The first frost of the season saw Thame 2s welcome Berko 3s on a questionable morning for hockey. The Fine weather and no small amount of blind optimism saw the game start tentatively on a firm but just manageable pitch but soon things heated up and a fine day for hockey was had.

We came out a bit sluggish, the cold taking some time to shrug off but a first half saw a direct route taken, sometimes in want of the easy ball, but short corners were one, shots taken and at three goal line scrambles Mitch was there to tidy up to make it 3-0 at the break.

Soon into the second half another scramble commenced and our terrier at the front, his hunger for goals not yet satisfied, fought in another. The pressure held and energy levels stepped up, some fine play around the back, Max having another sterling performance and Jamie hitting the ball somewhat disproportionately hard, presumably due to some poor potato delivery or other slight at work... The pressure continued and Dan slotted in a drag to the top(ish) corner from a short 5-0. Berko had their chances and some good counter attacking throughout plus a sustained presence in the D for 5 minutes created some chances but the wall in goal and stalwart defence weathered these storms and they would soon pass. One more finish from Adam crowned the game but I think I was looking for a snack at the time so afraid I can’t embellish that one.

Dan pulling off some cynical play managed to stifle one of said counters and found himself sitting out 2 minutes probably needing the rest. Even with this we found an oldie but a goody and ever firm favourite for DOD in Scotty Sandle for his exasperation at one handed hockey being so vocally and eloquently expressed before proceeding to wheel a stick around like someone lost from the polo field and slipped into a hockey game.

MOM to Mitch who after 2 games seems to have been a grand signing for the club!