On Friday, 14th October, St. Kilian’s youngest boys group got their new season campaign off the mark against a visiting St. Andrews 1st year squad on fine run of form. With every single St. Andrew’s boy playing club hockey – predominantly with Monkstown or Pembroke Wanderers – our boys knew it would be a tough day at the office.
Captain Carlos Culligan was ready for the challenge and marshalled his troops well to face a keen St. Andrew’s side mostly playing together for the full season prior at both school and club. Enlisting the help of Eoin O’Connor and Patrick Brennan from 6th class, the boys pressed ahead creating plenty of chances while just lacking that instinct in front of goal. Felix Frey will rue some early opportunities that didn’t quite fall neatly to his stick, while Geordan English will likewise rue some small slips from his defensive partners as the blue & white wave came crashing on the shore of our circle.
Benjamin Rauch kept goal well, repelling several quality strikes before falling foul of an intricate piece of play from St. Andrew’s Matvey Sorgassi who showed fine form in front of goal to put the visitors ahead after 15 mins. Alastair Daly, Joshua Jones, and Niels Pollard started to link effectively and our out letting from defence took on better shape with Alex Collins influential in midfield, picking up the ball and making intelligent runs down the flanks looking for the lively Sebastian Hartas and Alexey Varlashkin on the prowl up front.
Dave Broderick
Hockey Coach
