A
fter an encouraging preseason
training game against
the OAs, we encountered a
Cheltenham side intent on
revenge for their loss the
year before. King's started
the match strongly and should have been 2-0
up, hitting the post and missing an open goal
opportunity. Having just returned from a twoweek
tour however, the opposition gradually
ground us down and we leaked goals too easily.
In a close-fought 1-1 battle with Queen's, Ben
de Figueiredo finished clinically after Thies
Boening had cleverly received an aerial pass
and fed him the ball. Queen's equalised with a
short corner though. Against Millfield it took
too long for the team to adjust to the pace of a
very strong side, but I'm glad to say we fought
hard in the second half.
Against Exeter we dominated for over 75% of
the match, but failing to convert even one of our
numerous short corner or open play chances
cost us dearly when Exeter scored a breakaway
goal. This form continued unfortunately against
Sherborne, and although Charlie Marr scored a
smart goal early on, we missed too many
opportunities, letting them off the hook.
A 2-2 draw with Canford was the result of an
outstanding team performance. Gritty defending
in the first half meant a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
But King's had to come from behind
twice with Ben de Figueiredo wobbling around
three players to set up James Scanlan for 'the
goal of the season'; James' second came from
a well-executed short corner move.
Easily the best performance of the season, King's
came alive against local rivals Taunton School.
Jos Buttler scored twice in open play, Mike Ellis
smashed two short corner strikes, and goals from
Thies Boening and Will McKegney completed the
rout. Overall this was a result to savour.
The loss of captain Tom Halliday due to broken
bones in his hand, (the second year in a row a
rugby injury has prevented him playing a
complete season), cost the team their midfield
general and major playmaker. After Taunton, the
last two games of the season were an anticlimax.
A highly motivated King's Bruton team put us
under early pressure, and too many unforced
errors cost us dearly. Going behind twice put us
on the back foot and although Charlie Marr and
Jos Buttler scored, it was too late. Away at
Clifton, quick forwards caused our rather
pedestrian looking defence too many problems,
and despite heroic saves from Harry Brimacombe,
we were two goals down after an hour. Another
typical wobble from Ben de Figueiredo set up Will
McKegney for a goal and the last five minutes
were tense, but it was too little too late.
In summary, two wins and two draws was not
good enough for this team. I expected more
from players who had already played for a
season at first team level; these players have
to lead the way. Nevertheless some new
players made significant progress like Thies
Boening, Henry Close, Charlie Marr, and in
particular Tom Le Gallais and James Scanlan.
Ben de Figueiredo's twisting runs created some
fine goals, but next season I want to see him
more dominant in midfield. Major colours were
awarded to Harry Brimacombe for his
outstanding saves in goal over the last two
seasons, and to Ed Walker who has probably
covered more ground than any other player in
his role as sweeper for the past two years.
Aluredian
70
Boys
Hockey
1st XI
by
David Cole