Reading Wildcats away, Prem - 25 Feb 2006

After running Hillcroft very close last week (5-6, and I hear they were winning by 3 at the half), and Purley's surprise defeat at the hands of Bath, Reading must have thought they were in with a fine chance of causing an upset.

The match started with possession fairly evenly shared, but both teams failed to create any clear cut opportunities, though Purley were the more decisive in attack. As the game went on the Purley offense improved, hitting the post before Graeme Holland opened the scoring 10 minutes in, and taking a quarter time lead of 3-0, and 5-0 at the half. The more the game went on, the more possession Purley had, aided by patient and controlled offense and sterling ground ball work in defence by Andy Booth, but the Reading defence is a strong unit with an excellent 'keeper, and they limited Purley's scoring opportunities. However, with good ball movement, and intelligent play in recognising any mismatches, Purley kept the score ticking along nicely. Reading did manage to get on the score sheet in the third quarter on the fast break, but that was their only goal as Purley ran out comfortable 11-1 winners.

Over all a fine team performance, but special mention must go to Graeme Holland with 3 well taken goals, and also bringing the patience to the Purley attack which has sometimes been lacking this season.

Goals: Nigel Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 3, Graeme Holland 3, Mike Barrett 1

Photos by Steve Cluney.