Round 11 - Alecto

Well the first game of the second half has come and gone and with it some nerves.  Yesterdays game had a good feel about it with everyone really keen to continue our form from December, the winning streak and maintain our spot on top of the table.  Things started well with loads of pressure from the Cartouche lads resulting in an early goal from the penalty corner.  At 1-0 the pace of the game started to slow and  it was about now that we had a bit of a lapse in concentration. I think mainly due to it being the first game back and guys being a little nervous, though in the 5 mins we were asleep Alecto managed to score two quick goals leaving us 1-2 down with 7 mins remaining in the first half.  Finally we snapped out of the spell and came back quickly playing some good hockey and the 2 petes (Pieter and Peter) combined together to level things and ease the tension then just before half time Chevy (derk) made it 3-2 just before half time. 

The second half started well though at times there seemed to be confusion and nerves on the pitch.  All that  said we still managed to get put together some good patches of hockey and work hard to stay in control of the game.  We were at 3-2 and looking more comfortable and starting to pass the ball around well.  About now one of the Alecto defenders decided we were going to play ruby instead of hockey and found himself on the sideline for 10 mins stopping the game for another 5 mins while they argued the point.  I still cant understand why they do that... If you get a card....you get a card.... It was the right decision just deal with it and dont do it again. So playing 10 men, again i think the nerves came into play with expectation and we were only putting patches of good hockey together though an interception in the midfield led to a 4 on 3 and resulted in young Daan O showing signs of maturity as a striker netted the 4th...The score 4-2 we let them back into the contest with a cheap goal making sure the game wasnt closed out for the last 10 mins but managed to hold out with some help from the Alecto 2nd rower who landed himself a red (for 2nd yellow)....bloody idiot... meaing they played the last 5 with 10 and sealing the result at 4-3.. Although not 100% convincing we did the important thing and insured we took the points...Now the nerves are clear next week will be a different cartouche all for the better.  Todays game i feel was a warning showing that we can still win when even when we dont play the best hockey for the full 70 mins but allin all that now 33 points down and 33 to go.  Next week Kievieten away.  Lets ensure we keep the ball rolling.