Masters Over 50's Vs Worcester Over 50's

OW Over 50's travelled to Worcester International hockey centre to take on Worcester Over 50's, the team that made it all the way to the semi-finals of the plate, having knocked OW Over 50's out in an earlier round.

A Squad of 14 made the journey, although the average age was closer to 60 than 50, with several players being close to if not over 60.

Old Wulf’s got the game under way during a brief break in the rain and thunder. For the first 20 seconds, OW’s moved the ball well before play broke down close to Worcs 23m line, Once in possession Worcs moved the ball with pace and accuracy across the pitch, before advancing down OW's left beating OW defence for pace, The ball was played into the D ending in a goal to Worcester in under a minute.

From the restart, OW were finding it difficult to gain any headway against a well drilled Worcs side, OW did however settle a bit and were seeing more of the ball but only in their own half of the pitch.  OW were still finding it difficult to break out of their own half.  This caused OW's to play deep in a congested area with all 10 outfield players at times finding themselves in their own 23. It was during such a play with the score somehow still at 1-0, that Colin was on the receiving end of a stick to the head/face at the top of OW's D.  The game was immediately halted were Colin received on pitch treatment to a cut on his eyebrow. On leaving the pitch with 2 OW players in support, it was clear that a trip to A&E maybe required with Colin feeling slightly worse for wear and suffering possible concussion. The game continued while Colin’s wound was cleaned and recovered and monitored for concussion. OW’s continued to soak up lots a pressure succumbing to two further goals to finish the half 3-0 down.  

Following the start of the second half OW’s tried in vain to move the ball accurately and quickly, but Worcs were the much stronger side and were in overall control of the game. A half were several good saves were made only for the ball to be effectively recycled by Worcs as OW continually struggled to clear their lines.   The second half OW’s were on the receiving end of several well worked short corner routines including drag flicks.  The game was briefly stopped again during this half when Rowley took a ball to the throat area while defending one of the many goal bound shots.  OW’s almost pulled one back with around 10 mins to go when the ball found Karam on Worcs 23, Karam carried the ball forward despite some close attention by a Worcs defender, battled his way into the D with only the keeper to beat, unfortunately the keeper made a good save to deny OW’s a consolation goal.  And so it finished 12-0 to Worcs, with OW now moving into the plate competition.

A tough game with Worcs looking a stronger team from last time out. Worcs were always in control,  played lots of nice hockey, were in a different league, better drilled, and deserved their win. A Good pitch, friendly opponents and we wish them well in the next round of the cup.

Thanks to all who turned out and made the trip.