Jug-Avoidance Hinsley Dreams of What could Have Been

Men’s 2 travelled away to Ashby 1s for what would prove to be a fruitful afternoon, that ended just a bit too soon! A sunny spring day greeted a newly relayed pitch at Ivanhoe College, setting the scene well; paired with this was a subtle system change for the 2s by Player-Coach Jack Zoers-Benstead with a few notable absences from the roster.

Establishing a good presence in the first quarter of the game, Saints created multiple good opportunities in the final third, but unfortunately these led to nothing. Sustained pressure from Ashby in midfield led to two quick goals; one through a penalty corner goal and the other through a nicely executed tip in. Half time score: 2-0 to Ashby

After a thorough half time team talk lead by Jack Zoers-Benstead, Athiq Thamby and Nicolo Anserini, and ending with words of great inspiration from Veteran Steve Morris, "Come on gents, this game is fully for the taking!", the Men’s 2s set to work in the second half.

Jon Seddon secured a penalty stroke only four minutes into the second half, which was swiftly slotted home by the in-form Scott Hinsley - the momentum had turned. Saints threw wave after wave of attacks at Ashby's midfield and back line, to no avail. The threat of Ashby was still at large with individual skill and long through balls giving Saints’ back three problems, but proving strong with the excellent communication of Italian GK, Nicolo Anserini, between the posts. Scott Hinsley secured his second of the afternoon to draw level 54 minutes into the game - Ashby were up against the wall. A goal line clearance from Ashby during a Saints PC gave a flash of what could have been but was cast to the side-line before any Saints players could make it.

The umpires' stopwatches would cut the afternoon short for the Men’s 2s in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and had there been another five minutes to the game, the team feel they may have been en-route back to #FortMoulton with three points instead of just the one. However, a point away from home from a losing position at half time gives the Men’s 2s a good gap from the bottom two in the league. Excellent umpiring by the officials and hosted well at The White Hart pub post game.

MOTM: Harry Fidler
DOTD: Hamish French

Ladies 5s drew 1-1 with Long Buckby 5s on Saturday. Saints dominated the early part of the game with some great passes and off the ball movement, but unfortunately, Buckby scored against the run of play. This didn't deter the young Saints team however, and Hattie K & Charlotte showed super leadership qualities as Saints continued to boss the opposition.
Saints eventually equalised with a short corner strike from Hattie K. A really strong performance from a young side who just get better every week.

Player of the match - Bethany.

Team: Charley, Poppy, Bethany, Izzy B, Charlotte,  Katie, Hattie K, Khushi, Kate (capt), Rose, Aggie, Emma, Jess B.

Mens 3s avoided a potential banana-skin with a comfortable 6-0 win in what could have been a tricky away fixture against bottom club Coalville 2s. Four goals from MoM Lloydy put the result beyond doubt with Wyn and Chappers contributing one each. Critical games await with the last two fixtures of the season determining how the top three teams in the league will line up.

Ladies 3s lost 5-0 to Long Buckby who are second in the league. Saints kept the opposition at 0-0 at half time with twelve players but unfortunately they had more fresh legs and slipped some goals passed us. MoM was goalkeeper Isabella Hankins.

Ladies 2s lost away to Warwick 4-1. Some say the umpire was overheard saying, "I don’t know the rules"…it was going to be a long day. But the girls played well and were able to  change the shape to counteract the Warwick press, which was really pleasing to see. Saints kept trying the do the right thing in the face of adversity, despite the defeat, which for such a young team was great.

Ladies 4s were away to Wellingborough 1s who currently sit top of the league. Saints lost   5-0 but there was plenty of fight and a couple of breaks into their 25.

Men’s 4s were at home to local rivals Rugby & EW.  A must win game and unfortunately Saints didn’t get off to a good start, as Rugby had a dominating spell scoring three goals. The visitors finished the first half strongly though, with a number of short corners and narrowly missing a goal. Following a tough half time team talk, Saints raised their game and scored two goals. 2-3 the final score and fight continues to avoid relegation.