Away win for monarchs

A long trip to Wallingford HC, was Sunday’s fixture for the Monarchs. The match started with a 2:45pm PB. Both teams fielded a full team with additional subs. Wallingford started the match well and were quickly on the attack. They had a good press on the Monarchs’ defense but with Randy and James using their experience, they managed to move the ball up from the back up to mid-field.

The Monarchs were finding their passing and the ball was played quickly through midfield and into attack, where Jack chased down a through ball and had a good shot on goal, but it was saved well by the goalie.

Wallingford were back on the attack and used their wide men well, with lots of young wingers sprinting down the wide channels towards Max playing at right back – who cut out the attacks and Nick on the left did the same.

As the first half went on, the Monarchs began to take control of the game. Clint and Mark linked up effectively in the middle of the pitch and Mark sent a good ball through to Viren, who was in the Wallingford ‘D’. There was no stopping Viren’s clean strike.
0:1 to the Monarchs.

The second half started the same as the first, Wallingford pushed hard for the equalizer, but the Monarchs’ defense and Tyler’s saves stopped any real chances. The Monarchs were back in the Wallingford ‘D’ and won a short corner. A good shot from Clint was saved by the goalie but Chris O neatly converted the rebound: 0:2 to the Monarchs.

With a 2-goal lead, the Monarchs were playing with confidence and energy. Wallingford tried hard to get a goal but again a strong defense kept them from scoring.

The Monarchs were starting to find plenty of space in the middle of the pitch and a pass from James to Clint then onto Viren, saw Viren run onto goal – only to be taken out by the goalie. Another short corner, this time Viren had his shot saved – but Tom calmly finished off the rebound. 0:3 to Monarchs.

As the game came towards the end, Wallingford again pressed for a goal but again the defense of Max, Randy, James and Nick kept them out.

The game finished 0:3 to the Monarchs. A great away win and another all round team performance.

Man of the match: James Bailey
Match report: Max Owens