The Wolf bags 3 in impressive win

The top of the table clash got off and away at just after 3:00PM following delays from the previous matches, and due to the President (Steve Andrews) of the club throwing his toys out of the pram. This was because the teams had to use a normal standard match ball instead of an international Kookaburra elite match ball; the only one fully approved by the FIH for use in an International Competition.

The game started fairly evenly with both sides probing for the break through which eventually came for the travelling team Preston. A scrappy goal was conceded due to slack marking from the Brooklands defence. The ball managed to find a lone Preston player in the D who hit the ball high into the middle of the goal. Richmond will review his decision-making when looking back at the player’s individual clips, as he appeared to dive under the ball.

Brooklands did not let this early lead get to them, and went onto have a spell of control, and were patient at the back. They were rapid and slick in transferring the ball around the back, and began to create bundles of chances, which were finally converted into a fine individual goal from Dudley. Not only did he lob Preston’s full back, and in the same movement lob the goalkeeper leaving him helpless, he secured a well-deserved equaliser.

The home team continued to dominate and dictate the game, which Preston did not enjoy as they could not handle Brooklands textbook standard of hockey. This resulted in Preston trying to roughen Brooklands up but failing miserably when they were reduced to eight men on the pitch at one point. This was due to their blatant and deliberate breaking up of play and atrocious tackling ability. Brooklands also decided to join in and received four yellow cards themselves. First off was Jeffs for his use of language. Shortly followed by Gilbody, sent off for his normal aggressive behaviour, casually striking down a Preston player. Virabi was back to his old ways as he was sent off for producing the worst tackle of the season. Finally, Wolfenden was extremely unlucky to receive his yellow card.

After Virabi bottled several penalty corners, sending them high, wide and wider, up stepped Wolfenden, only to unleash a ferocious, pinpoint flick to take the home team deservingly 2-1 up at half time. It wasn’t long after, when Brooklands increased their lead to 3-1, again Wolfenden stepped up to score another penalty corner. Four minutes later, another penalty corner was won. In the team huddle to decide what routine would be taken, the call was made with several players saying “Wolfie to flick, he will score” and right they were. Before the ball was pushed out, you could see the apprehensive look on the keepers face, thinking, surely not again. Wolfenden produced another outstanding flick, firing the ball into the top left hand corner giving the keeper no chance at all to save it. Only to hear the crowd go wild!! A big thank you must go out to the supporters, acting, as the 12th man, Preston just couldn’t handle the astounding, deafening crowd.

Preston managed to pull the game back to 4-3, however just like before Wolfenden had something to say about that. A classy individual bit of skill that eliminated and cut Preston in half, finished off with an exceptional pass to Jeffs, which found Andrews at the back post for an easy tap in. This gave Brooklands a two-goal advantage again. Preston fought back hard, pulling one goal back and having a few chances but they couldn’t get past a well-drilled Brooklands backline and some top class saves from Richmond, keeping Brooklands in the game. Final score 5-4 to Brooklands Men’s 2’s, meaning both teams are joint top with 15 points each.

Man of Match: Graeme Wolfenden

Match report written by Graeme Wolfenden