Boys U14s win one, lose one

The Nomads' boys U14s picked up their first win on Sunday with a good perfromance against hosts St Ives, and then went down in the second match against the visitors from Brentwood.

Both games were keenly competed. Against St Ives Nomads started well and with goals from Thomas, and a clutch from George, cruised into a comfortable lead with some great passing moves - an example being when nice linking play ended with Will setting up George for a simple tap-in.
St Ives though fought back well after the break and scored a couple themselves. For Nomads Harry completed his first goal for the club with a fine strike after advancing into the D from the right wing, and both Murray and Adam made their U14s debuts, Murray nearly scoring with his first involvement. Both did really well in stepping up from U12s hockey, Adam at the back with brother, Leo, and Murray a bundle of energy and skill on either midfield flank.
Juan, stylish in midfield, and Ben with solid tackling at the back, both made excellent contributions to the win. If only Juan could have stood up on the slippery St Ives pitch he would have been devastating. New astros for Christmas please Santa!
George then discovered 'the aerial' and after scoring with a neat lift over the keeper in the second half, proceeded to try it (not always successfully) at every opportunity.
The second match of the day was against a good Brentwood team. The first half was a very close and competitive game with some excellent hockey from both teams. George opened the scoring with his neat lifted finish before Brentwood scored 2 unanswered goals. Just before half time Will pulled Nomads back into the game with a fine reverse stick 'worldy' (his description) into the top right hand corner. To be fair it was quite good. 2-2 at the break and a close game.
In the 2nd half Nomads switched off a bit defensively for a period and Brentwood took full advantage to score a cluster of goals and decide the result. Somehow Nomads failed to register another goal despite a some really nice approach play, with the Brentwood keeper in fine form. One lovely, flowing, end-to end move from Leo at right back to Will on the wing and a drilled cross to Murray on the far post was somehow denied by said keeper, and the 2nd half ended scoreless for Nomads.
But a good day for the boys who played with great spirit and skill, and there was some lovely hockey at times. Special mention to Tristan who also played in goal for St Ives (against the very talented City Wolfson team) in between our 2 matches - so 2 hours of almost continuous hockey, and lots of practice!