University crumbles in third round clash

University 0
Harewood 4

Despite early opportunities and some strong team hockey, University’s CPL team has been defeated by Harewood with a four-goal deficit.

Within 10 minutes the men in maroon had made two forays into the circle; one was forced across the backline while another, shot from the top, was allowed to fly harmlessly over the crossbar. The boys in blue had done much the same in that time, with several good tackles between Harewood and the scoresheet.

University’s luck turned under continuous pressure, as first one and then another of their players were green carded (#5 in 10′ - poor tackle/hacking; #9 in 15′ – not retreating 5 metres) and within minutes of the latter, the opponents had broken the line. A forward obtained enough time for a low reverse shot, which despite the goalkeeper’s best reach, met the bottom corner of the goal.

From then on, it was largely a backfoot effort, as University repulsed multiple attacks with barely any possession or territory for the rest of the half. The large amount of pressing play and time spent with the ball in our defensive 23-metre-zone paid off for Harewood, though: with around 10 minute to go before the midway respite, a through ball was sent between the sparse defenders to a breakaway, who although failing in his challenge of the rushing goalkeeper, managed to maintain the ball for his team to have another shot on the open goal.

After the restart allowed the team to regroup, progress began, with several stronger attacks made their way into the other half, and even the circle at times. One Harewood defender was given his own green card for a severe hack during one such movement, however the few chances could not be converted into anything substantial.

But after a rousing halftime team discussion, the play was much more even. Spirits were obviously high as a replenished University returned to the offensive. University continued to make way with the balance of play resting much closer to the halfway line, multiple chances created by both teams. It was unfortunate that University could not capitalise on their own while permitting Harewood to do so, conceding 2 further goals in the last 10 minutes of the match.

In spite of the result, there were several very positive aspects of University’s performance: the tenacious tackling and marking of the defenders was one; the several piercing through-balls and sharp leading of the forwards was another. 
Unfortunately, such positives were not enough to outweigh the missed opportunities up front, a negative factor that was in no way aided by the conceding of soft goals, poor trapping, and the overall failure of the dangerous midfield diamond to impact positively on the game. Nevertheless, the team is confident they will bounce back for next week’s championship opener

This week’s umpiring was a little less consistent than previous weeks; one aspect exemplifying this was the ruling of obstruction, where one University forward was called out for making the same move, permitted dozens of times earlier for Harewood attackers. “5 metres” also seemed quite arbitrary, with Harewood defenders waiting suspiciously close to University free hits, although this was later addressed during the match.
The early green cards shut down any significant breaches later on in the game, which is rare enough in most Canterbury hockey to be remarked positively about. But overall, one would have expected slightly better officiating than was seen from umpires who are obviously capable and experienced. It remains to be said, however, that no matter how good or bad the umpire, a team won’t win without scoring their goals and keeping out the opponents’, and it would be vastly unfair to place any blame on the officials.

The absence of temporary coach Martin Single was apparent on the sidelines, as he was called to Napier and could not attend the match, after his mother had a stroke recently. The thoughts and concern of the team and our wider club are with Marty and his family at this time.

This week’s game concludes the Porritt Cup until later in the season. University waits with only 3 points gained from their win over Carlton-Redcliffs, and rest above Avon on the table’s fifth place (third-equal on points, fifth on goal-differential). The CPL Men’s Championship will take over for the next ten weeks.
University’s first match of the main competition is against Selwyn at 2:15pm, Saturday 9th April at Marist Park. Supporters are encouraged to attend and help their club get the campaign under way.