Date: Saturday 30th September 2023, 14:30
MOM: A Derry/J Alexander
Goals: T Atha,
J Alexander x 2,
M Breeze,
J Atha x2,
E Medley
Stokesley M1s endured a torrid afternoon in the late kick off at Hartlepool's sand pit, but eventually emerged with a 7-5 victory. The day's biggest winner was without doubt the lesser known Dutch past time of beach hockey (very much at the expense of regular hockey).
Tom Atha's opener came within the first two minutes after a Lewis Medley baseline steal deep in the Hartlepool D. Two further goals from Josh Alexander - a Schmucky-esque blastie, and a reverse stick shot after some neat interplay from Eddie Medley, Adam Derry and Kenny O'Connor - saw Stokesley go into the break 3-1 to the good guys.
A goal from Eddie Medley within 30 secs of the restart raised hopes of a more controlled half of hockey, however, this was merely a prelude to Stokesley's forward line, midfield and defence (in fact the full XI plus bench) colluding to allow Hartlepool's attack to scythe through the middle of the sandpit like a hot knife through the proverbial margarine. Goals came thick and fast meaning your trusty reporter struggles to remember them all (not helped by two minutes on the naughty deck chair) but included a Matthew Breeze drag flick, Tom Atha with another tap in, and Jack Atha with "something"(?). The final whistle was welcomed by all, none more so the local stray cats who were delighted to have their litter tray back.
MoM was shared by Adam Derry with a good 1st XI debut, and Josh Alexander for being "less average [sic] than normal" while Josh was also a clear winner of DoD for neglecting to bring with him his bucket and spade which hampered entirely his ability to inject at Short Corners.
Three points on the board is an adequate consolation from the afternoon, with the boys excited by the prospect of a return to Fortress Macmillan (364 days and counting since the last home loss) for a double header next week.
PS. The post-game debrief saw all players aggregate the sand from their shoes. Stokesley HC are now delighted to announce that we will be diversifying from playing hockey by selling builders sand for the rest of the season. We hope to subsidise match fees for all players and are hoping to undercut Jewson's pricing by at least 20%. Potential customers should please contact Atha Developments by the usual methods.
Next game: Sunderland 1's Home (Saturday 7th October 2023, 12:00 push back)
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