Badgers Vs Edgbaston Kestrels

Edgbaston Kestrels 3 v 1 Yardley

 Goal scorer Sean

 Yardley played the whole game with 10 players and fielded technically 3 adults even though one was still 16 years of age but technical as he's at college. After talking to the Edgbaston coach, he graciously allowed the slightest bending of the rules. Yardley didn't ask for any loan players even though I’m sure the home team may have helped. Yardley were missing the two sets of brothers who scored the four goals last week due to important family commitments.

The game started at a frantic pace and Yardley had to defend constantly for over 15 minutes. The home team pressed high and pressured the visitors defence constantly. Anthony, our adult keeper, was making continuous saves and kick out clearances. The home team won many penalty corners but Yardley defended brilliantly under this high pressure. On the 20-minute mark a penalty flick was awarded to Edgbaston, but Anthony made a great diving save to keep the score level. Gradually the visitors settled into a tactic of defending deep and catching the home team on the break. This lead to a few penalty corners for Yardley and eventually the first goal. Ayesha breaking from the right and her cross nutmegged the keeper, finding Sean on the back post who calmly tapped it in. Yardley took the lead into half time.

Second half the visitors expected the high press, but Edgbaston changed tack and let the Yardley midfield push high, giving the visitors a few chances to stretch the lead. Unfortunately, as the game wore on Edgbaston scored 3 well worked goals catching Yardley out on the break.

The whole Yardley team worked really hard against a very strong, well drilled team. It was probably the best/strongest Badgers team Yardley have played all season and everyone should be proud of their individual performances, well done Yardley.