Ramgarhia Slough1 v Milton Keynes Samurai

It was a perfect day for hockey, the sun was shining, both teams had 16 players and the home side were keen to end their home season with a win.

The home side started spritely, passing the ball well and pressing high up the pitch, chances were created and the first fell to Manmeet Birdi, who from the right hand side of the D swept the ball just wide of the post. Milton Keynes were full of runners in their team and we quick to break from defence into attack and took the lead after the ball lopped into the air and luckily fell to their forward who diverted the ball past the keeper- somewhat against the run of play.
Ramgarhia did not let this disturb their game and looking for the equaliser, found it through Veer Patel after rounding the keeper, practically from the being on the floor, to make it 1-1, a superb piece of play from the right half.
Milton Keynes continued to play a patient game and Ramgarhia could not find another goal to take the lead into half time. The second half saw the home side to get more opportunities and the score soon became 2-1 after a ruthless strike from Papu Athwal giving the keeper no chance. A short corner saw the score become 3-1 after Sardara Dhoot converted from a return pass from the set piece. Milton Keynes did not let their heads drop and made it 3-2 with around 10 minutes to go- they certainly felt they were back in the game and make it certainly nervy for the home side.
Ramgarhia were now pressing for a 4th and it arrived courtesy of Surjit Parwar who struck the ball from the top of the D and the ball just evading the keeper. The home side saw out the game for the win but credit must be given to the away side who played their part in a very good game.

Report by Manmeet Birdi.
Photos by Barry Hobday