Devizes Hockey Club

The Marauding Moonrakers - Sponsored by Wadworth

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DHC : Nunquam non paratus

Cheltenham v. Devizes Mens Firsts

Saturday November 28 2009

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Cheltenham 3 - 1 Devizes

Wadworth 6X sponsored Devizes 1st team this week faced their toughest test to date, playing away to title contenders Cheltenham. This was always going to be a tough game for the Wiltshire side as they were unfortunately only able to travel with twelve players.

The game started well for Devizes who in the first ten minutes or so had all the possession and created some great chances. They seemed to settle very quickly and played with great attitude and composure. The pattern of play and simple quick hockey was probably the most attractive and affective so far this season. This is an indication of the ability Devizes have, and why they sit third in the table prior to this game. However with the depleted squad, it was going to be difficult to sustain such a fluent tempo throughout the game. Devizes were unable to convert any of their chances and went into the interval with the scores level at 0-0.

Once again, Devizes started the second half the stronger of the sides and looked threatening from the push back. Five minutes into the half a strong run into the D from the left from Ollie Smith was rewarded when he was sent crashing to the floor in front of goal. The umpire had little choice but to award a penalty flick. Big Gun Russ Mcquillan shrugged off the pressure and buried the ball deep into the top corner of the goal giving the keeper no chance.

As the half progressed the Wiltshire boys were unable to build on their lead and the opportunities were beginning to disappear. To Cheltenham's credit, their solid experienced defence kept Devizes at bay and their forwards were also getting more and more involved. They equalised midway through the half after some nervous and out of character defending. This lead to a superbly well-executed drag flick from a short corner that flew into the top corner of Rheinburg's goal.

With the scores level and with about fifteen minutes to go, Cheltenham were looking like the stronger team. Devizes were being pressed further back into their half and were unable to regain any possession. After a poor defensive decision and rare concentration lapse, Cheltenham were gifted the ball just outside the D. They made no mistake in punishing Devizes and took the lead.

At this point there was little chance that Cheltenham would give up their lead, although Devizes did continue to fight and work to get something out of the game. Unfortunately it was not to be and Cheltenham sealed their win with a third goal in the last five minutes. This was again slotted away in another very good drag flick.

This result now leaves Devizes twelve points away from the top of the table. As in recent weeks Devizes played very well and created some great chances. They must also be given credit for such a spirited performance and take it all into next weeks home game against Whitchurch.

The Wadworth 6X man of the match is this week awarded to player coach Andy Richardson for a solid all round performance at the heart of the Devizes defence.