Hillcroft at home, Prem - 31 Oct 2009

Hillcroft have been much improved this season, however their hopes of an upset were severely dented as they were missing several key players, including their entire first string attack. Purley too were missing a couple of key players. Last season’s MVP Mike Barrett grappled with the idea that he should ensure his keys are not inside when the front door shuts. Andy Booth was also unable to play, but where he would be missed on the field his presence was felt on the side line managing the team (and getting himself a technical foul!). Despite the poor weather at the start of the day, the afternoon had cleared allowing for great lacrosse playing conditions.

Purley started strongly, working the ball round the Hillcroft goal, and quickly took a 2-0 lead through 2 goals from Dave Bennett. But then they started to waste possession in attack, which allowed Hillcroft to regroup and enjoy several sustained periods of possession, which allowed them to pull a goal back. Purley reacted through Jamie Tasko to finish the quarter 3-1.

It was more of the same attacking capabilities of Purley in the second quarter where they were able to play through the Hillcroft defence and extend their lead through Dave Bennett again. However, Purley were still giving Hillcroft plenty of possession because of easy turn-overs and coming up second best from the face-off. The pressure on the Purley defence eventually told as Hillcroft brought the score to 4-2. Purley then managed to work themselves a number of man-up plays; both from well worked clearances from goalkeeper Paul Terry drawing the offsides call, and in attack Matt Payne drawing fouls from the Hillcroft defence. This gave the opportunity for the two attack men Matt and Jamie to convert, ending the half 6-2.

Whilst Purley had built a workable lead in the first half, their defence had been overworked due to the amount of possession they allowed Hillcroft, caused mainly by turn-overs, but also by Hillcroft winning most of the face-offs. The timely arrival of Rob Clark proved to be the turning point in that battle, and indeed the match. Rob's face-off expertise saw Purley coming up with the ball from the face the vast majority of the time, and this gave Purley a solid base to mount their attack from, and as the turn-overs also dried up it give their defence a chance to rest. Jamie Tasko opened the scoring for the half with a close in shot. A feed from Guy to a well timed cut from Andy Fernando followed suit. Rob Clark was able to add to his day by scoring from the face, and a behind the back shot from Dave Bennett, and goals from Jamie and DC ended the third quarter 13-2.

Hillcroft kept their drive in the 4th quarter despite the goal difference, and continued to battle on. Purley’s defence continued to deny the Hillcroft attack, and a knock down from Dean Searle gave way for the D-man to make a fast break up field. He shoots, he doesn't score. Or does he? The shot flies up from the keeper's helmet, only to hit the deck and bounce in. As Dean says, they all count. Hillcroft's commitment then paid off with a well worked goal, however goals from Purley’s Dave Bennett, DC and Jamie wrapped up the end of the final quarter 18-3.

Goals (assists): Dave Bennett 5, Jamie Tasko 4 (2), Dave Cluney 4, Matt Payne 2 (3), Rob Clark 1, Andy Fernando 1, Dean Searle 1, Guy Francis (1)
Ref: Simon Peach, CBO: Roger Govus

Photos by Steve Cluney.