1st XI Hockey v Harvey GS
Date: Tuesday 22 January 2008
After the initial enthusiastic optimism for the forthcoming Hockey season as a result of early victories over the Duke of York's RMS, yesterday evening provided the 1st XI with a reality check as they came up against a slick and sharp XI from the Harvey GS in Folkestone.
Harvey took early control of the game, and scored twice from potent right-wing attacks and clinical finishing. They added a third before the interval with a controlled deflection from a short corner.
SES got right back in the game immediately after the break when a second consecutive short corner was converted, coolly, by Ben Easter, beating one defender before lifting the ball high into the net. This, sadly, was the last real threat to the Harvey goal, and as the SES defence tired - Barwick was 'cramped' off - Harvey added another two to make the final score 1 - 5.
This should prove a valuable learning experience. Rawlins made a string of fine saves, coming off his line positively; Pape coped well with matchlong pressure in his role as sweeper; Easter seemed to have, and make time, on the ball; but, the problem seemed to be one of lack of penetration, until Perry got into the game, latterly, on the right wing.
Another stern test follows on Thursday with matches against Sutton Valence - who beat last year's XI. Tonight the Pilgrims will be looking for some revenge against Harvey's 2nd XI.
