The Marches 2 League

Winchcombe 1sts 10 Wotton-under-Edge 5ths 1

THE inaugural league match for the Men's 5th XI, who faced Winchcombe with a difficult away match to start the season.

The team featured a number of debuts, with only two of the players (Richard Gunton in midfield, and Dan Dyson in goal) bringing the average age down from the high 40s.

The team worked hard for each other, played in great spirit, continually passed the ball well, and left nothing behind.

A number of early forays into the Wotton circle saw the hosts come away with goals, and it took a short stoppage for hail to allow the Wotton debutants to regroup, focus on simple effective hockey, slow the attacks down and start to push players wide and from the defensive circle.

Wotton's strong determination to play hard, communicate well, and keep possession started to have an effect, with the green shoots of attacks starting to appear later in the game.

With only 11 making the trip north, and with one of the players off injured for a short period, Wotton felt the effects of relentless attacks by Winchcombe, and further goals came despite a brave and willing defensive line.

It was to Wotton's credit that they never gave up, which lesser teams would have been tempted to do, and instead started to press home further attacks, as the Winchcombe players started to tire and lose their focus.

Winchcombe were clearly hanging on at the end, when Simon Weston poked home a raking Alan George cross just before the final whistle.

With the final score 10-1 to Winchcombe, Wotton should be proud of the effort they put in all game, securing a goal under sustained pressure throughout the match.

Although the entire team deserved praise for their efforts, the man of the match award was conclusively won by Steve Marfleet for his total commitment, and competence in marshalling the back four.

Wotton Men's 5th XI face Ross-on-Wye 2nd XI this weekend, with a home match at 4.30pm at Wotton Sports Centre. All spectators are welcome.