In a nail-biting rematch against King Edwards, the Friary U18’s hockey team delivered an exhilarating performance that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The game was truly fuelled by the unwavering support of the fans, creating an electric atmosphere on the pitch.
Right from the opening whistle, Friary displayed their eagerness to dominate, applying immediate pressure to King Edwards’ defence. The excitement reached its peak when the debutant, Josh Hunt (Y7), showcased his skills with a sneaky pass and delivered a blinder reverse stick shot, leaving the opposition’s goalkeeper stranded on the line.
However, King Edwards fought back with quick runs through the Friary central midfield, managing to score past Friary’s experienced goalie, Josh Douglas-Boisson. The first half ended with the teams tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
As the teams returned to the field, Friary was determined to get ahead. Josh Hunt, once again, proved to be a formidable force, scoring Friary’s second goal of the match with another exceptional reverse stick shot, leaving the opposition with no chance of saving it.
With strategic substitutions, Friary battled hard and earned a crucial short corner. Gareth Hunt seized the opportunity, striking the ball to the far post, but unfortunately, it was too quick for Sam Willis to put away. Despite Friary’s eagerness to secure the win, King Edwards, in the last minutes of the game, managed to slot the ball home, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Nonetheless, the Friary U18s celebrated the hard-fought draw as a significant improvement from their last match which had ended in a loss. The player of the match award was rightfully bestowed upon Josh Hunt (Y7) for his exceptional performance and extraordinary goals that played a pivotal role in securing the well-deserved draw.
Kim Fallows, team coach, said: “The Friary U18’s can take pride in their remarkable display of skill, teamwork, and determination, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.”
