With the return of superstars Newcombe and McColl MK fielded a strong team and looked to build on the student bashing from the previous week. MK knew they were in for a considerably tougher test this weekend against an experienced Henley team who play a very organised zone/colander and have large amounts of old school ‘tap’.

The first half proved to be a tight affair with both teams enjoying periods of ‘high pressure’. MK won a PC when the ball hit a Henley foot at least 2 meters inside the circle. It was a Murtagh drag push tipped in by McColl (the angry one) that broke the deadlock. Shortly after McCoil (the other one) appearing to still be a little ‘off-piste’, uncharacteristically miss trapping a ball in the circle leading to a Henley PC. However, excellent résistance from the MK stopper Gagé kept the boat boys at bay. Towards the end of the half MK started to handle the ball better with midfielders Newcombe, Murtagh, Ruuuuuse, Anderson (the lanky one) and Aussie import Stone (who importantly fulfills South Premier regulation 4.1.7 - ensuring that each team in the league has at least one overrated Australian) starting to exploit the gaps in the Henley defensive zone.

Henley very much in the game as they headed into the sheds at half-time.

Half-time – 1-0

The second half started with MK soaking up more Henley pressure than Murtagh was factor 50. Excellent work by the MK defensive unit of Anderson, Craig, Pettefer, Page and Cooper led to an MK break away, McColl showing some great composure at the back post to net his second. The effects of Henley’s half-time Pimms then really started to show with MK scoring two quick goals. The first came from an excellent delivered Murtagh cross that was tucked away at short range by ‘Goody Two Shoes’ Ruse who ensured his stick was on the ground and his feet were at 45 degrees. Then came goal of the game, McColl (who must have hit a mogul) delivered an inch perfect diving reverse stick cross put away by the prolific Goalson with a diving tip in. The Henley boys then took charge of the second half, some excellent pressure led to 3 quick goals to put the visitors well and truly back in the game. It was with 10 min to go that MK finally sunk Henley. Some great work from Dodd generated an MK PC, up stepped Murtagh to fire the ball home. 5-3 MK.

Coachdad demonstrated how happy he was with the win by joining us for shower beers post game.

DOD – Newcombe
MOM – Ruuuuuuse (Although there were many honourable mentions)

Match details

Match date

Sat 12 Mar 2016

Kickoff

12:30

Meet time

11:15

Competition

Division 1

Team overview