Mens 1s vs Ashford 1s - EH Cup

The Mens 1st XI made their way to sunny Ashford on sunday
for their first cup game of the year.  The team was looking solid, with a few players stepping up to help out also.

 We started the game knowing Ashford’s game plan..short
  corners, short corners, short corners. With Ashford having the best drag flicker in the league the team knew they had to keep them out of the circle.
Unfortunately early on there was a drive made forward and they managed to nab a foot in the PHC circle. Know and behold they went for the obvious and it rocketed top right corner. PHC responded well and stayed strong in midfield holding the ball well and driving forward with desire. With an outstanding drive forward by Duncan Cole setting up Ash Holman who reversed a deflection into the back of the net it went 1-1
Ashford hit back though and with another short corner and drag flick they made it 2-1
At this point the heavens had opened up and all of a sudden it was raining hard. It was fat rain too, not skinny rain. Fat rain that soaks a man to the bone. PHC then went in half time down 2-1

 In the second half Chiswick fought hard and from great defensive out letting and tackling by Man of the Match Emrys Hart they were managing to stay in the match. At this point the rain got even fatter and harder and the game was suspended. Unfortunately within 10 mins of being in the sheds they were called back out. Then another drive by Ashford, another short corner and route 1 it was 3-1. At this point Chiswick had to fight hard to retain possession. Unfortunately another break from Ashford made it 4-1.

Chiswick still had fight in them, and with a late burst up the right hand lane from the Right Half. Mitch Barrack fired a ball from outside of the quarter and a deflection was had by Ashford into the back of the net finishing the game at 4-2.

Chiswick can hold their heads up high here, with a few players away. We had some youngsters like Emrys Hart and the Holland brothers Will and Rob stepping up and showing they had fight, desire and will certainly be keeping the top tier teams honest this season. A big thanks to the PHC fans for coming out in the monsoonal weather and showing their support. Especially to Tee Barrack for her fantastic photography!

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