Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead HC 1st XI 9 Bishops Stortford HC 3rd XI 2
Berkhamstead Hockey Club 1st XI had their first home game since early December due to bad weather on Saturday when they took on Bishops Stortford 3rd XI. Missing star defender Jamie Holderness due to disciplinary issues, they were welcome to see the return of Adam Smith after recent injury.
However the re-jigged defence of Smith, Stanwell and Michie were unable to stop the visitors taking an early lead. After winning the ball in them middle of the field Bishop Stortford were able to drive in to the heart of the Berkhamsted defence. They were able to move the ball to the left, with the forward getting past Smith and slipping the ball past on oncoming Cremin in goal.
With the introduction of David Seymour, making his first appearance of the season, it was not long before Berkhamstead were able to pick up the pace of the game. The ball was worked well to Allam in the ‘D’, who was able to force the ball past the keeper to bring the scores level.
The home side then went forward looking to take control of the game however on a rare break Bishop Stortford were awarded a short corner. In a well worked routine, where the ball was moved to the left, a shot from a tight angle beat both Stanwell and Cremin to give the visitors the lead again.
In a sweeping move starting, from left defence and racing down the right, skipper James Barron was found free in the ‘D’ to level the score.
This time Berkhamstead were not going to let the visitors back in the game and took full control when Pete Allam added another two goals to complete a first half hat trick.
However, just before half time, the game was put back into the balance when Seymour was yellow carded for allegedly querying a decision to harshly with the visiting umpire.
Down a player at the start of the second half, the home side were expecting an onslaught from the opposition, but with an organised midfield working well, the defence came under little pressure and it was the home side who grasped the initiative when back to a full compliment of players.
The excellent midfield of Hodges, Silver, Edwards, Leathem, and man of the match Rocky Savage, created a hatful of great chances. Pete Allam showed the way as the forward was able add a second half hat trick to that he scored in the first and with two goals coming from Nigel Edwards this completed a comprehensive 9-2 victory. |
Men 
