Devizes Hockey Club

The Marauding Moonrakers - Sponsored by Wadworth

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DHC : Nunquam non paratus

Devizes Mens Firsts v. Cardiff & UWIC 2-4

Saturday February 27 2010

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DEVIZES 2 - 4 CARDIFF & UWIC

Wadworth 6X Sponsored Devizes first team faced a tough Cardiff & UWIC team at home this week. Cardiff are within catching distance of Cheltenham for the promotion spot into the National League so this was always going to be a difficult game. Devizes have had some disappointing results of late but still aim to finish in the top five.

The game started in very high tempo and both teams made their intent clear from the start. For the first ten minutes the possession was fairly equal and Devizes looked comfortable on the ball. As Cardiff began the press, the usually well-organised shape and structure of Devizes began to look nervous. The more Devizes tried to create, the more dangerous Cardiff looked on the break.

After about ten minutes, the visitors opened the scoring after stealing the ball inside their half. To Devizes credit they continued to battle and fight to get something from the game. After twenty minutes into the game the home side were rewarded for their efforts with a trademark short corner conversion from ‘no mess' Russ Mcquillan. Five minutes later, following a lack of concentration in the Devizes team, Cardiff capitalised and converted another opportunity from a quick break. Devizes continued to find the gaps and did not give up. At times they played some very attractive hockey.

Devizes went into half time two one down, knowing they would have to ‘dig deep' to get anything from the game. The second half started in similar fashion to the first with both teams hungry to create opportunities. Cardiff looked strong due to the numbers that travelled with them. With five on the bench they always seemed to have the extra man on the park. Five minutes into the second half and the visitors scored their third. It was now a tough ask for Devizes to get themselves back in the game.

Midway through the second half an inspiring run from player coach Andy Richardson lifted the entire team and the watching fans. After picking the ball up just inside the oppositions half, he skilfully beat two defenders before drawing the keeper. He then picked up the wedge and ‘chipped' the ball off balance over the advancing goalie, leaving him with no chance. The next ten minutes belonged to Devizes, who were again playing some patient composed hockey. As the half went on, Cardiff's depth and quality began to shine through. The game was finished off with five minutes to go as Cardiff scored their fourth of the day.

Although this is another frustrating result, Devizes should still take lots of positives from this game. At times they were playing some very strong attractive hockey and managed to score two great goals against the title contenders. Devizes also only had a twelve-man squad that was always going to struggle against the sixteen of the opposition.

The Wadworth 6x Man of the Match is this week awarded to Andy Richardson for his superb solo effort on goal, and another over all solid performance.