Having not played a league game since November, the under 14 boys were keen to use the skills and tactics they’ve been learning at training against a strong Marden side.
Ops started well with excellent structure and ball movement. They were rewarded shortly into the first quarter, when a lovely passage of play found Jasper driving the ball forwards and giving Harry the opportunity for a first time reverse strike. The second goal followed soon after, also from some excellent lead up play, to allow Harry to lob the keeper to make it 2-0 at quarter time. Although the intensity dropped slightly, the boys absorbed any attack from Marden and continue to press forward well. The third goal came just before half time with a straight strike from Jasper following a short corner. Marden increased the tempo in the second half, there was some excellent defending and a fantastic one on one save by keeper, Will, however a breakthrough ball allowed Marden to get a goal back. Ops then stepped it back up a gear, and another short corner lead to Alfie stepping on a rebound to make it 4-1.
In the final quarter, ops really showed their progress and fitness and continued moving the ball around and making excellent leads, this play led to a goal for Daniel. An excellent team performance and result. A special coaches mention to Taylor and Daniel who played their best game of hockey this season.