The hockey too was pretty bright. The opening exchanges were pretty even with both sides eager to keep possession while attempting to breach the opposing defences. Bury O50s fielded 4 'debutants' Mike Skelton, Chris Chapman, Jasper Hulscher and Rob O'Kane and it was obvious they would bring an injection of pace into the play.

It was Suffolk O60s who would break the deadlock after 25 minutes of play; from their first short corner a well worked 'switch' routine gave Sansom the opportunity to sweep the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. 0 - 1.

As the game continued, the O50s were beginning to find gaps, with Etherington and Skelton at the front giving midfield someone to aim at in wide positions. A few minutes before half-time Jem Allen, playing a support role, fed a through ball to Jasper Hulscher as he moved in on the goal, close to the goal-line, and coolly deflected the ball past the 'keeper. 1 - 1.

In the second half the O50s moved from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 formation in order to put more pressure on the Suffolk defence. 5 minutes after the restart, Bury created a chance for Rob O'Kane to open his account; in a one-on-one situation with the 'keeper he was able to squeeze the ball under the 'keeper and over the line (just!). 2-1.

The O50s were now making their pace count and Suffolk were finding it difficult to mount counter attacks. But it would be another 20 minutes before the O50s could extend their slender lead. An interception by Mike Skelton on the opposition 23yd line followed by a pass to Jason Etherington who gave it a smart smack. 3-1. 5 minutes later Etherington was again involved making a fine run across the top of the D; the ball fell to Jasper who took a first time shot to score his second of the game. 4-1

Relaxing with a 3-goal difference the O50s were caught out of position, and the O60s forced a short corner. A straightforward stop-and-strike by Sansom, was enough to reduce the deficit; but without sufficient time for either side to score any more. Final score 4-2.

My thanks to Tony Cooke and Andy Longfield for umpiring.
My thanks to the whole squad for using the match to warm us up for another campaign.

Dates for the diary:- 30th Oct (Rd 1. Coincides with Boys and Girls Junior competitions.); 27th Nov (Rd 2); 11th Dec (Rd 3).

Norman Ballard