intercepted the ball close to OW’s 23, driving forward played the ball out left to Haydn, who slipped the ball to Jandu who unmarked calmly slotted the ball past Finches keeper. 3-3. With time running out both teams felt this was a game they could win, Finches youthful players were constantly breaking at pace whenever OW’s play broke down.  Within the last 2 minutes of the game OW’s thought they had won a Penalty Corner, with the umpires playing the advantage, Finches regained possession and broke again and although an outnumbered OW’s Defence repealed the first phase of their attack, they were unable to stop Finches taking the lead.  And so, it finished 3-4 to Finch’s in what was the closest balanced game of the season, A game which was winnable rom start to finish.  The Loss sees OW’s slip to 6th in the league, 3 pts behind 3rd the position they resided prior to this game.

Players Man of the Match, was a tricky decision, But the players vote went to Andy Jackson, the other player to receive votes was Gary.