I would like make it clear that there will be no lazy references to halloween/horror shows etc in this match report.

We set out at the beginning of this season with one clear intention- to provide the best possible platform for as many of the club’s youth players as possible (those not already playing above 4th xi level) to get exposure to higher level hockey while learning their roles by providing them with a consistent (or at least as constant as possible) player base around them and solid support, inclusion and messaging both on and off the pitch over as long a period of time as possible. The goal was always, and remains, player development. None of the boys in this group had played above 5th XI before this season. The progress they have made in a short space of time has been outstanding. It’s a challenge but we aren’t a club with the luxury of a big draw geographically; as a club we have, and always have had, to grow an awful lot of our own. These boys are talented. This group intends, unapologetically, to try and maximise that talent. That is for the benefit of the both the boys and the club. We always knew, planned and intended that over the season the boys would start to move up through the XIs. That is absolutely the point of what this team is intended to achieve. We hadn’t, perhaps, considered it would be this early in the season. It is however credit to Riley and Ryan that they stepped up to the 3s this week. For the very best of reasons, we don’t expect to have them back and we are certain they will be welcomed warmly into the 3s to continue their development.

We knew this was going to be a difficult game and hockey Fireworks were always a possibility. Bengal Tigers are sitting at the top of the league and looking very strong. What we got was a game that produced goals like rain after a wet Whitsun.

We are all too aware that we need to start matches better and this time we did. We had really good shape and found ways out of early pressure well. BT are, however a step up on any of the teams we have played so far, with a genuinely quick ball transfer and both pace and skill upfront. I’m still working out whether my ambitious formation tweak helped or hindered us but after the early tentative and tender exchanges, BT made some of our defending look a little generous and they tucked in like it was Thanksgiving. The first half veritably flew by after that; when you concede six in a half that can happen. Amongst it all though we played some hockey, made chances of our own and just prior to half time Christmas came early for Jannick, who added the finish to a fine counter-attack for his first senior goal for the club.

Half time saw us re- tweak some earlier tweaks, which were tweaks of previous re-tweaks themselves (if it isn’t obvious, I am sometimes as confused as everyone else by my managerial style) and with new purpose we took to the second half as if we were stepping into a New Year with a set of worthy resolutions. We made some nice chances and James Beardwell eventually had an Epiphany with an outstanding finish to bring us our second goal.

Whilst we were much more competitive eveywhere on the pitch, it was around this point we started to struggle with injuries. The requests for refuge in the dug put were coming in with terrifying regularity. Lucas, Dr No, Jake and Nick Chandler all suffered with muscle injuries. The worst of it, however, was landed on Simon ‘Boy Band’ Preece, with a clash of heads saw him needing a trip to A and E, ending his involvement in the game. Fear not ladies, he is fine. If anything he is just going to look slightly more rugged and manly now. I took the trip to A and E with Boy band so missed the end of the game. I know only that we scored one more goal (Jannick with his second! Is this the beginning of the goalscoring mantle being Pass(ed)over from the master to the apprentice?) and the game ended 10-3. The second half was 4-2. A massive improvement on the first, particularly given the injury issues.

Having seen some talent moved upwards, we welcomed some old talent in the form of Jake O’Kill into the side for the first time this season. Jake has had a rugby problem for some years but we hope that today can serve as a sort of Diwali for him, signifying the final victory for the light of hockey over the dark that is rugby. He hasn’t even touched a stick for about 18 months and, as a new father, isn’t getting much sleep. Neither showed. He was magnificent from his first introduction to the game.

Jacket of Shame went to Jack Thompson. I don’t know if Jack had a premonition in the week but, like the Easter Bunny, he had come prepared, having already pre-acquired his addition to the jacket in the week. That is the sort of forethought and efficiency this team needs and loves.

Simon Worrall, returning from some sort middle aged lower back/fundament ailment, was back to his barnstorming best and took the Man of the Match vote. He has still got it, although can someone please tell him it isn’t the Chinese Year of the GOAT until next year.

Niki Lauda said you learn nothing winning. We are doing an awful lot of learning, but that is exactly what we set out to do. It’s all about the development. When we finally break this winning fast, we are going to tuck in like it’s Eid al Fitr.

We go again. Keep the faith.

(Note editor- as promised, not a single Halloween/horror show reference).