The new, bright red gazebo was erected easily and we set up camp. If only everything had gone as smoothly as that operation!
The first two matches were against the old enemies Sprowston and Old Catton. Both teams had full strength sides and it was soon evident that we were in the group of death.
We thought a good approach was to field a strong a side as possible for these matches to try and get an early win.
HPR V Old Catton
The side kicked off with Archie R and Frankie on left and right respectively and Aidan up front. In classic HPR style, Aidan muscled through and was able to slide a pass to Archie R who found the net in the first 30 seconds. So far so good. They battled well against what was a physical side with the big Rafa using his considerable size and strength to open up the HPR side on a few occasions - eventually putting a rocket past Ted that John Ruddy would have had problems with. After half time Evie came on for Max and Sol replaced Frankie, but despite some good passing play Old Catton were lucky to net a winner from a deflection.
Final score HPR lost 2 - 1
HPR v Sprowston
The players elected to run out in the new away strip for what was to prove another tough match against the old adversaries. Frankie made some good saves and really got to grips with distribution sending out some high goal kicks over the eager Sprowston forwards ready to capitalise on any mistakes. Unfortunately a roll out to Evie was snatched by the nippy forward who shot it straight back past the keeper.
Ted and Archie R worked a great free kick that the sharp Sprowston goalie managed to save. HPR had some chances but the finishing wasn't there - early shots needed!
Final score, HPR lost 2 - 0
A long break during which the team sampled too much of the bouncy castle and used up too much energy playing in the hardcourt pitch. By the time the next match came around, they were not rested but rather red.
HPR v Gorleston Celtic
The adults had watched this side during the break and realised they weren't going to be a pushover. The HPR players looked disorganised from the off and Sol in goal soon had plenty to deal with. It was 1 - 0 fairly quickly and the HPR side's head were down - there were frowns, folded arms and some terse messages from the sidelines. The opposition sensed this and were soon 4 - 0 up. A change at half time didn't help and they had 6 by full time. HPR had a couple of chances that could have saved some face, but the Gorleston goalie was sharp. Inevitably there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth during the team talk afterwards as well as cries of 'cheats'. The side were physical and it was mentioned that the refs were letting a lot of challenges go during all matches, some of which should have been penalised - tight for time perhaps and didn't want too many stoppages!
Final score HPR lost 6 - 0
HPR v North Walsham
Another tidy team and as they were playing in white, the HPR players had to quickly get back into the home strip. We weren't taking any chances here and knew morale needed to be restored. The players were refreshed with a quick ice lolly and were a match for the other side with Sol using his speed and skill to dig a ball out of the Walsham corner and get it to Aidan who found Archie R. We were 1 - 0 up but the other side made a great goal from a lovely pass.
Final score, 1 - 1 draw.
HPR v Loddon
A team we felt we could beat judging by their performance against other sides. Evie goal keeping and Frankie in defence kept the danger at bay and Sol soon popped one home. Ted followed and we were 2 - 0 up at half time. Archie R came on for Sol and Aidan replaced Ted and got another couple in the second half. Loddon had few chances but managed to pull one back.
Fianl Score HPR won 4 - 1
All-in-all, a mixed day but a taste of what's in store next season. There were a lot physical challenges that the referees could have dealt with - but our team need to know how to hold their own against sides who use their without using foul play. Happily Gorleston Celtic went on to beat Corinthians 1 - 0 so are not a team to mess with.
Player of the match is Evie for being the only one to hold it together after the Gorleston game.
Points for training in future;
Dealing with physical challenges.
Talking to each other on the pitch, maybe time to appoint a captain each time.
More speed/movement on the pitch.
The team were all smiles again by the end and in high spirits. As Frankie said later in the evening "I'd completely forgotten about the game against Gorleston", so no lasting emotional damage then.
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