Vivek Lodhia reflects on Somerville/St. Anne’s hockey cuppers victory over Queen’s College
An intense, and unorthodox, first round mixed hockey cuppers game between Somerville/St. Anne’s and Queen’s was decided by penalty flicks. The game itself was an 8-a-side affair, and the deadlock was broken by a reverse stick strike from Vivek Lodhia. The effects of being 3 players short were apparant, and fatigue brought a sloppy interval for Somerville/St. Anne’s, but opportunity for Queens, who took advantage twice before the break and pulled ahead at 2-1.
Both teams showed some languid, yet expansive play in the second half. Somerville/St Anne’s equalised late on with a skilled pass and delicate finish from captain Matt Waller and Toby Mann. When the final whistle blew p-flicks were on the cars. Somerville/St Anne’s were first to miss, and going in to the final flick the game was Queens, if they scored. However an outstretched stick from Johnny Drain denied them victory. Into sudden death it was Drain who proved hero again; after a Queen’s flick clanged against the post he finished the game in full kit and in fine style.
There is much to work on for Somerville/St Anne’s, but also much for Waller to be pleased about, and plenty of time to improve for the next round of the competition.
PHOTO// DOHA STADIUM PLUS
