Match Report

Match : 1st XI v Omagh
Date : 2003-02-01
Venue : H
Score : 0-0
Scorers :

By Stephen Swann

Surely the 1st XI could rack up a cricket score against a poor Omagh team? Well... unfortunately, not!

A patchy opening 10 minutes gave the onlooking spectators a glimpse of the lack of confidence that can grip the East Antrim 1st XI. But the subsequent hour of hockey was at times a joy to watch. Unfortunately, any joy would be overcome by anguish as chance after chance would be wasted in front of goal.

Without exaggeration, over 20 penalty corners were awarded to East Antrim - none were converted. The post was rattled twice, however.

There was significant joy to be had on the left-hand side of the pitch with Swann and Irwin linking sublimely at times. Burgess terrorised the Omagh defence and Currie was a menace in attack.

The central defense of Murphy and Hermon was solid and poor Johnny Hamill in nets had precious little to do.

But once again, it wasn't individual hockey playing performances that contrived to deprive the team of a home win. Instead it was a return to the attitude problems that had been so evident by their absence the week before.

One player had to be removed by the captain for speaking out of turn and another player received his marching orders from the umpire.

If anyone required evidence that the 1st XI are the most adept at self-destructing, then Saturday's performance was it. Having said that, it should be remembered that the majority of the team are giving 100%, have a good attitude and are respectful of the team captain. Typically for a Northern Ireland team, it is the actions of the few that are spoiling the game for the many!

J Hamill
A Murphy
P Fraser
D Menaul
M McDonald
D Caldwell
A Burgess (capt.)
P Irwin
N Hermon
L Currie
J Greer
S Swann

Me - Who Else?