Winchester 4s vs USPHC M2

A rather cold and frosty pitch awaited the 13 brave US players.

Shouts of “It’s Max’s fault we are late”, “what time did these boys start warming up?” and “where’s Ben?” ringing out across the carpark.

In true 2s fashion, some players warmed up. Some took pot shots at George and others hid from the cold for as long as possible.

With the team set, the whistle blows and the first half is underway. To everyones surprise a ball straight through the US back line finds it way to a winchester forward, who quickly slotted the ball in to the net. 1 - 0 winchester within the opening 5 minutes.

A little shocked by what had happened and now faced with the peacocking Winchester side, US on field captain for the day made a swift formation shuffle.

The next 20 minutes saw both teams defend and attack, with the over confident Winchester team being held at bay by the defending Chris’s, Iain and Robbie.

A push into the Winchester D saw a short corner awarded. The ball was played out by Hugo and sent goalward by Muzzy. The keeper did well to get low and block the ball which bounced fortunately straight into Alex who lifted the ball over the keeper and in.
1 - 1

The second half gets underway. Both umpires concerned by the ever growing frost in one corner of the pitch. Both captains content that its safe and the game can continue.

Short corner after short corner gets awarded to the Winchester team, now starting to show the angst on their faces. The defensive line of US stayed strong, blocks and saves kept the ball out.

15 minutes into the half and US make another attack into the box. Stick tackle and pushes are avoided and the ball sent goalward. Only to be blocked by a player on the line.

Initially the engaged umpire awards a PC, the disengaged umpire is signalling for a flick.

Robbie picks up the ball and places it on the spot. Waiting for the two umpires to meet an agreement on the awarding of the flick. Meanwhile the Winchester keeper starts trying to unease Robbie with comments of Hes going to try for the corner and i bet you pull it wide.

Unphased, the whistle blows and Robbie slots the ball into the side netting. 1 - 2 US

The second half carried on, much like the first, defend, counter and attack being the key takeaways from the game.

Around 20 minutes to play and Hugo sealed his bid for DoD. After having a stand out performance for the rest of the game he decides to have a sit down for a clumbsy tackle/body check (which the umpire explained the error of Hugos ways) and then 5 minutes after returning he decides to try a diving reverse pass down the sideline and send the ball straight out of play.

The final whistle sounds and US finish the victors.

MoM - Awarded to the entire team.
DoD - Hugo