4th Team Vs Leek 7s

When we played at Leek we lost 4-0 and it could have been a lot more in a very one-sided game. A very different performance at home, although we had to battle for the clean sheet. It was a very physical match - all friendly but plenty of robust challenges from both sides. Blood is still seeping from most but thankfully not all of my extremities.

A notable return to hockey for Richard Artist, who may not have the fitness but certainly still has the ability and provided the midfield stability we have needed all season.

Richard, Billy and Rithick combined nicely in attack, along with Simon who provided the ball in the first half to set up Rithick for a deft finish and his first goal of the season. He should have had a second later on but for a whistle and the pen corner being awarded instead.

Leek really wanted an equaliser and pushed hard in the second half. Our creaking defensive bones were... creaking. But we held out, and as well as the back four we also had Jules Myatt making a rare and very effective performance. Steve Rowlands stepping in after Dill's elevation make several vital saves to ensure the three points.

Good show from Leek bringing pretty much the whole team back to the Oak.

Man of the Match: Could be any of the defense, goalie, but it's Rithick for a great effort and goal.