SLIDESHOW: Sweet revenge for St Francis in a good old fashioned six pointer

This added to saints normal motivation in not only wanting to play good hockey but make the results stick coupled with the fact saints were hard done by in the first fixture of the season with Chi Uni.

There were a few changes to the previous weeks side but this did not seem to affect the attitude that the seconds are showing week in week out. The first half started at a quick pace with flowing and free hockey being played and the best of it coming from saints. Passing, moving and communication were all present as Chi were struggling to cope with the pace of the game. Saints mid field of Jack Foulger, John Tullett and Andy Lineham were hassling at every opportunity but spent more time with stick on ball going forwards. Some great movement from the starting forwards of Doug Bridges and Ollie Wilkinson made an opening for saints to exploit down the right. With some slick inter passing the ball broke to John Tullett in the D who leapt at the chance and converted cooly to secure a much deserved and worked for lead. A change from Chi saw there strongest player enter the game. This was countered with Richard Johnson being detailed to man mark the the player for the rest of the game. It took a 5 min period to sink in but Richard then virtually nullified the threat posed from the player by ensuring that at every move turn and possession he had someone step in front and not allow him the time or the space he needed to make the impact Chi were looking for. In turn this earned Richard MoM for huge effort, dedication to the cause and still managing to provide the pivot in the middle of the pitch.

This left the saints forwards to continue some threatening forays in to the D that look as though there could be goals goals goals coming on a frequent basis. If only Jack Searle had realised that Doug Bridges was 1/2 a yard shorter on pace than he imagined and would have ideally preferred the ball player through the right and not the left, but positive interlinking play all the same. Through all the pressure and from a cross from Andy Lineham and Jack Searle an unfortunate Chi defender beat his own keeper at the back post. The first half ended 2-0 and was a deserved one.

Following an as ever inspired and rousing half time team talk the 2’s were back at it ready to crack on for another spirited 35 mins. This half saw more from the defensive line that had held firm in the first half. With some wonderfully well placed and timed aerials from both Josh ‘cheese and wine eating’ Brown and Matt Fermer relieving pressure when most required. Both were also making lite work of pushing forward and also then recovering to land tackles when required. Pressure was still being applied at the Chi end but the game had become slightly more open.

Chi pushed on and start to trouble the saints D on a regular basis. The central two of Colin Upchurch and Eric Rimmer landing tackle after interception after tackle coupled with some outstanding saves from young Matt Upchurch was a joy for the supporter to behold. To cap it off a one on one with what is believed to be an international player saw Matt Upchurch rush to the top of the D to meet the on coming player. A risky move for some but with a cool head and a clean challenge the threat was snuffed out.

Some squeaky bum moments at both end saw the game seeming to drag on for hours but Saints held firm and continued to attack when they got the opportunity. The final whistle was a welcome one as were the three points.

On a side note and hopefully they are both sitting down to read this but the game was assisted on being so good by the standard of the umpiring being the best the 2’s have had all season long. Thank you Mr Holmes and Mr Knegtel top reffing!

MoM - Rich Johnson - A captains pick for effort not giving up. Not letting him get under his skin and still distributing as normal.

More St Francis Hockey reports in this week’s Mid Sussex Times