Devizes A hosted second place Bath Buccs G in what was effectively a 6 point match – winning would see Devizes extend their lead at the top to four points but losing would give Bath Buccs a two point advantage. Any pre-match nerves were instantly forgotten as the game started at full pace. Devizes enjoyed a large deal of the possession in the first portion of the match with Bath Buccs defending well and attacking quickly themselves whenever the opportunity arose. Rory Sherman took on the role of orchestrating the back four and the midfield and, as a result, Devizes defended effectively and were able to transfer the ball around and create openings to move forward once more. With a combination of lateral and diagonal runs in midfield and the forwards moving into the created gaps Devizes created numerous chances throughout the first half. Tom Stoner was particularly effective and it looked as though had given Devizes the lead before his shot bounced off the post and away to safety. Bath Buccs also played great spells of attacking hockey and Aaron Holloway again showed his goalkeeping abilities by matching everything that was fired in at him throughout the half. The score at half time was 0-0 with both teams showing that they had the ability to edge in front and win the match.

There was no respite for the players in the second half as neither team were prepared to relinquish their grip on the other. Passages of play from both teams opened the pitch up for the forwards to advance in to yet both defences stood firm. Toby Fechner was the first to find a way through Bath Buccs defence as he played around one defender and then turned round another. His advance into the ‘D’ drew their goalkeeper off his line and, keeping a calm head, he passed the ball out left to Nick Sherman who was able to convert a clear shot on goal. A one goal lead was not going to be enough to allow Devizes to relax and wave after wave of attacking play from Bath Buccs continued to threaten Devizes’ goal. While attempting to recover from one such attack the clearance went awry and the ball passed directly over the base line. As a result a penalty corner was rather gifted to Bath Buccs. The Devizes defence were quick out of the goal but were unable to get a stick on the ball as it hurtled towards the goal. Devizes 1, Bath Buccs 1. Devizes responded to the conceded goal with great determination to retake their lead and were soon awarded a short corner of their own. After a brief discussion, Devizes’ forwards swung into action but Bath Buccs managed to defend their short corner routine successfully. As the game progressed towards the final whistle the pace of the match was beginning to take its toll. Bath Buccs attacked up both wings, supported by accurate long passes from defence. Devizes were able to match them in defence but were unable to create any more meaningful attacks. And so a very exciting, if rather nail biting, game ended in an honourable 1-1 draw – a score line that accurately depicted the game play and work rate of both sides throughout the match displaying why they are both at the top of the league table.

Goalkeeping is often a thankless task but Aaron Holloway’s assertiveness has not gone unnoticed this year as he was, once again, voted Man of the Match. There were 3 nominations for DoD: Dominic Blackmore-Beales for throwing a hissy fit in the dug-out, Dominic Blackmore-Beales again for conceding the penalty corner, and finally Dominic Blackmore-Beales for hurling abuse and collapsing simultaneously. 18% of the votes went to Dom, 64% to Dom and 12% to Dom. 6% of the voters (presumably Dom?!) abstained.

Devizes A, unbeaten away from home this year, travel to West Wilts next weekend where they will hope to build on recent results and extend their lead at the top of the table.