Wasonians 3s vs. EUMHC 5s

A crisp and still autumnal afternoon saw Peffermill play host to a highly competitive and at times tempestuous encounter between EUMHC’s 5th XI and WHC Men’s 3rd XI. As the umpires got the teams under starter’s orders, the calm, clement conditions coolly belied the ructions that were to follow.

The Uni 5s were enjoying a fruitful season in which they were amassing an enviable collection of scalps. Watsonians, very much the precocious upstarts of East Division 1 and emboldened by a handful of defiant coups, were keen to cause another upset.

‘Sonians were fast and aggressive from the outset, immediately disrupting the poise and composure that characterises Edinburgh University’s signature style of hockey. The Uni, visibly unnerved, were unable to withstand the tenacity and ferocity of the Watsonian attackers, and soon conceded the first goal of the match; arising from a rebound, a measured flick from Sandy Hendry over an outstretched Uni goalkeeper.

EUMHC were not about to let this one go quietly, however, and soon regained their shape. For the rest of the first half, both teams appeared evenly matched as they traded blows; able only to trouble, but not breach, the other’s defence.

The drama was far from over, however, and revenge came for the Uni in the second half when the besieged Dan Evans was finally, and narrowly, bested, bringing the scoreline to one apiece.

Reawakened by this infuriating concession, ‘Sonians redoubled their efforts, but as the tension mounted, the tempers began to fray. An uncharacteristic lapse in discipline from Watsonian’s Paul Conkie resulted in the veteran Centre-Back being shown a red card. Watsonians were down to 10 men.

But legends are forged in the fires of adversity, and some characteristically strong leadership (and some uncharacteristically strong language) from seasoned captain Duncan Bell reinstated order amongst the men in maroon. ‘Sonians attacked with renewed vigour, and an electrifying ball into the D by Calum Watkins was deflected to the back post by Sandy Hendry where it was smashed against the backboard by Richard Booth. 2-1.

Enlivened by a recovery reminiscent of Lazarus, Watsonians were able to batten down the hatches and hold off an incredulous Edinburgh University for the remaining 7 minutes – despite an “innocent misunderstanding” by Dereck Thomas that resulted in another green card briefly reducing the number of maroon jerseys on the pitch to 9.

A hard-fought but well-earned victory for WHC.

Sandy Hendry