Potters Bar succumb to 4-2 win over Sudbury

Missing only Graham Abrey (blocked chakras), a strong Bar outfit travelled to Suffolk in search of redemption. Sudbury is a market town on the River Stour, most famous for being the birthplace of notable artist Thomas Gainsborough. The same landscapes that inspired one artist in the 18th century, no doubt provoked thought in the 14 intrepid hockey players about the art they would be creating that afternoon at Great Cornard Sports Centre. However, it was Sudbury’s past as an airbase for American bombing raids in the Second World War that most mirrored how Bar began the match.

From the first passage of play Wing Commander Seaman launched a missile into the D that found an unMarked Turpin, who calmly slotted home. The dream start set the tone for a half that Potters Bar dominated through moving the ball quickly in attack and pressing hard in defence. A slick short corner routine saw Turps double his tally, while an accidental goal from a Ray Li push/flick and a scrappy short turned in by Seaman meant that Potters Bar found themselves up an unprecedented four goals to nil at halftime. Everything had gone right for them thus far, however Newton’s third law of motion did not fail to deliver.

From the first whistle blowing for the start of the second 35 minute passage, the impressive Sudbury response changed the momentum of the game. Furthermore, the Bar team struggled to match their first half intensity, with even mercurial and supremely handsome centre back Rory Kenney-Herbert being troubled by a number of divots in the pitch. A penalty flick, which could have been given away by almost anyone (although a knowledgeable spectator was quick to attribute the foul to someone called Roy), was slotted home by Sudbury. Potters Bar turned over a lot of possession trying to force proceedings, providing Sudbury with a good amount of ball to counter-attack with and another goal resulted. However, at 4-2 Potters Bar should get credit for continuing to fight like beavers, holding back the onslaught and creating opportunities. The incredibly talented and benevolent Miles Tomkins was able to provide Rory with a good deal on subs but was unlucky to have his attempt on goal blocked by his own foot, whilst Aaron Cornish was only denied by a deflection off the line hitting the bar. Whilst the second half performance did not match our great expectations, Potters Bar can walk away happy in the knowledge that: one we tried hard and two we’re still dear friends. They can take confidence going into the Hertfordshire Hoedown next week.

TFC: Rory Kenney-Herbert (haters always throw rocks at the stars that shine the brightest)

MVP: Ben White. Energetic in attack and defence; however he showed a dangerous amount of stick skill that will quickly be stamped out.

Match report by Rory Kenney-Herbert