Date: Saturday 15th November 2008

West Division 1

Cheltenham Cougars v Bath

Venue: Cheltenham

Face: 14.00 hrs

Bath travelled up the M5 to the cocksure title challengers at Cheltenham. Both teams started brightly on the cricket outfield however it was Bath, attacking at the dry end first who had more luck. In fact this went with the run of the play with all but 2 goals being scored at the dry end. Confident Cheltenham, expecting the ‘old men’ of Bath were rather surprised by the bright and experienced attack and aggressive defence. In fact, Bath dominated the 1st quarter and Cheltenham looked in disarray – it seemed that last years’ title winners had the bull by the horns and were out to prove why they had the right be called the best team in West 1. In the 6 v 6 situation, Cheltenham’s defence looked stretched and certainly defended at quite a distance from goal. At the other end, the Bath D looked strong and put in some sweet challenges.

However, along came the quarter time and with it went Bath’s ability. The 2nd quarter was a mess, with a lot of penalties going against Bath and Cheltenham taking advantage. In fact, apart from 3 weak or lucky goals (lob/pass included – sorry guys!) Cheltenham’s goals only came in the man-up situation. At one point, Bath were down to a 4 man zone, the D went quiet, Cheltenham scored goals and heads went down. Disappointing quarter lost 5-1! At half time Doug Mackay, on a welcome return to the field of war from fatherhood, was the outspoken member and really encouraged the team ensuring that we hit the field guns blazing…..

And boy, Nick ‘Machine Gunner’ Cross was on target. With the teams having changed ends and Bath attacking in the dry he let rip with a magnificent outside shot that ripped apart the defence. Mike Carey, on tip toes deftly danced his way through the crowded crease area and scored an outstanding underarm ladies goal. Ken Murray was running brilliantly and mixing it up with Pete Cornelius and Doug scored an outstanding solo goal. In defence the 3 D men and LSM Tom Fewson looked much better. The communication was there and the calls of 1s and 2s could be heard as far away as Gloucester. The D seemed impenetrable and the clears were outstanding. Dom Bunning at face is looking very strong and I am sure Ken appreciated the breather too! An excellent quarter winning it 5-1 – a total reverse.

The final quarter was always going to be tense especially as we had to defend the easy scoring end. However, spirits and efforts did not dip and Cheltenham were kept out. Unfortunately, during one clear, a miss pass between Ken and Dan resulted in a Cheltenham knockdown and an easy goal. The second Cheltenham goal of the quarter came from a man up play. Bath had long periods of possession in attack but lost the ball after a very dubious stalling warning call from the referee. Fortunately, Cheltenham’s fast break did not result in a goal and the final whistle resulted in a draw. A fair result for both teams fighting it out at the top, but frustrating for Bath who felt that victory should have been their’s.

Captain’s MVP: Tom Fewson – excellent LSM work, really was good going forwards and back.

Quarter scores:

1st quarter Cheltenham 1:3 Bath

2nd quarter Cheltenham 5:1 Bath

3rd quarter Cheltenham 1:5 Bath

4th quarter Cheltenham 2:0 Bath

Final Score Cheltenham 9:9 Bath

Scorers

Doug Mackay 1

Ken Murray 2 (2)

Nck Cross 1 (2)

Matt Wellings 1 (1)

Simon Griffith 2

Pete Cornelius 1

Mike Carey 1



Referee

Andrew Dillon (Cheltenham)