Watsonians 1s Triumph in Burgh Derby

A six point weekend was the target for the Watsonians 1st XI squad. After a 8-3 victory over Greenock the previous day the team moved into their second match with positive spirits drowning tired muscles. Today brought an away fixture on the well-known turf of Peffermill against local side Inverleith, who were also relegated from National 1 the previous season. With both teams fighting to regain top flight domestic hockey there was an air of anticipation which drew out a crowd in the double figures.

The message had been clear, preparation was vital on a double header weekend. McCrossan sleep pattern had been monitored, aftersun had been applied to any areas which may have reddened in Saturday’s sun, urine was flowing crystal clear and Ewan Swann had set a PB on the McCurdy Recovery Chart (for alternatives please also see the Hunter Recovery Chart). The squad also had inspiration on their side after carb loading whilst watching the rugby world cup. The Aussie’s had shown that no matter the size of the occasion the home advantage can be overcome. So with gold and green in their hearts the Watsons squad stepped out in white ready for the challenge that lay ahead.

It didn’t take too long until the familiar sight of the foreboding Watsonians corner team set up around the Inverleith circle. The call in the huddle was Sutherland to flick bottom left. In previous seasons the placement of flicks from the Watsons corner attack has caused dispute. The only difference today was that despite the flick going top left, there was no dispute. Sutherland’s ripped his flick home to put an early point on the board for the away side.

Finding the ball in the back of the oppositions net hasn’t always been a habit for the 1st XI squad at Watsonians. However, with 9 goals to their name for the weekend the boys had a taste for success. Sessions on the pitch and even in the classroom with Coach K, Mr McCurdy and Mr Swarbrick have focussed on composure and decision making in the D. It turns out that these messages combined with the adrenaline of a derby were translating into goals for the boys in white. William ‘Butters’ Butler Esquire had a moment of composure in a transfer high up the pitch, delivering the ball with expert precision into the D which ex- Inverleith player Greg Nicolson got a stick to the end of sending it past the purple’s keeper.

Next on the score sheet was Brown. The whole club has been relieved to see that Jamie Brown has begun making a full recovery after coming down with a rather serious case of Beattieitus. We are unsure yet if this is infectious but JB has had himself in isolation for the last few months for the good of the squad. The most difficult thing with these cases is a complete lack of symptoms, even skilled doctors and physios have often been unable to provide rehabilitation programmes for any fallen Watsonians athletes. With another ball played across the D, Brown in his commitment did a Klinsmann to send the ball for the second time into the back of the net. He later dedicated this goal to his new fiancée – we wish them all the best for the future. There was a fourth goal…it escapes me at the moment.

The halftime atmosphere on the Watsons bench was electric. 12 goals in a game and a half of hockey and sitting the better in the Burgh clash had the squad in an unusually positive halftime mood. However, come the beginning of the second half the question must be asked if the squad was potentially over aroused. The excitement and challenge of the lead which had to be defended proved too much for two members of the squad. As Inverleith pressed high up the pitch chasing a four goal deficit Sonians outletting and composure was tested. During these tense times Inverleith’s support grew by one but the volume of their crowd increased tenfold. With cries of ‘come on purple’ which cut across the pitch the late arriving Inverleith WAG spurred on her boys.

In what has since been described as an underlying outburst from England’s early exit the previous evening, William Butler caved under the pressure of the situation. There was a flash back to the disappearing indoor ball trick and a second card was shown to the Watsonians centre back – this time yellow – taking his total to three for the weekend. This wasn’t only an expensive cost for his team but also for his wallet with his 9 minutes and equivalent monetary fine being doubled as team Fine Master. It is moments like these where you discovery character, and this was shown by young Andrew Nickerson who soaked up the pressure at a highly pressed left back position. The school boy showed composure beyond his years and rightly earned himself MOM for his day’s efforts. Watsonians defended hard with 10 men, their lines only caving twice to Inverleith goals to the delighted and high pitched screams of the Inverleith lady.

With 12 minutes remaining and 11 men on the pitch, Sonians were pushing to lengthen their lead. However, ill-discipline struck the side again. Forgetting that yesterday’s man of the match had spent far too long playing for a Wedgie side; Watsons kept on the weary Sutherland. Losing out in a 50/50 challenge, Sutherland followed through onto the purple players shin pads putting him to the floor. Umpire Fedz gave a sharp blast on his whistle and sent new signing Sutherland to the side for 10 of the remaining minutes. Again, time for players to setup and take on the challenge. An Inverleith injury bought the tired 10 men some time whilst Swarbrick provided his useful diagnosis with his extensive experience in orthopaedics.

In these dying moments of the game with a lead to defend a fast break saw a sublime through ball from Wynd to McCurdy. The captain was looking to motivate his team to see the game away safely. He entered the D and wisely cut onto his reverse to create time and space for himself. It was at this point that a strong wind, potentially from the weather system effecting McKenna’s round of golf, knocked McCurdy off balance. His shot was just saved with finger tips by the oncoming Inverleith goal keeper.

Inspired by McCurdy’s ingenuity and daringness, the ball fell to Beattie in his own 25. Ignoring all glaring options the right back – now on his way to 30 –refused to yield possession. He staggered past one, and then another and another as he continued his blunder into the Inverleith half. The pace of the attack was staggering as he appeared to run through treacle; it proved too much for the supporting players as they began to slow and hide their face with their hands. The crowd too fell silent pretending they were unsure of who the player was and severing any social ties. Continue he did stubbornly as he neared the circle. Inverleith pitifully threw one final passive defender in his way looking to build the Motherwell man’s confidence, but the poor Scotsman got tangled in his hips created a third party with his own player ending his self-confidence boosting run. Umpire Fedz used this moment to draw an end to the match and move things on swiftly. Ignoring the final minute, Watsonians celebrated having weathered playing with 10 men for 17 minutes of the match.

Many thanks to the members of the Watsonians squad who attended to support, assist and bolster the strength of the team ethos of the young squad. Mark Mundell, Harry Campbell, Jack Kinloch and Gus.

Watsonians 4 – 2 Inverleith
MOM – Andrew Nickerson
DOD – Fraser McCurdy