The day began with Yateley having to find their way through a maze in order to get to the pitch, a dirty tactic we can only imagine was to wear Yateley down before the game. The match itself started slow, Yateley barely awake and playing down a level began the feeling that the game was turning ugly. Yateley’s frustration continued as performances worthy of an-dram awards were on display, but some excellent umpiring kept the game under control.

Some half chances but Yateley were left frustrated after Romsey decided to defend with their whole team in their own half, making it difficult to break through. Half time, 0-0 and cheers from the Romsey team for leaving Yateley annoyed. Some may say that was kicking the sleeping dragon!
Yateley with a new fire in their belly began going for the Romsey jugular. The match was turning with wave after wave of Yateley attack giving them hope. Finally, the deadlock was broken, sending feelings of relief through the Yateley players. A fine finish it was too with a perfect short corner, stopped by Pearcy and drag in by Lee Cresswell.

Yateley battling to stay at the top end of the league knew they had to push on now, play the superb hockey that they are capable of and take this game to new heights. Lead forward by impact talisman Craig Pearcy, Yateley were soon 2-0 up, with the ball finding its way to high flying youngster Ben Hopper who drilled the ball into the goal low and hard, opening up his account with his first goal of the season. Yateley applied the pressure and turned the screw. With short corner number 3, the ball was struck goal bound but blocked by the keeper. However, the ball bounced kindly for Jim boffin who reverse struck the ball on a half volley into the top left corner.

Romsey were deflated and unable to fight back. Yateley carved another wave of close chances before the ball was struck into the D by Stuart Brimble. The ball was stopped by Lee Cresswell who flicked the ball with his back to goal and squirmed it over the line to take Yateley 4-0 up! A far better second half and the points were well and truly Yateley’s! With one final throw of the dice, Captain Phil Cundy drove hard down the right wing and crashed a cracking ball into the box, finding Lee Cresswell open for a tap in Hatrick! A great turn around by Yateley and back to winning ways. We go again next week in another clash at the top of the table with 4th place Southampton Uni.

Congratulations to Lee Creswell who earnt man of the match for his incredible hattrick to help secure a 5-0 win.