Badgers Vs Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Badgers 0 v 0 Yardley Badgers

The Yardley Badgers  played with two adults, with Paul Jarvis as keeper, and John Ballard in central defence. We thought Wolverhampton were playing all youngsters, and to their credit the home team pressed hard right from the first whistle. The guidance John gave at the back kept the whole team focused and they all played well as a team.

Paul in goal made seven saves the whole game and the team defended for long periods. Mohammed made a welcome return from Rugby duties and was for me the man of the match. The whole team defended solidly and also tried to control the midfield. The experience of Ayesha and Kyle gave the midfield a strong backbone and their powerful runs threatened Wolverhampton throughout the game. Kyle in the first half was putting in his best performance of the season. Running down the left wing passing defenders and dribbling through a crowded “D” on several occasions. Ayesha also contributed with her own dribbles through a crowded midfield, dribbling past multiple opponents. The team grew in confidence from these individual displays and all provided a performance that worried the home team

The support on the side line for the home team numbered twenty and as the game wore on they became increasingly nervous. The Yardley badgers were all working hard and although Wolverhampton had more possession, the visitors had chances to nick the win but these three attempts went slightly wide. In the final ten minutes the home team had the visitors under constant pressure. They won many penalty corners and  finally they scored from their fifth attempt. The relieved supporters cheered and roared very loudly, and the Wolves players celebrated.  Both teams reset for the restart and as the whistle blew for the restart the Wolverhampton Badger Captain / Coach approached the umpires. The game was stopped and a long discussion took place. Finally, the goal was disallowed. With two minutes left Yardley defended deep, with everyone defending for the draw. Yardley Badgers did not want the home supporters to cheer that loud again in this game!  With twenty seconds left on the clock Yardley got a breakaway but as the player charged into the “D” towards the goal, time was called.

A good game of hockey were all the players on both sides worked hard and played skilful hockey.

After speaking to Jag (the Wolverhampton Coach), he stated he disallowed the goal as the young lad who scored the goal plays men's league hockey so is classed as an adult in Badgers hockey, and therefore not allowed in the “D” let alone score. For Jag to disallow the goal showed true honesty and sportsmanship.