A strong start from Bristol & West's 2nd XI, sees them pick up 4 points from the opening two matches of the 2021/22 campaign.
25th September
Gwent [3-3] Bristol 7 West 2s
Report by Josh De Witt
Bristol & West A roared into the 2020/21 season, holding Gwent to a 3-3 all draw in the principality.
Setting the pace early, Bristol’s high pressure pushed the Gwent team into some early errors forcing straying passes and turnovers.
Bristol and West capitalised on these errors early and sprang into a 2-0 lead thanks to a quick fire double from Alex Law.
As the match wore on Gwent began to grow into the game, winning ‘clever’ fouls in the middle of the pitch.
They began to turn this into territory and began excerpting pressure on the Winterbourne side. Trying the patience of Bristol, wild tackles began swinging and a number of shorts were awarded to Gwent.
Bristol & West defended impressively but eventually the wall gave and two short corner routines found their way into the goal despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Wayne.
The onslaught continued as, short after short was heroically defended by the side but B&W found themselves 3-2 down running into the final 15 minutes. Things turned from bad to worse as another ‘clever’ foul led to a yellow card for Arthur.
Enraged by the injustice, Bristol & West stood tall and fought back, getting themselves back into the game.
Short corners continued to rain down on the Bristol & West D, but a fired up Wayne and co kept Gwent at bay.
Inspired by the pure doggedness of the short corner 5, Bristol & West began putting their own pressure on and gained momentum, creating several chances in and around the D.
B&W kept Gwent camped in their own 25 for large periods at the end of the game but were still looking for a moment of magic. A fresh legged Arthur supplied just that!
Picking the ball up on opposition 25 he skipped past two hapless welsh defenders before dragging the ball onto his reverse and slamming home the equaliser.
Despite late pressure, B&W couldn’t find the winner, but the character to defend 18 shorts and come back to win will stand them in good stead for the season.
Result: 3-3
Scorers: Alex Law (2), Arthur Graham
Cards: Arthur Graham 🟨
MoM: Alex Law for an excellent goalscoring display
DoD: Josh De Witt - see below!
2nd October
Bristol & West 2s [5-1] Cardiff & Met
Report by Andy McKay
The 2s continued a good start to the season at home to Cardiff and Met 3s
We made a solid start to the match, adding early goals through Jonny Hall, Phil Brown (SC) and Ed Ledger. After a good opening 15-20mins, Cardiff and Met began to exert some pressure, which the defence ably absorbed to take us into the break 3-0 up.
After the break Cardiff continued to apply pressure to the back line, and the game became scrappy. But a 4th goal added by Ed enabled B&W to grab the reins again, and we added a 5th with a fabulous move from defence to attack, where the Cardiff and Met side was torn to shreds by swift fast counter-attacking hockey, with Dave Vernon finishing what was by far our best move of the game.
A late scramble in the D meant we didn’t quite walk away with the clean sheet we deserved, which left Andy “Bruce” McKay incredibly green and angry (you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry) - resulting in a well deserved DoD award.
But overall a good display from the 2s and we march on to next weeks fixture against Bridgend.
Result: 5-1
Scorers: Jonny Hall, Phil Brown, Ed Ledger (2), Dave Vernon
Cards: none
MoM: Arthur - excellent defensive display and composure on the ball
DoD: Bruce McKay - angry brummy
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