Final Score – RHC Invicta 4 – 14 HBU
Team Fouls – RHC Invicta 17 – 20 HBU
RHC Invicta recently formed, at the end of last year, but denied participation in any competitive hockey this season, had recently defeated Herne Bay in their debut appearance, in the first round of the National Cup Qualifiers.
This second round saw them drawn against HBU 1, current Premier League leaders, who were only missing one of their main team players. RHC Invicta knew that, due to their lack of match practice, this was going to be a tough game. However all the players were excited and looking forward to taking part.
The game started well with Invicta moving the ball around and remaining patient with their build up and defending any breakaways by HBU. Many of Invicta’s players appeared initially nervous but soon settled when their patience was rewarded, after five minutes of play, with a well struck shot by captain Joe Fidock, resulting in the first goal of the game. However HBU responded after just two minutes, equalising the score, and then creeping ahead with another goal. This spurred Invicta on who rallied and equalled the score a goal from Charlie Pughe. However the teams lack of match practice began to show and Invicta began to concede goals, to the two normal goal scoring payers of HBU, but then managing, within the dying seconds of the first half, to bring a goal back, with a well taken penalty by Danny Butcher. Invicta went into half time, down 3- 8 to HBU.
The second half started well, with Invicta holding their defence solid for the first six minutes, before HBU could score the first goal of the second half, and it was a further nine minutes before HBU were able to score again, but then followed three goals in quick succession, without response from Invicta, and then conceding two more, but the Invicta players kept their heads high and within the last minute of the game Invicta were awarded a direct free hit, which the captain Joe Fidock failed to convert, but he kept his cool to collect the ball on the rebound, and with the Invicta players out skating HBU from the opposite penalty box, passed it to Charlie Pughe who scored the final goal of the match.
Both goal keepers were kept very busy and placed under great pressure but, despite the score line, both delivered excellent and outstanding performances.
All the Invicta players thoroughly enjoyed the contest and we believe that the HBU players did also. Invicta took a lot of positives from the game, knowing that there is considerable potential for us next season, when we hope to be able to compete more fully in National and Local Leagues.
Both teams enjoyed the game, played in front of a large audience of in excess of one hundred and fifty, very noisy and supportive, spectators from both Clubs.
Invicta would like to give a BIG thank you to all of their supporters, they were a great inspiration to the players and they made everyone aware of their presence. All the players thought it was fantastic to play in such a vibrant atmosphere. If more games were to be played in front of this type of enthusiastic and noisy audience, our sport would surely grow.
The Captain Joe Fidock, said, ‘It was a great game to play in, it was played with passion, pride and was very physically demanding, and with great support from the spectators. I am aware that after the game there were one or two spectators who thought us too physical, but our players also have cuts and bruises to show, but the team fouls indicate the equality of the game and, although matters got a little heated in the last 27 seconds, what happens on the rink is left on the rink. We all at Invicta look forward to many more games like this one, but hope to be winners next time’
Team: Dave Beeson (GK); Joe Fidock (Cpt) (1); Charlie Pughe (V/Cpt) (2) Tom White; Danny Butcher (1); Richard Butcher; Myles Tichband; Liam Holland; Lee Chestnutt; Joel Carnell (G/K)
