Men's 1st Team Vs West Bromwich

This week’s hockey report:

YARDLEY    0         WEST BROMWICH    3

League leaders, West Bromwich were made to work hard for their victory in this Warwick Printing MRHA Hockey League, West Midlands Division 1 fixture.

After recent results, Yardley knew they were probably in for torrid afternoon. However, buoyed by improved recent performances, and despite the score-lines, Yardley set about his game in a most positive manner. Early forays forward showed great promise and whenever West Brom attacked the home defence held firm, due in part to some timely tackles and saves by their keeper, Neal Makepeace and all members of the back line. Yardley thought that they had shocked their opponents and taken an early lead. A great ball into the circle was deflected into the goal, but for some reason it was disallowed by the umpires. There followed an injury to a Yardley defender that caused a lengthy delay before he had to leave the field to receive medical attention. With a substitute to hand, Yardley managed to keep their full complement of players.

West Brom began to exert some pressure and forced a short corner that was deflected clear by Jeevan Chagger on the line. The visitors began to create more and more chances and recorded several near misses. Yardley’s defence continued to resist the pressure, well marshalled by Alex Makepeace. However, approaching half-time West Bromwich earned a penalty corner. The resulting shot on goal hit the bar and bounced back into play to be met on the follow-up and into the goal to give a very slender lead at the break.

Yardley started the second period in determined fashion, eager to get back on level terms. West Brom tried hard to push the ball about but found it difficult to make much headway against resolute defending. However, midway through the half, West Bromwich forced another short corner that led to their second goal. Yardley’s determined efforts continued to make their visitors work hard but eventually a third goal, a scrambled effort, secured the points.

West Bromwich will be thankful to have gained all three points whilst Yardley will feel that the final score-line did not do justice to their brilliant effort. This week Yardley travel to Wolverhampton.

Report sent in by Peter Brainch (Club Secretary and Publicity Officer)