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The second XI had their final league preparations with a match against
Marlow 2nd XI who are in the same division. A weakened A & C XI set their
stall out early, but were unlucky to go down to a Marlow goal. However, A &
C quickly broke back with a neat goal from Ringham who had no mistake
finding the back of the net. A & C continued to push with a second goal
added early on in the second half from Hewston who was a continual nuisance
to the Marlow defence. The third goal was added late in the game, set up by
Mander who had an excellent return to hockey after many years absence and
converted again by Hewston. The whole team played some fluent hockey and
look good to more than hold their own in their new league.
The second XI returned to convincing form on Saturday with a 6-1 victory
over Richings Park 2s, a team they only just beat in the league last year.
The first half was fairly tense with A & C retaining the majority of
posession but seeking an early breakthrough. Following a few failed short
corners due to the poor pitch and ball, Duncan Ward found the back of the
goal with an excellent strike underneath the diving keeper - this following
some excelllent approach work from Watts. With just one goal separating the
teams at half time, A & C came out with all guns blazing and soon found the
net again with a cooly finished goal by Wooler . The third quickly followed
from McMahon who finished off Watts's saved reverse stick effort. Duncan
Ward then added two more fine goals before James Fenton of Richings Park
grabbed a conosolation goal at the near post. The A & C defence otherwise
having a fine game keeping the Richings Park players at bay. Wooler rounded
off a fine performance with a sixth goal in the last minute.
The second XI continue their league preparations with a visit to Marlow next
week.
Team : Paine, van Duvenbode, Cremin, Turner, Rhys-Davies, Sorby, Wilson,
Heath, McMahon, Watts, Ward, Subs : Wooler, Etchegoyen
A & C vs Berkhamstead 2-0
The men's second xi started their 2002/03 campaign with a stuttering
performance against Berkhamsted 2nd XI. With many players still not
available to play, the team performed well in the circumstances creating a
number of chances and convincingly winning. Ian Ringham who did an excellent
job bringing together a team as stand in captain led by example on the pitch
in midfield - well supported by Heath, Etchegoyen and Wilson.
A & C were soon dominating with a couple of quick short corners with Ringham
and Watts both going close, though this domination was not easily converted
into goals with a series of misses and final passes missing the mark. The
deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Neil Turner showing
his pace and class, placed an inch perfect pass onto the stick of Watts who
made no mistake in finishing on the reverse. Carruthers also came close soon
after but the game was sealed just before half time by a short corner
routine which Heath blasted into Berkhamsted's goal. The second half was
again dominated by A & C but the game became very scrappy with careless
passing and fouls. Berkhamsted came close with a couple of short corners,
and Rhys-Davies had A & C's best effort narrowly missing.
Next week should see all teams back to full strength and looking to pick up
on last years successful season.
Team,:
Paine, Van Duvenbode, Rhys-Davies, Dunford, Byrne, Ringham, Heath,
Etchegoyen, Wilson, Carruthers, Watts, Sub Turner, Herrington |
