Mens 1st Team Report

 

 

Match Date 13/03/10; Horncastle 1st XI 5 - Rutland 2nd XI 2  

 

Horncastle played host to one of the toughest teams in the league on Saturday, Rutland are 3rd in the league and needed a result to stay in the hunt for promotion. Horncastle set out strongly though were soon to fall behind through a Rutland break away goal. Unfazed at this early stage Horncastle hit back immediately. From the restarted Horncastle pushed forward and Rob Chamberlin, once again diving in at the back post, slotted in the equalising goal.

Rutland restarted the game with both sides looking to find a way to break the deadlock, it was Rutland who were once again to take the lead. This provoked a change in Horncastle as they realised they were going to have to up their game. The passing became quicker and more accurate and there was a marked improvement in the communication between the defence and midfield.  This stopped Rutland from breaking through on a counter attack and put Horncastle in the ascendancy. Once again Horncastle put themselves on equal terms though a Steve Hill goal. Dave Seymour gave Horncastle the lead before the half time whistle.  

 

Rutland started the 2nd half but Horncastle had finally settled into their stride and were playing the hockey that had put them at the top of the league.  Movement off the ball by the forwards pulled Rutland's defence out of position and Horncastle were able to capitalise on their advantage. Second half goals from Stu Trotter and Rob Chamberlin sealed the victory for Horncastle. This result not only leaves Horncastle with 19 wins from 19 matches but it sees them crowned as League Champions. 

 

Team: Gazz Whitham (GK), Dan Stones, James Bell, Richard Limmer, Jake Fixter, Dick Bee, Dave Seymour (c), Ben Read, Rob Chamberlin, Stu Trotter, Steve Hill and Steve Seymour.

  

 

Match Date 14/03/10; Horncastle 1st XI 8 - Spalding 2nd XI 1                                                        See Photos

 

In a weekend that see Horncastle crowned League Champions they also play the first of their rearranged fixtures following the freezing conditions earlier in the year. Spalding 2nd XI travelled up to Horncastle for a 12:30pm push and looked to be out to cause a shock result. Though Horncastle started the game with more confidence than in recent weeks it was Spalding who took the lead within the opening minutes. Horncastle responded to this shock by taking the game by the scruff of the neck and throwing attack after attack at the Spalding defence.  Spalding held their own for large parts of the game but more clinical finishing from the Horncastle, even a surprise goal from birthday boy Andy Banks-Price, making a guest appearance from pulling the strings Horncastle's 2nd XI. A hat trick from Steve Hill and a brace a piece for Ben Read and Rob Chamberlin secured the victory for Horncastle.

 

With only 2 matches left to play can Horncastle complete their season with an 100% record? The next fixture sees Horncastle are away to Cambridge South on Saturday 20th March.

 

Team: Gazz Whitham (GK), James Cartwright, James Bell, Richard Limmer, Jake Fixter, Steve Seymour, Dick Bee, Ben Read, Rob Chamberlin, Dave Seymour (c), Steve Hill, Stu Trotter, Andy Banks-Price and Daryl Kisby.