V ’12: Men’s Hockey hoping for usual thrashing of Coventry

The first team’s season has been characterised by a stark contrast in results between mid-week BUCS fixtures and those in the Midland’s MRHA weekend league.

In all BUCS competitions the firsts have been flying high this season, blending a consistent and miserly defensive back-line with a commitment to dynamic, flowing hockey going forward. As the league leaders for the entire season, the key to Warwick’s success has been a rugged determination to grind out results when lesser opponents have simply set out to make things difficult for the team. They currently sit on 22 points, needing only two more from their final two games to secure promotion and the title. They are also still in the hunt for the BUCS Cup, and an unbeaten BUCS season is surely on the mind of captain and ‘player of the season’ Mark Bridger.

It has been, however, a somewhat different story on Saturdays this year, at least in terms of current league position. Despite a number of high quality MRHA displays from the first team, they have all too often failed to convert dominance into goals, and have frequently fallen victim to the clinical counter-attacking ability that many of the league’s teams possess. They have typically lost by the odd goal, and despite having the third best defensive record in the league, currently lie third from bottom in the table. Towering centre-backs Ben Askins and Peter Gow underpin Warwick’s defensive success, and a recent win against second-placed Wolverhampton, as well as a completely dominant display against third-placed Kings Heath Pickwick, have proven that the team are capable of quality performances that belie their league position.

The second team, meanwhile, have performed to a high standard for the vast majority of the season, and until recently mirrored the first team’s BUCS dominance. However, despite having already beaten them 8-1 and 9-0 this season, the second team recently slipped up with a depleted side to lose 2-0 against Oxford Brookes, thus letting Nottingham Trent back into the title race. Captain Tim Young has dominated the midfield all season, leading a relatively inexperienced side packed with fresher talent. Up front, forwards Andy King, Tom Trower and Matt Williams have provided the team with a clinical goal-scoring edge, which has seen them fare well in their MRHA league. They currently sit one place outside the promotion places, in third position, but have a game in hand on second-placed Lichfield, whom they trail by only two points. With a double promotion still very possible at the time of writing, the second XI have everything to play for.

James Thompson has been at the helm of the Warwick third team this year in what has turned out to be a very challenging season. The team plays in the highest possible MRHA 3rd team league, and have often struggled to compete with the third-string sides of some of the country’s top clubs, including Birmingham and Loughborough Universities. Whilst it will now be a very tough task to avoid relegation, the team would almost certainly be in the hunt for promotion from their BUCS league were it not for the presence of UC Birmingham first team, who have dominated the division thus far. There have been a number of very positive results, particularly as the team regularly has to cope with losing star players, such as Charlie Baker, to the second team. Pleasingly, a number of freshers have slotted into the side alongside more experienced campaigners.

With the club previously doubting its ability to field four teams this year, the fourth team have perhaps been the surprise package of the season. A healthy intake of freshers has left the club in a strong position. However, it has also created tough competition for places, and it has been especially pleasing to see a number of newcomers to the sport train hard and have a positive impact on the team. Led by Alex Goddard, they currently sit comfortably in mid-table of both BUCS and MRHA leagues, which must surely be viewed as a great success for a team which almost did not exist this season. Notable performances include a 2-0 away win against Coventry University’s second team.

The club now turns its eyes to mouth-watering Varsity fixtures against Coventry, with all the signs looking good for the club to emulate its whitewash successes of recent years. Coventry have again withdrawn their third XI, leaving the firsts and seconds to battle it out for the points. With Goddard’s fourth team having already defeated Coventry seconds this season, things look good for Tim Young and his team, who will have to guard against complacency and put in a professional display. Meanwhile, firsts captain Mark Bridger was confident that a characteristic performance should be enough to see off the Coventry first string. “Last time they just looked to defend and make things difficult for us,” noted Bridger. “If we stay patient and stick to our style of passing hockey we will be fine.” Having already beaten them 4-1 and 4-0 this season, he will surely be confident, though much will depend on how the spine of the team in the form of striker Harry Wilson, midfield general Lawrence Tsang, and central defender Peter Gow, perform on the day.