Redsox go down fighting at OCs

The Redsox took on a very youthful and well resourced Old Cranleighans squad of 16 at Thames Ditton.

After observing a 1 minute remembrance day silence, OCs established a 4-0 lead in the first half with some very fast free flowing hockey and well finished goals.

Scottish Steve pulled a muscle while shooting at goal which reduced us to 11 in the first 15 minutes and we went into halftime with heads bowed.

To their great credit the Redsox rallied magnificently and won the second half 2-0, or 3-0, depending on who's account to take as a third goal was given and possibly retracted by their umpire at a tumultuous close.

Our come back was accelerated by the arrival of Immy with about 25 minutes to go who took over from Paxo, who headed back to school duties. A fine pass from Hoops and good reverse stick finish from Keevey got us going and Immy's strong and skilful running at the OC with ball at the end of the stick and help setup and create chances.

Terry scored a well worked second with a push into an open goal and Fitty finished a disputed third moments after Terry had been taken out on the half way line by a very rash and unecessary OC challenge from behind resulting in a broken collarbone. With emotions running high and confusion over the third goal the OC umpire decided to blow the end of the match without adding any injury time.

After the game the umpire told me he had retracted the goal as Fitty had admitted to the ball hitting his foot before scoring, so the final score was 4 - 2.

Poor Terry went to A&E where his fracture was confirmed (mend well Terry), big thanks to the two Steves who dropped his car back at Pangbourne

Despite our first loss, our second half come back against the strongest team we have faced was a real tribute to the Redsox team spirit and ability. As always we enjoyed the post match beers albeit with a less celebratory squad photo (attached).

Thanks Mike Gray for blowing well and to Amrish who played the whole match before going on to play a second game at Spencer.

Next week we have a day off and then face a late start away at Wimbledon in a fortnight.

All three Reading Vets sides are now second in their leagues so all to play for. Fingers crossed for our O50s cup side.

Micky