HARPENDEN III:8
BRITISH AEROSPACE: 3
26.02.05

Harpenden 3s travelled to far-flung Stevenage a depleted outfit. Missing up to 4 regulars through a combination of illness, non-availability and selection, a make shift side arrived expecting a difficult game. In the event the assorted players put in one of the performances of the season, running out 8-3 winners.

Stand in skipper Tom Preest spent much of the warm up introducing the side to each other; it is to the immense credit of all involved that the group gelled so quickly on the pitch. The Blues started well, Richard Poultney looking like he'd never been away at right half. Neil Smyth was also demonstrating that all those years between the posts were wasted, proving he's not so much a goal keeper as an overlapping full back!!!!!

However, it was the experience of regular goal poacher Malcolm Jones that made the difference early on. Jones was quickest to react when the ball broke off the keeper's pads, and he slotted home. It was soon 2-0, Nigel Timms finishing well after a good move down the right hand side.

BA were never just going to be bystanders, and they quickly got back into the game, scoring from a short corner. Harpenden replied swiftly, also from a short corner (much to Geoff Gould's surprise). A training ground move, involving Timms converting a mis-directed shot at the near post. It remained 3-1 at half time.

The team talk was easy for Preest, who merely told every one to carry on. The skipper then decided to stay put on the subs bench, as the impressive Radleigh Tant had replaced him during the first half. Other performances worthy of a mention were the excellent James Evans at left back. The 17 year old is improving with every game. His father Peter was directing the game well from centre half. Perhaps the most notable effort came from James Bolton, who performed creditably, despite not having played for a year, even if the umpire did have to remind him to "watch his elbows" at one point.

The second half saw some of the best hockey played by the 3s all season. However, it could have been so different. As is often the case, the Blues started the second period slowly, and BA converted another short corner to bring the score back to 3-2. For a time Harpenden’s play became scrappy, and the opposition looked the more likely scorers. However, a mazy run and shot from Timms propelled Harpenden towards victory.

Jones soon scored his second again slotting a loose ball home after sustained pressure in the D. Skipper Preest got back on the pitch and into the act to score the sixth. A tap in following a great cross by Poultney. The seventh followed as Jones completed his hat trick, finishing coolly following good passes from Smyth and Preest. Jones repaid the compliment in the closing minutes, cleverly ensuring that his shot deflected off a defender’s stick into the path of the stand in skipper. Preest, bringing the aerial ball under control and finding the bottom corner with a shot on the turn.

A fine victory for the Blues, and a welcome 3 points before the visit of the Falkland Islanders next Saturday.

Report by Tom Preest

Malcolm Jones: Another hatrick for the Silver Fox