Sidmouth HC Men's 1st XI 6, ECV Hornets A 1 This week Sidmouth took on the Exeter Hornets who were at the bottom of the league.

Sidmouth HC Men's 1st XI 6, ECV Hornets A 1This week Sidmouth took on the Exeter Hornets who were at the bottom of the league. With that in mind Sidmouth were feeling confident about the task ahead, whilst trying not to be complacent with Hornets boasting the fitness Sidmouth desired. Early play was shared between both sides and Sidmouth were starting to play some good hockey. A break from Sidmouth resulted in a short corner which has proved to be a good goal scoring opportunity of late. Calm and collected as usual, top goal scorer Paul Gannon stepped up to take his side into the lead. After looking confident, Hornets pounced on a loose ball and passed it around Sidmouth for a soft goal, leaving the defence puzzled as to how they made it look so easy. However this lapse of concentration spurred the home side on and they started to look more of a team. Andrew Mapson finished a good first half performance when he produced an uncharacteristic wonder strike into the corner of the Hornets' goal. There were commendable performances from the Sidmouth strike force of George Powell and Chris "the accumulator" Lewis both getting on the score sheet with a goal each. This was to Chris's relief as it was his first of the season. With Sidmouth looking strong despite the Hornets' resistance, the 1sts were confident the game was won. Bringing welcome pace to the Sidmouth game was young athlete Byron Fitzgerald, who impressed the fans with his impressive ball skills and non-stop pressure. He was rewarded with a deserved goal and is sure to be scoring more in the near future. With 10 minutes remaining the Hornets grew tired and frustrated. A strong tackle on a Sidmouth player left tempers running high and confrontational. The respective umpires deemed that this was a red card offence, sending both players off. With confusion over the possibly "harsh" decision, Sidmouth put the game to rest with another classic Gannon short corner. l This weekend Sidmouth travel to the home of PGSOB who are currently occupying the top of the table. With resident press officer Ian Brown being rested this week, there is a chance for Daniel Devine to regain his place in the 1st XI. All supporters welcome.