3rd Team Vs Bloxwich 3s

3rds travelled to Sneyd Academy for the final game of the season to play Bloxwich 3rds, who needed to better second place Telford’s result, to be promoted as champions, a Bloxwich win would guarantee champions status.

As a result of illness Wulf’s were down to a bare 11, 40mins prior to the start, Wulf’s ended up starting the game with 10 as the 11th player was held up on route.  Bloxwich by contrast had a squad of 14.  With the game underway the 10 men of Wulf’s were constantly under pressure from a determined Bloxwich side. Wulf’s defended well in the opening minutes but were pegged back in their own half. Bloxwich got their breakthrough on 5 minutes a ball played into Wulf’s from the Wulf’s left, took on the harmonics of a well-constructed bouncing bomb found its way to a Bloxwich attacker who beat the keeper from about 3 feet out, 1-0 to Bloxwich.  On around 10 minutes Wulf’s were up to full strength with 11 players now on the pitch.  However, there was no let up on the Bloxwich barrage, Wulf’s endured a series of penalty corners interchanged with long corners but continued to weather the storm and stand firm despite not getting the run of the green. The first half ended with Bloxwich still only 1-0 up thanks to some excellent defensive play from Wulf’s midfield & defence.

HT 1-0.

Following a positive half time talk, (remember the Telford result two weeks previous, 4-0 down at half time 4-4 at full time etc.), the first 15 minutes of the second half was all Old Wulf’s, with Bloxwich being pegged back into their own half. Wulf’s high press and excellent man marking meant any Bloxwich attack quickly broke down before Wulf’s 23. Wulf’s earned their first Penalty Corner, followed by a series of free hits and long corners, but were unable to push home any advantage, and the score remained 1-0 to Bloxwich. As the second half wore on Bloxwich began to gain the upper hand, using their subs well against a tiring Wilf’s side. This resulted in Bloxwich scoring a further 4 goals in the last 15-20mins, 2 field goals, 1 Penalty Corner and 1 P flick.  Bloxwich could have had a few more but for a few timely interventions including a near goal line clearance by a resolute Wulf’s Defence.

Full Time 5-0 to Bloxwich.  Who are promoted as champions and congratulations.

Bloxwich were good value for their win on the day, Wulf’s played some nice hockey and maintained their shape throughout, and despite the score line all players acquitted themselves well and can be proud.  This weeks Man of the Match is shared between two players: Sam Parkes and Paul Fisher (4 Votes each).  Others receiving a player’s vote were: Frosty, Dylan, and Nick.

Thanks to all who played for 3rds this season, which resulted in a mid-table finish. (10 pts off third place & 21 pts away from 2nd from bottom.