Colombians not the team they were

Investec Colombians3, JHC Gobis 5

SIX months after they walked away with the Men's Division One title, Investec Colombians found winning the 'Upton' just too much of a task. Had the match been played straight after the silverware was secured, there would always have been more of a chance for the yellows. But missing Kees Jager, Jamie Chambers, Tristan Cairns and Adam Kitching - the spine of the team and all island first-team players - they were not as fluent or confident as they could have been.

Still they fought hard, battling back twice to equalise, before JHC Gobis' superior firepower in front of goal proved too much.

Gobis had a sprinkling of island first-teamers, though they have not played together as a team since last season, such has been the redistribution of players enforced by the JHC.

'Season 2003-4 seems like a long time ago: it was a real slog for us out there,' said Gobis skipper James Wetherall.

'We've had only two weeks training together since the split. I've played only one game. And we were missing a few players because of the travel re-arrangements this morning.

'But Simon Watling and Stuart Ramskill were excellent for us in the middle; they've played together for years and have a great understanding and I think that showed.'

Colombians had no reason to feel dispirited: they gave their all and despite the scoreline they actually played some decent hockey.

Indeed, keeper Stuart Malley had possibly the game of his life, puling off a string of fine saves, yet still finished on the losing side. Damian Wallen, a captain who always leads by effort and example, and TJ Ozanne, playing a deeper role in the hole between midfield and the forward line, also stood out for Colombians.

Gobis, though slow to get into the game, eventually earned their victory. Ed Daubeney again proved that class is permanent; his performance at the heart of defence was simply superb, unhurried but so effective.

Up front, Ali Hall gave Colombians a tough time, always threatening, always moving. His goal had to come as his efforts left bruises all over the keeper.

Hall twice had sight of goal from first-half short corners but both times Malley was equal to the strikes. From the second, he also pulled off a superb follow-up stop to deny the pouncing Watling.

It took half-an-hour for the deadlock to be broken, Jon Ireson collecting a ball across the top of the D and undercutting powerfully past Malley's left hand. Then within a minute Colombians were level. From their only short corner of the half, Ozanne drag-flicked past Paul Duckworth.

Into the second half Hall's shot was deflected inches wide by Richard Radford and John Norman, already making a strong case to be young player of the season, produced both the interception and the tackle of the match to repel further attacks.

But Watling found the tiniest gap between keeper's body and covering defender to flick in Gobis' second from a short-corner only for Colombians to hit back again within three minutes.

Alex Cleal received the ball 20 yards out surrounded by three defenders. Still he managed to nip through, create space and fire a firm shot home.

A yellow card for Tim Creasey then gave Gobis just the impetus they needed. Ireson and Dendy Thompson went close before Watling made it 3-2 from a short-corner.

Colombians were left just a little tired from their period with 10 players and had to chase the game.

In the closing minutes, play switched ends rapidly; Ozanne shooting wide at one end, Malley blocking Thompson strike at the other within seconds.

On 32min., Hall gave his side breathing space with a confident finish from the left of the D. But back came Colombians, Wallen converting a penalty stroke with a minute to go.

However, there was to be no last second reprieve and extra time.

A long ball out of defence caught Colombians with players up in attack and as he stretched to control the ball, Julien Uzzell did just enough to dink it over the on-rushing Malley.

Seconds later, the final whistle and Gobis could celebrate.