Mens Pumas v Haslemere 5

Pumas entertained a youthful Haslemere side in an early game and thankfully missed the worst of the rain.
With a couple of players doubling up thanks to Liam & Colin along with Tombos who is coming back from injury we started on the front foot with quite a few openings these could have given us some early goals but we succumbed to a breakaway which led to a short corner which Haslemere duly converted to make it 0-1 against the run of play. With our youngsters gradually waking up & getting up to the speed of the game Tombos eventually converted after sustained pressure with-in the D to make it 1-1. Pumas continued pushing forward playing good passing hockey around the back three & also down the lines but it was Haslemere who took the lead, again due to a breakaway to make it 1-2.
Despite this setback we didn't drop our heads & continued with the attacking play, this eventually produced a goal for Louie defecting a Sammy pass into the goal from the right hand post 2-2 at half time.
The 2nd half saw Haslemere's youngsters start to up their game this gave the Pumas a wake up call & excellent work by Finley on the left & Ned on the right helped us to stem their attacks & it was Tombos who came up with the finish to eventually beat an impressive young junior Haslemere keeper again to make it 3-2.
The game ebbed & flowed with chances going begging on both sides but the score remained 3-2 for a win for Pumas.
A very enjoyable game had by all with lots of positives for both teams to take away for our future encounters.

Thank you to Haidyn & John for umpiring & for those who came to encourage & support

DD - All those who didn't come back for teas!
MM - Finley for seeming to find his switch to engage his hockey brain on in the 2nd half.