Pumas 0–2 Trojans 6s

The 11-man Pumas suffered a 2–0 defeat against Trojans 6s, but there were plenty of positives to take from a game in which the Pumas showed some excellent hockey—particularly from our junior players.

Portsmouth started strongly and put Trojans under early pressure. Unfortunately, a poor injection from young Jacob Perry at a short corner allowed Trojans to take a quickly taken free hit and break away. Spencer in goal made a couple of excellent saves, but on 18 minutes the Pumas failed to clear the ball from the D and Trojans eventually found the breakthrough.

The Pumas continued to play some excellent hockey from the back, moving the ball through Jasper in midfield and creating chances going forward. One excellent move saw the ball played into Pete, who found himself one-on-one with the Trojans goalkeeper—but unfortunately couldn't find the finish.

Spencer continued to keep Portsmouth in the game with some superb saves, while a few more short-corner mistakes made it easy for Trojans clear. Despite the pressure, the Pumas went into half-time just 1–0 down.

The second half saw Trojans start quickly, winning a couple of early short corners. Rob bravely ran one down, while Spencer produced another string of excellent saves to keep the scoreline as was.

Portsmouth eventually won a short corner of their own, with the ball slipped to Pete at the back post. Unfortunately, the ball wasn't controlled and another opportunity went begging.

Trojans then won another short corner, this time avoiding Rob's charge and flicking the ball past Spencer to make it 2–0.

Pete had another decent opportunity, only for Al to somehow decide that getting in the way was the better option. Moments later, Al produced what can only be described as a bizarre YMC dance routine—which earned him the highly prestigious Dick of the Day award.

With Trojans continuing to apply pressure, Spencer produced several more outstanding saves and finished the game as the Pumas' Man of the Match, receiving plenty of positive comments from the opposition.

Despite the 2–0 defeat, there were plenty of positives. The Pumas defended well for long periods, played some excellent hockey through the midfield and backline, and the junior players once again showed that they can compete at adult level.

The biggest frustration was simple: we created chances, but we just couldn't put the ball in the net.

Plenty to build on—and plenty to work on before the next game.

Final score: Pumas 0–2 Trojans 6s
⭐ Man of the Match: Spencer Wood
? Dick of the Day: Al Duffy