The U18s were introduced to 8am on a Sunday morning as this was our meet time for the long trek to Havant near Portsmouth on the south coast for the semi-final of the U18 EHL Plate competition. We started well but conceded a goal after 5 minutes with a crash ball into the D and a quality deflection which gave Ebsworth no chance. A second came mid way through the first half through an identical move, but despite an injury to Fizzer, Bridgford then put together a sustained 15 minute period of pressure with numerous shorts and a stunning reverse stick shot by Dibley but just could not score.
With Fizzer now back on the pitch, the second half was fairly even with Havant coming forward as a team, whilst Bridgford relied on the counter attacks and aerial routes. Again Bridgford had a couple of chances to get it back to 2-1 but got crowded out in the D. The whole team played extremely well and defended superbly especially Kirkman and Cains, but a slightly harsh penalty flick, and two further goals all in the last ten minutes when Bridgford were chasing the game and Barratt was having a 5min enforced rest on the sideline, gave a flattering 5-0 scoreline to Havant but they were the better team and deserved to win in a fairly played, well umpired game. Goodluck to them in the final against Mansfield.
Well done to all the squad who have played this year and have done brilliantly well to get to the semis, thanks to manager Glyn, and a special thanks to all the parents who have supported the squad particularly the large number who came to Havant.
Squad Davis, Kirkman, Withers, Alton, Mills, Dibley, Roper, Lambourne, Barratt, Ebsworth, Yau, Cains, Hall(not in photo)
