Match Reports from 9th-10th April
Mens 1st/2nd XI 9-2 Rugby & EW
Goals: Tom Ashcroft (3), Dave Saunders (2), Grant Carlin (2), Christian Howard, Jamie Webb
On a baking day at Moulton College, Northampton Saints fielded a mish-mash side of 1st and 2nd team players, plus the guest appearance of former player Tom ‘Joe Cole’ Ashcroft.
The warm up was very relaxed, with most players trying to remember what a hockey stick is after a 2 week break! This relaxed atmosphere was clearly present when the game started as Saints carelessly gave away possession and nearly allowed Rugby an early goal.
Fortunately Saints regained their composure and exerted themselves on the game. This allowed them to storm into a 3 goal lead through goals from Tom Ashcroft (2) and Dave ‘I can take a short corner’ Saunders. In a comfortable position Saints switched off and allowed a Rugby reply. Northampton replied with 1 more before through to leave it 4-1 at the break.
The second half and after a sloppy 10 minutes, Saints upped the intensity again and as in the first half they scored 3 goals in quick succession. Ashcroft completed his hat-trick, whilst Grant Carlin scored 2 from close range. Once again Rugby pulled one back through some laid back defending before the final word was had by Saunders who finished off a swift counter-attack and a defleected Christian Howard strike.
MOTM: Tom Ashcroft
DOTD: Jamie Webb, stupidly got himself sin-binned.
Squad: Paul Madeley (GK), Pete Riches, Ben Stephenson, Ben Northedge, Ian Cooper, Matt Gausden, Jamie Webb, Athiq Thamby, Grant Carlin, Christian Howard, Dave Saunders, Tom Ashcroft
Mens 5/6thXI 1-3 Rugby & EW
Goals: Chris Easton
Imagine sharks with lasers shooting out their eyes, riding on dinosaurs dressed as pirates or ninjas. That is how cool the new look Mens 5s team was. Rugby and EW dressed as accountants lacked the cool factor but they made up for it flair. Two goals in the first half and one in the second was their offering.
Chris Easton was the goal scorer in the second half for the Saints with a lovely finish from some good driving play.
Girls U18s 2-1 Kettering U18s
Goals: Kate Clayson, Sophie Cattell
Northampton Saints under 18 ladies travelled to kettering in the hope of redeeming themselves after their last meeting ended in defeat. Saints bought a strong side with plenty of subs which was advantageous in the spring heatwave. The game started off with both sides on an even keel with plenty of chances blocked by strong defensive play. Saints broke away with a one goal lead when good passing movement stared by Lottie Tulley resulted in debutant Kate Clayson slotting one home, 1-0 saints. Kettering then turned on the attack, winning a number of penalty corners, only to be stopped by quick running out by Georgia Linnell and Leah Sanders. Half time came as a relief as both sides were feeling the effect of the heat.
A refreshed Saints side returned to the pitch for the second half. There were some great runs made by Courtney Thorpe, Rosie Barnes, Hayley Even-Smith, Ellie Bleech and another debutant Rachael Hill and this helped Saints to break away, with Sophie Cattell slotting home for Saints second goal. Kettering stepped up the pressure but for the good work from Alice Kilner, Anya Hartgroves and Ferne Sanders in midfield and Ella Forsyth, Steph Brennan and Georgia in defence maintained the score 2-0. However In the last 10 minutes Kettering responded by scoring a fantastic goal which even the skills of Emma Brennan as keeper, couldn’t save. The final score was 2-1 to Saints under the proud direction of Manager Tony Brennan and Captain Steph Brennan. It was a deserved win as the whole team worked really hard together.
Man of the match was awarded to Kate Clayson.
DOTD:went to Rachel Jones who spent more time on the floor than on her feet and is worried that the scars may not heal before black tie !!
You may get this a few times today as I’m having it issues!!!!!!!’!!!!!