Although a 3-0 loss is frustrating, when we put this in the context of playing the same team away at the start of last season and enduring a 9-1 defeat everything feels better. A great first game out and baptism of fire for juniors George and Leo Simms as, whilst IES are always a decent club who respect our juniors, they did have strong adults and older juniors challenging us. Their strength kept us on the defensive for the majority of the game and we held them extremely well, our challenge was building effective attacks from this rearguard position.
Great to have Liam Mclnerney settling in with a solid game in right defence after joining the team right at the end of last season. Robert Fiske and Nick Sarson were welcome additions to the team providing solid structure and moral support for the juniors. Brendan Hughes played well at left defence with strong and accurate 16 hits finding Noah on the wing. Paul Whiting as guest goalie dived around like a grizzled squirrel with some critical saves including a cracking penalty. His experience and guidance helped co-ordinate our defence especially in multiple short corners.

We did have some excellent spells of hockey with good passing and support for each other. Lets build on this thinking about holding our positions and looking for the solid passes. Our pre-season friendly matches have been a great warm and now we have several new or returning players to the team which will take a game or two to settle in but all in all a very good start to the season.