THREE defeats failed to take the gloss off as a successful summer league campaign after Redditch Hockey Club competed in the regional finals, writes Matt Wilson.
One of the top four teams in the Midlands, Redditch faced a very stern test against Shrewsbury, Olton and Streetly.
Redditch started brightly against Shrewsbury but the opposition began to show their class around the pitch and started to stretch the Redditch outfit and test the new-look defence of Ade Young, Ben Haresign and Matt Walton.
As the game wore on, Shrewsbury’s fitness became a factor with Redditch not having played for a month and they conceded two goals.
Undeterred Redditch began to push bodies upfield and a goal from Harry Capewell cut the deficit in a 2-1 defeat.
In the second match Olton controlled the game from the outset, not allowing any Redditch player any time on the ball and pouncing on any mistakes made to score four goals and show the level of the leagues above them.
With only pride to play for in the final game against Streetly, Redditch wanted to put in a good account of themselves.
Adam Haslam did not give opposition players an inch which gave Redditch the opportunity to attack the Streetly goal and Dan Waite put the finish touches to the move. But sadly, the other two games had taken their toll on the team with tired legs on the pitch, Streetly where able to win 4-1 on the night.
Redditch should be proud of what they have accomplished this season and with a young team being used throughout the season, highlighted with Will Moss being named player of the season by the team. It has given all involved a renewed optimism for the coming campaign.
