The team were confident after a fantastic performance against Merchiston recently but the test for them was ….. could they maintain their performance levels? Ollie Benbow had fought his way into the squad and was captain for the day.

We started well, pressurising all over the pitch using our flanks to great effect. Max and Jamie where making breaks and whipping crosses in, Charles was darting between defenders with Archie sitting on the D ready to pounce on the loose ball. The GWC goal keeper was in outstanding form saving 5 shots within the first 5-6 minutes. Suddenly GWC broke quickly out of defense, their forwards nipping in behind our defenders and with a slick move they were in on goal……… Alex Lyall diving to his right made a wonderful save. Our defense re-grouped, with Ollie and Senuka working hard supported by Joseph, who managed to sweep the ball to safety. GWC then had a period of sustained pressure but Ollie was everywhere at the back, tackling, passing and intercepting. Thankfully having soaked up this pressure Joseph, Jamie and Archie managed to wrestled back the momentum and as the first quarter came to a close we broke down the pitch to score.

The 2^nd quarter was similar, with the game ebbing and flowing. We pressed GWC creating chance after chance but their goal keeper was excellent, then suddenly they broke out but our defense held firm scrambling back and clearing our lines. On the rare occasion they created a clear-cut chance Alex Lyall was a giant in goal repelling anything that came his way. We did extend our lead going into half time 2-0.

As the 3^rd quarter commenced we sat back allowing GWC to come on to us. Thankfully, Ollie was a dominant force snuffing out the GWC attacks before sliding the ball through to the likes of Jamie, Max, Archie or Charles to start our counter attacks. Ollie, Senuka and Joseph began to defend higher up the pitch with Archie and Joseph our midfield lynch pins moving the ball quicker to our attackers with one touch passing. This resulted in taking complete control of the game scoring another 2 goals giving us a 4-0 lead 2 of which had been scored by Charles Lilley.

The final quarter was a formality with “Cargi” enforcing our dominance and rarely out their GWC’s half. It was topped off with our 5^th and final goal. Charles Lilly pressed the GWC’s defense out wide, stealing the ball, beating a defender and scoring from a difficult angle for his hat-trick.

GWC played the game with a great spirit and were gracious in their defeat.

POM - Charles and Ollie.