1st XI : 20 Sep 2009 v Camberley & Farnborough
Wycombe HC through their first test of the Season
The second round of the EH cup pitted Wycombe Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI against Farnborough and Camberley, which ended in a one-sided match with Wycombe putting 15 goals in without reply. The day started off with a few sore muscles, with 9 of the squad having brought home the Bucks Cup the previous day, and also sore heads for some of the older team members, Gary Goodman looking particularly worse for wear. Wycombe fielded a strong team, mixing raw talented youngsters with some experienced older heads, including veteran defender Simon Bond.
From the start of the match Wycombe quickly dominated, showing determination to keep possession and clinical finishing in front of goal. With 15 goals going in, it’s hard to remember them all individually and do them justice. However, a few shocking misses were easier to recall; Jonny Maunder from barely a metre out and an open goal, Howard Sayers with a complete air-shot and Duncan Parnis with his second missed stroke of preseason. Another moment that spectators will be unlikely to forget soon involved Wycombe’s own comedy genius Gary Goodman. Receiving possession on the halfway line, Gary’s sense of balance seemed to desert him as he pirouetted with his back to goal, falling over like a donkey wearing ice-skates and presented the ball to the opposition striker who was clean through on goal. His blushes were somewhat spared after goalkeeper Ricky forced the attacker wide and covering defender Dan Chancellor completed the goal-line clearance.
Despite the comprehensive victory and strong performance, Wycombe should not be complacent ahead of the start of the new season. Ill-discipline remains an area for improvement. Presumably still thinking about his moment of inspiration in setting up a goal moments before, a lapse in concentration from Josh Mardell ended up in a high-speed tangle of legs and a yellow card. Pat Ashton also fell foul of the umpires, earning a 5 minute break for an agricultural tackle in front of his on-looking mum. However, early signs are looking promising for the men’s 1st XI and their assault on South Prem 2.