3 more points for Bedford 2XI

16:00 push backs are not ideal, but with glorious weather and plenty of hockey on beforehand, including the Ladies 1, it wasn't the worst day to have one.

The game, in typical fashion, started slowly. Confidence from the last game was carried forward to this week and to a certain extent our expectations exceeded reality. We perhaps turned up thinking we would win before the game had already started. The chemistry was lacking and we were playing at about 80% of our potential. Nevertheless, there were some excellent plays, Tom Blythman playing amazing in the middle and making some great attacking runs. Rob Lowin and Rob Chitty were linking up well as the defensive 2.

After 15 minutes of 'controlling the game' and nothing to show for it with a 0-0 scoreboard, frustration crept in. Chatting back to umpires and sloppy tackles were becoming ever present. Its times like this where we just need to get our heads down and play our own hockey and ignore everything else around us. Ignore the opposition, react to umpires immediately and not argue.

The half time talk covered all of that and more. Play our hockey, our way. Trust the formation and more importantly trust your teammates.

No more than a minute or so into the second half was there the perfect case in point. It began with a great slap down the line to Joshua Fisher. While the ball may or may not have gone out, the point here was to not get involved in the politics of the game. We didn't, and we scored. So while the opposition were arguing with the umpires, expecting a 16 call to come, we continued playing the game to the whistle. A slip along the base line saw Steven Adams pick it up and jab it on his reverse around the encroaching keeper and defender. The pass reached Adam Priston who beautifully lobbed the keeper with a lifted slap.

The second goal came from a lovely attacking play. Ending with Adam Priston finding Tom Blythman on the (almost) 90 and leaving him to smash it home. 2-0.

We played our hockey and earned our way into this game now. A third goal came when Adam Priston had a shot which was saved by the keeper. It fell to Joe Sims on the top of the D who casually put it on his reverse and roofed it into the top corner. Arguably goal of the season (so far...).

Bedford, for 90% of the game, were infallible. But here's the 10% we weren't...

Letchworth were running about in our D trying to navigate past Phil Morris, when they eventually did Gio was there to pick it off the line. I at this point was on the bench. I was overcome with a great sigh of relief when I heard the distinct sound of a ball hitting a stick. Knowing Gio's thigh isn't made of carbon, I thought we were indeed safe. Then the umpire signalled for a flick. Such is life and decisions go against us, we just go back to playing our hockey.

3-1 with minutes left.

Bedford, at this stage got comfortable and we let Letchworth put the pressure on. Within about few minutes they had scored a second goal, bringing to 3-2 and they were looking like they wanted more. We finally got over the shock and managed to play out the game.

We were brilliant, especially the first 30 minutes of that second half. This is a lesson that we cant let off, whether we are winning 1-0 or 8-0.

Well done to all the players though! 3 points to carry forward.

Mom: 3 way tie between Gio, Tom B and Joe S. Captain's decision resulted in it being awarded to Joe Sims for his goal.
DoD: Joshua Fisher