The Men's Blues have had a season of two halves, starting with 4 frustrating, narrow losses to kick things off in the league as the team was still coming to fruition. Amidst those losses, the team took a truly enjoyable culture trip to Bruges, for a mix of team bonding, hockey, boat touring and bar storming. This certainly improved morale, and the game ‘international smash or bounce’ proved to be an important stress reliever.
As the BUCS league started, results began to pick up, as losses turned into draws, and then draws turned into wins. The team felt strong approaching the Christmas period having found our mojo after having switched a well-known centre back in the club to play up front, as well as having a late South African addition to the squad which further strengthened the midfield. With the New Year came a training camp in Hampshire, which was a lot more hockey focussed than Bruges, with two games in two days against local national league teams. On the back of the form before Christmas as well as the hard work at the training camp, the Light Blues stormed into 2024, with an unbeaten streak in the league of 10 games in the lead up to varsity.
Unfortunately, we fell short on March 3rd in a tight battle that was decided by an unjust short corner in the last five minutes of the game. The boys picked themselves up from this gutting defeat at varsity to surge into the final few games of the season which were crucial in our bid for survival in the East Premier League. Due to the unprecedented relegation of 5 teams from our league, we were competing with some strong mid-table sides who suddenly found form in the final 4 games, unfortunately to our demise. The Blues were relegated on the fine margin of goal difference, so are looking forward to a big comeback season next year!
Olly Doggett – Captain
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