SVHC beat Burnt Ash

Played at the Main Pitch , we felt the beginning of Autumn on Sat AM, when SVHC 4’s gather and start the new hockey season. As a result, the first game of the season starts with many players remembering what a stick and ball should go, Burnt Ash came well prepared carrying 15 players to the game with SVHC playing with 13 players. SVHC 4’s won the push back and opened the game as a friendly should by hitting the ball towards the opposition, which opened the game played in a genuinely friendly spirit. Both teams were trying new formations, combinations and rotating personnel with precise regularity, while trying to find ways through the opposition to score. SVHC continually found space out towards the wing by using their younger wingers to push the ball around the back of the Ash defense, while Burnt Ash played a more direct game through the middle of the pitch. This led to a good end to end game testing the fitness of the teams collectively. We had the first “bullie” of the season early in the game which did cause some fun in watching players remember what to do..

First half saw SVHC rewarded for all their press with halftime score SVHC 2 - 0 in the lead. There were plenty of opportunities for more goals via short corners, however Rob Cockayne scored from a shot on goal and Chris Jackson from a tip-in. The first half ended with SVHC putting more pressure on Burnt Ash.

Second Half , Burnt Ash changed their formation and players to introduce more skill in the middle of the pitch by moving two experienced players further forward. This caused SVHC4’s more trouble in the midfield as Burnt Ash started to control the playmaking, which led to their goal. And much more pressure on SVHC continued with some fine saves by H.Robinson. Burnt Ash continued to pressure the SVHC defence for the later stages of the second half as team fitness started to wane but had no reward.

Good season opener between the sides and held in a very friendly spirit.