LX V Warlocks
at RAF Odiham on 19 February 2006 

LX magic leaves Warlocks spellbound (Score 5 – 1) 

The first win in 4 years against Warlocks could not have come in a more emphatic style. The LX team, a balance of youth and experience, completely outplayed the opposition with a display of controlled passing and unselfish hockey.
The first goal in the match was scored by Tom Darlington playing on the left wing for LX. A good cross from Rod Cochrane found him unmarked on the left and his crisp shot gave the goalkeeper no chance. The second LX goal was scored by John Davey who skilfully rounded the defender and kept his composure to slip the ball passed the keeper.
The first half ended with the score at 2-0 and we enjoyed the port, kindly provided by the Warlocks. There was little need for an LX team talk at half time as they were in complete control of the match. The left hand side of Tom Darlington, John Davey and Adrian Money had been particularly effective.
Warlocks rallied in the second half and put some useful attacks together, but could not stop LX scoring a third goal. Rod Cochrane, playing at inside right, collected the ball unmarked on the 25 yard line and had a clear run to goal, his cleanly hit shot beating the keeper on his right post. Tom Darlington scored the fourth from a yard out after some skilful work by Richard Clarke.
Warlocks eventually scored, but not before goalkeeper Barry Sewell had saved the initial shot, only to see the ball quickly switched to the left leaving him no time to recover to save the second shot. Barry went on to make a tremendous save later in the half to stop any late recovery.
Brian Woolcott put in some good crosses from the right wing during the match and rounded off an excellent game by scoring the fifth and final goal with a rasping shot that gave the keeper no chance.
David Cassell and Percy Steele had solid games in defence and Alan Jackson and David Robson were also on top form.
Warlocks played a man short for the whole match, but even with an extra player they would have been hard pressed to reverse the final result.

Thanks go to the umpires Roy and Yvonne who helped make this an enjoyable match. They both have an affinity with the players and in return get the respect they deserve.  

Thanks also go David Robson and Adrian Money who kindly stepped in at the last minute to replace David Gill and John Longdon who were carrying minor injuries. Both injured players said they would turn out if no replacements could be found. 

Last, but not least, thanks go to Warlocks Hockey Club for their hospitality and for selecting a team as near as possible to our average age. They may decide to use some younger players next year!  

LX Team: Barry Sewell, Percy Steele, David Cassell, Richard Clarke, Alan Jackson (Capt), John Davey, Brian Woolcott, Rod Cochrane, David Robson, Adrian Money, Tom Darlington. 

Reporter/Team Manager: Austyn Leaverland