This Saturday saw four friendly matches played as well as some rigorous training sessions being held. Each team had an opportunity to partake in some pre-season hockey before the start of the leagues next week.
Mens Ones
Mens Ones played at home against Tunbridge Wells at 12:00pm. The Crows battled throughout this game, using their speed and determination to fight for the ball. An excellent goal was scored by Will Prime but Tunbridge Wells clawed two back. What was a friendly game soon transformed into an intense one. Crowborough's equaliser came after the final whistle from a short corner. Will Prime once again fired the ball into the goal, causing mass celebration amongst the players and earning him the player of the match status. The game ended in a 2-2 draw with captain Matt Ott describing the event as a "great game with a good, friendly atmosphere".
Ladies Ones
Ladies Ones played away against Marden at 13:30pm. Unfortunately for the Crows, an own goal was scored early on which made it difficult for the ladies for the duration of the 70 minutes. In spite of this, the Ones rallied and fought their hardest to get back into the game. Making use of their wings and individual ball skills made them strong contenders. The ladies were able to score an amazing goal but it did not prove to be enough. The game ended in a 2-1 defeat which was a great score against such a tough opposition.
Ladies Twos
Ladies Twos played away against Burgess Hill at 10:30am. The match got off to a rocky start, the opposition scoring within the first few minutes. However, as the half went on, the Crows found their rhythm and were able to enter half time with the score at 2-0. Despite the hot weather and not having their regular team, the Twos were able to put up a good fight, consistently threatening with break-away play and spectacular long distance passing. At one point the team were forced to go down to 10 players due to a hamstring injury but this only made the teamwork stronger. Communication and marking got better towards the end of the game but unfortunately the opposition proved to be much fitter, scoring another 3 goals. The game ended in a 5-1 defeat with Fiona Von-Hinten gaining player of the match for her skilful goal and shear determination throughout the match.
Ladies Threes
Ladies Threes played away against Tunbridge Wells at 11:00am. The opposition were fast and focused, but Crowborough defenders did a fantastic job with Jess Ikeson making numerous impressive saves in goal. At half time the score was 1-0. The ladies rallied in the second half with Girls Youth Academy players Eve Taylor and Zoey Wood working hard up front. But with such an assertive opposition, attempts to level the score for Crowborough were scarce. The game ended as a 2-0 defeat. Player of the match went to Katie Shearn for her confident and consistent play on her last game for the club.
Training Sessions
Both the Men's side and the Youth Academy training sessions were well attended and focused on some much needed drills of which teams will hopefully come to demonstrate in the upcoming season. Being the week before the leagues start, all players put their all into their sessions and impressed the coaches significantly. This gives the club high expectations for the season to come!
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