We had a fantastic game of hockey with Strathallan this afternoon to mark the end of what has been a hugely successful Under 11 season. Although the team was much-changed from Saturday’s last second 2-1 win at the Merchiston tournament against today’s guests, this afternoon’s lineup demonstrated the strength in depth, that we possess at this age group, really is quite something.
Today we moved the ball superbly with one or two touch hockey: perhaps not quite as accurate with our passing in the early stages, but we were able to adjust by using our reverse pickups or by moving our feet quickly around the ball. We peppered the Strath D but their defence stood firm and their goalkeeper was on fire. Bertie’s powerful shot in the first half would have gone in had it not hit a Strath defender square on the ankle - thank goodness for ankle protection on his shinguards and the brave defender was back up and in amongst the action in no time. Against the run of play, the visitors breached our defence and a disguised shot bamboozled Timo in goal as it swerved around his kicker and into the goal. It was a shame, as our defending had been solid with David, who captained us today, playing superbly at the back and preventing the opposition from having any sniff of a chance in front of goal.
At half time, we down by one but we knew we just had to be a bit more clinical in their D and our chance will come Within the first minute of the second half, Oliver drove at the opposition, coming off his left wing and lifted the ball over a defender’s stick to Monty who played it back and Oliver placed the ball into the corner. Our tails were up and we came back at them again and again, forcing a few penalty corners These were pretty unconventional but a lot of fun: all the players, except for the running penalty taker and goalkeeper, gather in the opposite D; they are only allowed to come out when the running penalty taker touches the ball after the umpire’s whistle sounds.
When it came to Bertie’s turn, he made no mistake in slotting the ball coolly into the corner for us to take the lead. Credit to Strath who had a good spell of possession forcing us onto the back foot. It was now Strath’s turn for a string of running penalties. Timo saved the first but after another infringement in the D, their striker smashed it past him to tie the game in the dying minutes.
It was an epic contest that neither team deserved to lose and this both teams shared the spoils.
Well done to all the boys on playing such terrific hockey. Player of the match went to Johnny P for his outstanding defending. He is certainly a player who has improved hugely over the course of the term with his decision making and energy on the field. 
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