England Hockey

Men’s Masters Championships O50 Tier 2

Round 3

3rd December 2017

Rugby & East Warwicks (2) 3 v 1 (1) Charnwood Mountsorrel

                           Oakman

Charnwood Mountsorrel lost this Round 3 tie and will rue their shortcomings at both ends of the field.

The home team were gifted a great start, when Charnwood lost possession from the game’s first play and ‘keeper Bob Harris was unable to deny the two Rugby forwards who drove towards his goal. It took a while to settle after this early concession, but just as Charnwood were getting on top, Rugby doubled their lead via a well-struck penalty corner. Paddy Oakman pulled one back, latching on to a pass from Will Relf that was miscontrolled by the last defender – Oakman advanced on the goal and beat the home keeper with ease. The 2-1 half-time score was a little harsh on the Charnwood team.

Charnwood started the second period the better team, keeping possession and creating several chances – the home defence scrambled one effort off the line with the keeper beaten. The visitors were denied a penalty stoke when Oakman was badly fouled twice as he shaped to shoot in the circle – the resultant penalty corner came to nothing. The home ‘keeper continued to play well, clearing efficiently from several Charnwood attacks, with Steve Fairbrother, Kevin Stanton-King and Ian Wilkes going close. Unfortunately, Charnwood’s defensive failings cost them a third goal – the ball was lost in the left back slot and the resulting play led to a rather fortunate goal for the impressive Rugby midfield general. Charnwood threw players forward, but were unable to break the Rugby defence. The last five minutes saw Rugby close out the game well, keeping possession and denying Charnwood the opportunity to threaten their goal.

Squad:

C. Waterfield (c), D. Allen, S. Fairbrother, D. Fox, B. Harris (GK), T. Kirk, R. Matharu, R. Mercer,

P. Oakman, V. Patel, W. Relf, K. Stanton-King, R. Tomassoni, I. Wilkes, G. Wolloff