After the highs of the hard fought win against Saffron Walden last week and even though Basildon were rooted to the bottom of the table, the message from the start was to make sure we played our hockey, take nothing for granted and started the game in a positive manner.

In the warmup, Josh finally decided to join us, after spending the pre-game chatting to his old mates from Basildon, obviously trying to get inside their camp and find out their tactics!! Anyway it was fair to say that Josh was up for this game and wanted to make sure of the win but also scoring against his old side!

For once the captains team talk seemed to work and we started the game with a really good tempo, playing some really excellent hockey moving the ball quickly and ensured that Basildon started on the back foot and spent the majority of the first 20 minutes camped in their half. Asa was pushing on down the right, interchanging with Bert but it was clear that Basildon had put their more solid players in the backline. The opening goal came as a result of one of these drives down the back of the D and Matt (just beating Josh) managed to bundle the ball home. Play got a little bit interrupted for the remainder of the first half, but after one of their key players pulled up with a calf injury, Bert stepped up just inside the top of the D and for the second week running, hit a powerful shot that the keeper stood no chance with which made it 2-0 at half time.

Again, the message at half time was to ensure that we kept up the momentum and playing our hockey. It became clear that Basildon's plans were to soak up all the pressure and get all their 11 players behind the ball and make us break them down, then playon the counterattack or take chances from any short corners. This did not materialise and in the second half it was Old Boys attack against Basildon defence, however they were not going to make it easy and wanted to keep the scoreline decent. We kept plugging away and managed to get a further 3 goals through Josh, George and a second goal for Bert.

A comfortable quieter day for the defence this week, thanks go to Jesus for taking up the keeper duties, although fair to say, he was not needed and was able to keep his energy for the M2's game. One thing of note, as we rotated substitutes in the second half, I was informed after the game that it was Liam's first time off the pitch this season and being substituted. Some would say it was about time!!

On another day, we could have scored more goals, but the most important thing was to make sure of a comfortable 5-0 win and retain our place at the summit of the table. We have managed to have most weeks a consistent squad with some rotations, but you can see the improvement and communication has really stepped up this year with the good spread of youth and experience.

Although no Jacket nominations, it would be wrong not to point out a certain Pete Cossey, who the week before, shall we say got a bit carried away with his aerials, much to complaints from some of his fellow players when there was an easy pass on. I am pleased to report that he tried his luck again but failed miserably, so back in the locker it goes until next week, I am sure!!

Next week, tough away game against Tower Hamlets who are also flying high in the table. No one enjoys the away journey for this one, and they always have a very different side (full squad) to when they travel. Whilst we head there with confidence, winning 6 out of 7 games this season and still unbeaten, with numbers looking tight as it stands and not able to call upon from other squads, it will be a difficult game but the team will give everything to get a result.

Scorers: Matt Elmer, Bert Richardson x 2, Josh Ashby & George Miller
MOTM: Bert Richardson
Match Report: Darren Stoner (about time I contributed something!)