Aard-match

 

MATCH REPORTS (and to save me time Previews)

 

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Date:

22/10/05

Season:

14

Match Number:

269

Competition:

Division 3

Venue:

Groby C.C.

Start Time:

13:00

Home:

Aardvarks

 

2

Away:

SystonTown

 

2

Aardvarks Special Events

100th Appearance for Alister Bates (who captained the team)

38th Goal for Carl Jennings, moving him to the all-time second position for goalscorers

Aardvarks Goals:

Carl Jennings (2);

Squad                                                        

Jayne Barrs; Ruth Jones; Susan Clemence; Kate Shaw;  Rachael Fuller; Julia Leake

Jonah; Andy James; Luke Meakin; Carl Jennings;  Alister Bates(Captain); Dave Downton; Martin Leake

In the Crowd

Pete Meakin;

22 October 2005                                                                                                          

 

BATES SECURES 100TH CAP WHILE THE AARDVARKS DRAW AGAIN

 

The latest Aardvarks outing saw the visit of Syston Town.  It turned out to be a highly competitive and hard fought match with honours ultimately shared at the end.  Jonah kept up traditions by firstly giving an uplifting team talk (emphasis on TEAM play) and then passing the Captains armband to the latest member of the Centurion Club, Alister Bates.  Alister’s pre match comments were simple… ‘Just win!’

 

The match itself started with a lively showing from the Aardvarks.  Some excellent short, sharp passing between Martin Leake, Alister Bates and Andy James resulted in a couple of half chances and Andy James forced a good stop from Syston’s keeper from a penalty corner.  The early pressure finally paid off when Syston lost possession in their own half allowing Martin Leake to lay the ball off for Carl Jennings to score – 1 – 0.

 

Syston’s main threat came through their number 9, a young guy with plenty of skill.  After a solid start by the Aardvarks defence, one of Syston’s few first half chances resulted in a goal.  Not surprisingly, it came from a break from their number 9 who managed to hold off three challenges before putting a quality reverse sweep shot into the corner of the goal – 1 – 1.

 

More uplifting team comments at half time resulted in a rejuvenated Aardvarks in the second half which was only too well as Syston were now well up for it!  The second half was more even than the first with some end to end action from both teams with plenty of chances created.  Syston had the first of these after a penalty corner led to a much needed foot block from Andy James on the line.  The umpire was quick to award a penalty flick but Jayne Barrs made an excellent save to keep the scores level.

 

Some excellent driving runs from Dave Downton resulted in the third goal of the match when one of his shots broke to Carl Jennings for him to score – 2 – 1.

 

With not much time left on the clock Aardvarks hearts were broken again when the Syston number 9 produced another bit of individual skill to set up an easy tap in for one of his colleagues – 2 – 2.

 

On reflection it was a fair result to a game played in good spirit.  Another good team performance from the Aardvarks although special mention should go to Rachael Fuller playing a full match in midfield for the first time and having an excellent game.  Well done Rachael!

 

 

 

 

Report by Carl Jennings

 

 

Aardvarks Mixed Hockey Club 2005