| Team | CoB Men’s 1stXI |
| Opponent | University of Birmingham 6 |
| Date | March 15, 2025 |
| Result | Loss |
| Score | 1 – 5 |
Goal Scorer: Kyle Letts
With a difficult week for availability across both teams, the Men’s 1stXI had to settle with 10 players to ensure the Men’s 2ndXI could also field a team. From the outset, it was clear this was going to be a difficult game under the lights, with several players also fasting.
But hockey is a game of two tales, UoB started off sluggish losing the ball lots and providing opportunities for CoB to counter, with Kyle breaking free and giving the visitors the lead in the opening 2 minutes. UoB were stunned. They continued to force balls into areas and CoB cleared finding Anthony up top, the bounce catching him out on a few occasions. Nonetheless, the hosts pressed and looked for the opener and were gifted with a chance which was fired home. Much the same as previous years, CoB were tested in their short corner defense, Jeevan making a stunning goalline save before another scramble later saw him clear the length of the field to Anthony. UoB were frustrated and kept pressing, and were given opportunities to make it 5-1 at the break.
A 5-minute stoppage from both sides to allow the visiting teams’ players a chance to break their fast. Thank you to UoB for being understanding and accomodating on this matter.
The second half and CoB continued to cause frustration, Frank, Zach and Jeevan at the back keeping it tight with Sohail and Sean enjoying much delight on the wing. UoB kept knocking on the door but was unable to find a way through. Jordan and Kyle with Noor continued to cause mayhem in the middle and help to break down attacks or at least put pressure on the hosts to force an opening or error. A tough but enjoyable game where the team also celebrated Frank’s birthday (Happy Birthday Frank!)
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