Reading tame Lions

The men's 3's began the second half of the season against an Ealing Lions team who had beaten us 6-4 on the opening day of the season. That game had been the first time a number of the 3's had played together. A few months and training sessions later, this match epitomised how far the 3's have come.
Reading went 3-0 up in the opening 10 minutes, including a well worked short corner routine, finished by Nat Majakas and a great passing move, started by Adam Verity in defence, worked through midfield and finished with an unstoppable first time shot by Pradeep Gangeswaran.
However, Ealing were not going to give up until the final whistle, quickly getting a goal back for 3-1.
Reading were keeping possession, structure and playing some great passing hockey. An innovative lob by Chris Wright over the keeper made it 4-1 at halftime.

The second half was a much tighter affair, with Ealing looking for a way back into the match, which they found to make it 4-2.
Whilst Reading were continuing to search for a fifth (and given the chances perhaps should have scored six or seven), fortunately Henry Saxby was pulling off some good saves to keep Ealing out. As the clock ticked down, Ealing's comeback was effectively ended when they received two green cards and then had a goal disallowed, leaving just enough time for Pradeep to complete his hatrick.
This was one of the best performances of the 3's season, with a number of the younger players stepping up to show experience beyond their years against a strong Ealing side.
The challenge will be maintaining it for the rest of the season.