University takes down reigning champions
University 2
Carlton-Redcliffs 0
UC Hockey’s Premier men have clinched a grand win over tough foes Carlton Redcliffs. Although both sides remained without a score at halftime, 2 quick goals in the dying minutes saw University’s top team secure a strong win in the second round of this year’s Porritt Cup.
The game was obviously going to be a thriller: the first shot came within two minutes as a backhand strike from near the top of the circle went screaming towards the roof of the goal, narrowly prevented by a well-timed save. But the way forward was not simple or easy; both teams struggled for possession and territory throughout the 70 minutes, each making gains only to turn over the ball at the last second. Those that did make it into the circle went invariably unrewarded, as fierce tackling and strong defensive formations — and often more than a little luck — prevented the ball from crossing either goalkeeper’s line.
Several early chances were missed by both teams, with University building up attack after attack, only to lose control or give away the ball right at the circle’s edge. Carlton in contrast, seemed to hold the ball for too long, letting it slip from their grasp after one touch too many as sticks flailed around them. The well-paced play was quite evenly spread along and across the field, each team often switching the ball or bringing it through the centre, dropping it back and pushing through the gaps, or simply throwing it well overhead and far down field.
The game was tense, as evidenced by the high rate of physicality and the abnormal number of unforced errors; it was not just a few occasions that a mistimed pass was plainly intercepted or a bouncing ball mistrapped and sent over the sideline.
It was not until around the hour mark that, following several solo incursions into the opponent’s 23-metre-zone, did the forwards find one another in space. A pair of long through balls provided the chance of a close unguarded flick between the posts, stopped only by the black netting of the goal. A cheer from the sidelines greeted the umpire’s enthusiastic whistle, and University were in front. Mere minutes later, another striking ball was passed forward and sent speedily on its way into the danger area to receive a deft touch onwards, beating the Carlton keeper and finally meeting the backboard with a gentle knock. The now-buoyant supporters were almost certain of a win.
But Carlton was not to give up yet, nor had the watch run down to zero. The following moments were intense, as the redshirts mounted their final assault, with several opportunities — including one reverse stick shot at an open goal from wide left, which was deflected by another attacker into the wrong side of the goal by much less than any defender feels comfortable with — narrowly dodged to maintain the clean sheet. The University goalkeeper, who earlier prevented maroon blood being drawn first, through a marvellous charge and two later close challenges, was well assisted by the backs and half-line. At times it appeared as though a wall of sticks had been built inside the circle, as each player stood their ground and trusted their teammates to be there with them. Overall, the match was an excellent display of teamwork and discipline and skill, in sharp contrast to the whitewashed Lincoln series, and the first Cup match that saw Selwyn taking 5 goals with no reply.
Although the umpires’ discipline could have been somewhat tighter earlier on (a single green card was given late in the second half for hacking, despite being a lighter foul than several others) and several penalties were awarded when perhaps the advantage could have been played, in the end both were commendable in managing a very close game without cracking to the pressure, and always had the correct decision ready when it came to the vital and potentially match-changing calls.
We pass on our congratulations to the team, many of whom enjoyed a well-deserved drink or two dozen afterwards at the Prez’ Shout, and look forward to reporting on more glorious victories as the season progresses. University’s round 3 match takes place on Saturday April 2nd at midday; they will play at Marist Park against Harewood. It goes without saying that supporters would be greatly appreciated.
