M6 vs Kettering 4

Goalscorers: Nigel Gadsby (2), Nigel Anns, Raphael, Maks, John Gordon, Geoff Gibbs

PotM: Kettering goalkeeper

Game 18 and we welcomed two new M6s debutants; John Gordon and Harry Chatwin. John is not such a new face having played M1s with Nigel Anns in the late 1990s but Harry is another off the Tuesday evening conveyor belt. We also welcomed his mum, Charlotte, to the M6 Ultras. It was good to see our bed blocking health tourist swelling the ranks of the Ultras too. Between them they made quite a noise and their support is always much appreciated.

Simon Aldous, now much better informed about the names of various body parts, offered to umpire and we were ready to play Kettering M4s; a team we all admire for the way they have approached this season despite clearly being in the wrong division.

The game itself was a bit of a mismatch but a good chance for the younger players to polish their skills and passing game. Nigel Gadsby somehow managed to avoid scoring a hat trick thanks to some outstanding saves from their 'keeper. At the other end, Harry had to content himself with a couple of touches when the ball went out (although there was one penalty corner to keep him on his toes). Maks scored his first goal in senior hockey and continues to develop as a player. We'd all love his pace and energy.

Bill Davidson failed to get on the scoresheet again but on the positive side, he wasn't carded this week. Perhaps being in Vietnam was a key factor?

As the game wore on the youngsters became more and more obsessed with shooting on their reverse side. In the end it was Geoff Gibbs who showed the way with an open sided push into the goal. Nothing fancy but just as much of a crowd pleaser and recorded for posterity on GMS.