We played against Newent this week. They had a very strong side last year and have now lost a number of their senior lads, but then we are also in a process of developing a new squad as well.

They were unable to field a fully compliant Badgers team so they ended up with 5 adults on the field. The match was played in excellent spirit and reflects the positive experience of Badgers Hockey!

Much like last week, we played the better hockey but struggled to find the goal in the first half. A goal by Dan Baker early in the second half settled nerves and we dominated for the rest of the match. A cracking second goal by Sam Wood meant one of the oldies could be substituted!

Although we are a young team we are playing to a really high standard. I was encouraged by the link play, in particular between Andrew Boulton, Olly Birmingham and Tom Mitchener on the right hand side.

Rich Owen deserves special mention for the wonderful, mature attitude he has brought to the team this season, he really has stepped up and is taking real responsibility!

Special mention must also be made Ben Bolwell and Joe Colona in goal, but this weeks Man of the Match goes to Tom Mitchener.

The only disappointing aspect of this weeks game was the overall workrate and effort, we really do need to step this up. It is in this regard that Tom stood head and shoulders above the others, well done Tom!

-- Stuart