Men 2XI vs North Devon 2

Saturday 11th November, a battle of the compass.

As two teams of opposing coasts stepped foot on the Mighty McCormick, a nervous umpire prepared the field. The two teams prepared in their own way, with Ocean City focussing on what proved to be a vital tool in the game ahead - short corners.

After a 1 minutes silence to honour Armistice and the sad passing of our much missed Tina, the game began. A culmination of of quick passing and silky off the ball movement found the OC side in the attacking D on the first play, with a short corner soon to follow as a result of miscalculated defending from North Devon. The practice in training and in the warm up before the game saw a push out from Toby Trickett (absolutely perfect) find Bev’s stick to stop for Mike atop the D. A prerehearsed slip right to George followed by his silky assist allowed Mike to finish the routine to award his first goal. (I think that’s right?)

As the minutes past, play continued in both directions, with the OCHC 2s learning from previous mistakes and keeping passes short and snappy; although North Devon were allowed through the middle quarters of the pitch multiple times, Martin found little employment in the net as noteworthy performances from all outfield allowed possession to be regained, even so, his commands from behind aided us all and undoubtedly helped the team throughout.

Many short corners and opportunities were up for grabs in the first half, although many passed with undesired results. However, one did make the dream come true. Changes in routine meant a startled North Devon side, with another goal for Mike from a Short Corner. (Again, I think that’s right?)

Half time. Lawyer Langrishe used his stern tone to quiet the team and deliver his half time talk. Short passes. Tricky transfers. Jelly babies.

The starting lineup stepped back across the white lines the rules bound us to. Oh my. It can’t be? BARN DOOR IS FREE AND IS SPRINTING TOWARDS THE BACK POST. Will he finally lift the curse that has been placed upon him for seasons past? …

GOAAALLLLLLLLLLLL. Beanie finally proves us all wrong and scores the tap in of his life. It was about bloody time! The team sets up again with much of the side shocked at the events that have just unfolded. We are underway again.

With a few superhero like slides with Tim to gain possession, the South seem to control the game against the North. ‘Short passes, tricky transfers, jelly babies’. All of the aforementioned aid OC in finding their way back to the attacking D once more. Keen ball carrying from…someone (I can’t remember maybe a Joe J-run?) allowed OC to gain a short. Was this before or after Spider’s lethal shot? Or Tim’s sky high reverse? Who knows! Who cares! The straight strike plan worked in Mike’s favour with a beauty of a bottom left corner to cement his second hatrick of the season.

4-0. A beautiful result against a well travelled team. But the final whistle had not been blown and Fish had not yet failed his umpire assessment. OC’s guard was down. Unfortunately in the dying embers of the game, North Devon found success in a short corner routine and removed the clean sheets we all hoped for.

An enjoyable game from start to finish, and what an enjoyable season it has been so far.

As D.O.G (and MOM) for today, I’d like to thank everyone in the 2s and our wider hockey family for a wonderful time, and I look forward to seeing you all on the summer league pitch next year.