2nd XI Hockey

RESULTS 2009 - 2010

Match Reports

v Bilton Grange   27.01.10    Drew 0-0

It was a relief to get a game in at last - and a cracking game it was. The hockey from both sides was rather tentative and lacked any fluency at first, but throughout the game there was a huge improvement from both teams. Bilton shaded the first half with more shots on goal, but keeper Alexander Miller was in determined mood and sent every shot to the sidelines. The second half was tightly contested and either side could have won it. It was a really encouraging team performance but Ole Pugh and Sebastian Graham were resolute in defence and Myles McKay and Zach Coupland had excellent games. Next time we need more width to our play - send that ball right - right?  SJSC

v Kimbolton  30.01.10    Won 4-3 (7-a-side)

Another terrific game. The match was reduced to 7-a-side due to snow in one 'D' but the boys adjusted to this very quickly. It really was end to end stuff with Kimbolton probably just edging the first half. We had more strength in depth though and this certainly helped as the number of changes of personnel on/off and positional changes appeared to have no detrimental effect. The goals were well-taken, particularly the one swept in by Max Bowles (he scores goals) following a string of 'one-twos' and interpassing - a proper hockey goal. Several boys played the role of sweeper and all were very solid - there was much less diving into a tackle. Well done - a deserved win. SJSC

v Oundle   03.02.10    Won 1-0

Our speciality in close games continued. Oundle dominated for the first ten minutes but from then on our grip strengthened as the game progressed. All that was missing was a goal. The defence was, again, very solid, and the interpassing in the midfield improved as the game went on. Henry Pease, Jake Cox and Conor Coley combined very well up front, creating effective 'triangles' and passing & moving convincingly. Myles McKay struck the killer blow with 8 minutes to go and we managed to hold on for a well-deserved victory - but Bedford Prep next...  SJSC

v Bedford Modern  27.02.10   Drew 0-0 (7-a-side)

Having lost the Bedford Prep game to the snow, we had to wait a while before this fixture. How two sides can play 7-a-side hockey for 40 minutes with so many chances and yet not score is beyond me! It was a great game to watch, real end to end play but we just could not score. There was too much 'faffing' around in the opposition 'D', with the forwards trying to be too clever rather than getting shots on target and following up any potential rebound. The defence and goalkeeping was clearly very strong but practice at striking the ball hard is required before Trent on Wednesday. SJSC

v Trent College  03.03.10   Lost 0-3

Trent proved to be bigger, stronger and better than us. We were well in the game at half-time with the score at 0-0 but two quick goals after the break saw one or two heads drop and we then seemed to lack ideas. There was too much hitting the ball down the middle - we must play wide and draw opposition players out wide to create space in the middle and at the top of the 'D'. SJSC

v Great Houghton 1st VII     06.03.10    Lost 1-12 (7-a-side)

We were clearly up against it from the start. Great Houghton's 1st VII were very strong and would certainly have given our 1st squad (10 of whom were at the Beachborough Tournament) a very good game. Unfortunately, this was too one-sided to be of any real value to either side. I was impressed with how our boys stuck at it and didn't give up - but I could sense their relief when the final whistle went!  SJSC