Nomads II's succeed where Kiwi's failed

When everyone sat down to their TV's this morning they were probably elated and surprised to see England take the lead in the Rugby World Cup Semi Final against New Zealand. Once the excitement had died down there was probably some level of expectation that New Zealand would not only come back but would also win the test match and claim a place in the World Cup Final next week.

There was probably the same level of expectation when Nomads went 1-0 down at about a quarter to one later that day. The home team back in their blue shirts, after another unsuccessful outing in the orange the week before, were the dominant team. They moved the ball at good pace and created several chances and kept Bourne Deeping in their own half. And then half way through the first half with Deeping's first venture into the D they scored with a nicely taken finish from the left hand side.

This changed the momentum for the next ten minutes of the game. Bourne Deeping were now the team moving the ball at pace and looking the more likely team to score, the Nomads team looking to someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and make things right. This someone was young Alex Maynard. Another recruit from the purple force that is the Perse Hockey "Academy", Alex came off the bench and ran with purpose at the heart of the defence. He eventually created the first goal where Alex Mutucumarana led from deep to get a deflection on his reverse stick side to sneak his first league goal of the season past the keeper.

Alex Maynard then set up the second goal a few minutes later with another purposeful run that led to a pass to Mel Ragnauth whose first touch took the defender out of contention and put the keeper on the wrong foot, as his second touch was a searing strike across the keeper and into the goal on the far post. There was no doubt that he was going to hit it after passing the ball the week before and coming away empty handed.Seconds later the half time whistle went. 2-1 at half time to the home side.

The second half started well for the home side. A now organised group were regularly turning the ball over in the attacking third and creating chances. Arthur Meadows new role at left half saw an opportunity to get higher up the pitch and fired a thunderbolt into the centre spot requiring a slight deflection from Paul Matthews to extend the lead further. Success continued to come down the left hand side as Mel got a chance for a brace; a nice move seeing Mel in the heart of the D with the keeper coming off his line. Mel lift the ball beautifully over the keeper. The ball came crashing off the cross bar and fell to Paul Matthews a few metres from goal. Surely he would get a brace! He hits the post and Bourne Deeping clear and stay in the contest by the skin of their teeth.

Moments later Julian West found himself at the top of the D and fired into the top corner. Certainly a contender for goal of the day and all but finished Bourne Deeping's hopes of leaving with any points.

There was still some drama as the tall (it has to be said) midfielder for Bourne Deeping questioned the height and intelligence of our very own Rick Mort. This was missed by both umpires, but Rick's reaction was not. He found the nearest player with the ball, clattered him and then went to find the original culprit (who later smashed a ball at Mort from point blank range) to "discuss" the incident. A card awarded for Nomads. Bourne Deeping evened things up with a couple of green cards for an accumulation of offences moments later!

So Nomads came from behind to win 4-1. Something England did not let New Zealand do earlier that day. Some amazing defence kept the Kiwi's at bay. And the defensive work of Ellis Maloney and Leo Fox did not go unnoticed too. It's often the work off the ball that can be the difference between winning and losing a game of any sport. That work nearly earned these two man of the match, and the same could be said for Mel and Julian. But Alex Maynard was awarded man of the match on debut for changing the fortunes of the home side.

George Toff can be conceded lucky for not winning DOD given he did not turn up! Rick took the honour in his absence.

Get your paper work in early for next Saturday (2 Nov):

9am: World Cup Final: England Vs South Africa at the Sir Isaac Newton
12.30: 2's Vs Cambridge City 5's
8pm: Pub Golf starting at the Burleigh Arms

Set your availability for the Xmas dinner (Saturday 7 December) while you are click "I am available/I am attending" for next Saturday.