Devizes Hockey Club

The Marauding Moonrakers - Sponsored by Wadworth

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Exeter University A v. Devizes Mens Firsts

Saturday December 12 2009

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Exeter University A 2-2 Devizes

Wadworth 6X Devizes first team this week travelled down the A303 to face league high flyers Exeter University. The Wiltshire boys were looking for revenge after the 3-2 home defeat to Exeter in the first game of the season. This was always going to be a tough fixture as Exeter are yet to lose any points at home and due to an injury plagued squad, Devizes were only able to travel with twelve players.

Devizes started positively and gained a couple of early opportunities to take the lead, however with the Exeter keeper in great form, the visitors were unable to take the advantage. After two minutes a brilliant pass from Sam Gaiger was cut back to skipper Charlie Rutherford whose flick was incredibly saved on the line. Striker Jack Betenson was then also denied on the far post.

As the half progressed, Exeter started to settle and although the well-organised Devizes structure was holding firm, it was only a matter of time until the home side were to find the cracks. Exeter's attacking pace and quick transfers on the break punished Devizes and left them on the back foot mid-way through the first half. There was little keeper Rheinberg could do to prevent Exeter from taking the lead.

Devizes went into the interval one goal down but still were still well in the game and knew they had to continue with the same attitude and shape of the first half. Unfortunately, a combination of Exeter's intent of causing early damage, combined with Devizes switching off saw the home side gain a second goal within the first minute of the half. The visitors had to pick themselves up once more and attempt what seemed to be the impossible by finding a way back into the game against the league leaders.

Exeter continued to press but they soon became frustrated, as Devizes were once more looking a solid, well-drilled unit. Ten minutes into the half and Devizes were rewarded for their efforts and scored a goal that any team would be proud of. In three passes from deep inside their half the ball was in the Exeter goal. Exeter were broken down in the Devizes half by Jim Tyler who then passed the ball inside to Charlie Rutherford whose first time slap from the half way line found Jack Betenson after some clever movement in the D. His first time slap sailed into the backboard and left the keeper routed to the spot.

With ten minutes left, Devizes were still maintaining their shape and were patiently pressurising Exeter and when gaining possession they looked composed and comfortable on the ball. After Ollie Smith brilliantly ‘nicked' the ball on the half way line the pace and skill of the three Devizes forwards looked immediately dangerous. Smith passed the ball forward to Jack Betenson who drew the keeper before slipping the ball to Sam Gaiger who coolly slotted home. This was nothing less than what Devizes deserved following their desire to keep fighting.

The last five minutes seemed anxious for both teams as the end-to-end hockey and pace of play could have seen either team steel the win. However Devizes were to hang on and with their depleted squad and Exeter's excellent home record, this was a result the visitors were proud to achieve.

This week the Wadworth 6X Man of the Match is awarded to Jack ‘Turntables' Betenson for an excellent contribution to the game and great work rate throughout.

This game was also a great send off for their overseas player Zion Akonga who returns home to New Zealand. In his ten games for the club he has scored six goals and contributed massively in helping the Wiltshire boys gain third spot in the table going into the Xmas break. He has been a great character to have around and we wish him all the best.