This was an awesome performance and probably the best we have played for an entire match. We spoke on Monday and before the game about 7 things we were trying to work on. You did them all for 90% of the game. We also said in the changing room that we had played good hockey for halves of games but we wanted to put a whole game together.
We started off really strongly and shot past the post, forced a save and then Riley turned away to celebrate knocking in a cross before realising the ball had hit the post with the keeper well beaten. Jamie and Ethan got some good linking play going with Ed, Shak and jacob. jamie opened the scoring with a well placed shot from the left hand side of the circle. Riley made it 2-0 bundling the ball into the net from close range and Ethan added a third with a well struck effort.
The defence was working really hard and Jayson and Raj played really well to shut out their forwards and to clear our lines. Bunsi again was immense with some superbly timed tackles. Ethan got yellow carded for ten minutes for a moment of ill discipline. It is never a good idea to retaliate - even if you feel provoked.
At half time we remembered what happened last time we faced Raphael when we gave up a 2 goal lead in the first half of the season. We said that if they scored we would not let our heads go down but would try to hit straight back.
They were awarded a ludicrous penalty corner from a great tackle by Bunsi which they converted well. From the restart Jamie dribbled passed to Ethan who bustled his way forward and restored our three goal cushion 30 seconds after we had lost it. This was probably the key moment in the game. Ethan completed his hat trick with second phase possession from a PC. Jack had been doing some good passes and near the end found Rupert unmarked in their circle. Rupert showed great control, dragged it away from the keeper and tucked it beautifully into the corner. It was a really nicely taken goal and was the icing on the cake for us. Rupert will be starting on Thursday against Scots (in his more usual position). They had a number of attacks but the defence were up to the task and Tom had a great game with good saves in both halves and some fantastic clears.
You all played really well today. It was not just the result but the way you played. It was a great game to watch and the crowd were buzzing at some of your play. Their coach and players both commented on how much they thought you had improved since the last time we played them. It was great to see you stepping up, supporting each other and putting some great play together.
Players of the day were Finn who worked really hard, kept Denzel out of the game and made some incisive passes and Jamie who did a lot of work off the ball and did some clever linking. Having said that you were all stars today! I also want to make special mention of Rupert's exemplary attitude on the bench and his goal was the least he deserved today.
To come out and dominate against a team that finished second in the grading round with the biggest margin of victory in the league so far was immense. It has also helped our goal difference and more or less assured us of a place in the semi finals.
Well done team - your coaches, manager and parents are proud of you!
Match Result: Wellington College Under 15A: 6 - Raphael House 1st XI: 1
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