Lesser than the sum of its parts

Despite continuing a losing streak with a 3-0 loss, once again the hockey Zulu Warriors put up a great fight and showed that with time and training there is a winning formula underneath the rusty surface.

The team lineup was a new side, with fresher hotshot Will Fresson at the back returning from a leave of absence. Furthermore, the match against Newcastle saw the return of vice-captain Nick Cook, who proved to be a very useful addition to the centre of the pitch. A return of solid sweeper Matt Cade and threatening forward John Huntington proved also to be a beneficial utility.

With a new outlook on the game, York started off being immediately put under pressure from the team who shortly proved why their goal difference is the highest in the league. The first goal came from a well-worked breakaway goal and illustrated a menacing attack force that, unfortunately for York, was to be a reoccurring theme in the first half. York really did not seem to get in the game and the unrehearsed side lacked the links and tight connections that seemed so prevalent in the last game against Northumbria.

It was to no surprise and really only a matter of time until the second goal came for Newcastle, and it appeared from a somewhat rather conspicuous play at the back. It was highly unfortunate to concede again so shortly before the second half because the end result would have been far different had the Yorkshire forwards been more successful upfront. The lack of opportunities had arisen from a disjointed midfield performance that showed signs of inexperience.

The second half, luckily enough, was an entirely different story, with the York team showing no signs of self-defeat but only signs of grit and determination. The midfield looked stronger with a tactful substitution of captain Ian Sheridan with his second in command and previously absent Nick Cook. Cook shortly proved why he was given the honour of man of the match with a fine display of strength, shielding and swift spraying of the ball across the strip. The substitution also enabled a former forward and current men’s 3rds captain Nick Latcham to step up to the role of the attacking midfield carrier role. The threat of a forward playing higher than the role entailed gave inspiration to do so again in the next game.

The two Nicks enabled the forwards to contain the ball more frequently and the Yorkshire side looked dangerously close to scoring a goal on many occasions. It was unfortunate not to score, but the forwards showed no signs of giving up as they ran and conquered the opposition’s D like goats on a mountain top. The last goal came from yet another breakaway goal from Newcastle, which seemed slightly unfair considering the newly-found form from the York offence.

Overall the players played very well individually, but the team as a whole lacked fluidity. Memorable performances came from James Evans for a solid performance at the back, and from Rob Newton for some displays of creative play in midfield. The standard was very high but it was to no surprise that the comments of vice-captain Cook were that “there are obviously many things we need to work on”. The return of Fresson at the back was a huge help and he said that “the players are excellent and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season”. York may not have won, but were by no means defeated by the all-win Newcastle side, which should provide confidence for the team to beat a mid-table Leeds Metropolitan this week.

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