An excited group of U11 boys travelled down to Melrose to play St Mary’s at the Tweedbank sport complex in our first game of the season. We played some terrific hockey by moving the ball quickly on a narrow pitch. Our link up play at times was exceptional with Theo in particular finishing off some great chances in front of goal. The boys moved around positions to give them all the chance to defend, attack or be creative in midfield and I was particularly pleased that they stuck to their task well in their different roles. The most impressive part about our team’s performance today was our work-rate off the ball: the boys tracked back when they lost possession and when they regained control of the ball, they looked up to play the most sensible pass to a team mate in space. We scored 9 goals but the pick of the bunch came from Geordie who took up a great position to finish of a great attacking move from Toby and Theo working well together on the left.

The player of the match between both teams was arguably, the St Mary’s keeper who must have saved over 30 shots. A combination of some very clever blocks and closing down our attacking players meant that we really needed to work hard to beat him. If I was to pick a Cargilfield player of the match, then Caspian would edge it for his solid defending and his strong passing out of defence.

Well done, boys; a good performance overall. Thank you to St Mary’s for their hospitality and well done for battling so hard in the match and getting a well-deserved goal.