After beating Witham 4s last time out, this week saw us making the trip to Witham to play their 5s.

The Old Boys welcomed a new father-son combination to the team with Leo and Will Lord making their 5th team debut.

The game got underway with both teams playing some good hockey and both having early efforts on goal. But it was Old Boys who opened the scoring with a well worked move that ended with the ball being struck firmly home by Alex leaving the Witham keeper with no chance of making the save.

The game continued with end to end play and Old Boys keeper Leo making some fine saves to ensure we went in to half time 1 goal to the good.

The 2nd half continued much the same as the first, however now the heavens had opened. Both teams continued to pass the ball around and play the game in good spirit but unfortunately it was Witham who struck next to level up the scores.

With only minutes left, Old Boys moved the ball up the left and found Will on the wing. He cut in passed his marker and raced into the D, managing to compose himself prior to unleashing a rocket into the bottom corner. A fantastic strike and one which would surely win the game for us.

Alas it was not meant to be, and with the Old Boys tiring having played the game with just the bare 11, Witham struck in the final seconds to level the game and ensure the points were shared.
We trudged off the pitch, soaked and deflated that we couldn't hold on for the win only to be faced with more disappointing - a sign informing us there was no hot water for the showers.

Despite the cold and wet finish to the day, the draw keeps us 3rd in the league and the youngsters continue to improve each week so still plenty to be positive about!

Match report - Mike Rapp
Men of the match - Will and Alex
Goals -Alex and Will