Men's 2XI Vs Marlborough A

Wilts faced their main rivals for the league title this weekend, Marlborough A. A good turnout to training and positive team discussion pre-game really set the tone in the Wilts camp.

The first half started as expected, both teams running and playing hard, fast hockey. This really was a show of the two top teams in the league. Wilts managed to get the breakthrough though, with some beautiful and slick play in midfield releasing Toby Dorgan on the top of the ‘D’. He found the back board with the help of a little deflection from a Marlborough defender. Shortly after this, Hugh Newmarch made it 2-0 to Wilts with a wonderful winding solo effort finished into the top corner of the net. Marlborough managed to claw one back before half time with a drag flick off a short corner.

Wilts started the second half emphatically. Joe Veacock threw a fantastic aerial from the push back. He found Man of the Match, Jonny Hackett, wide and high. Slick interplay with Dorgan set up James Baker with a tap in at the back post. A truly wonderful show of attacking play and individual skill. Wilts continued to press the oppo hard and managed to win a short corner that Veacock converted with a well placed drag flick. Following this, the impetus was with Wilts. Despite their attempts to penetrate the Wilts D, Marlborough were unsuccessful in scoring. Great defending by the Wilts backs line kept them shut out. To finish off, Newmarch made another brilliant run down the line and found Baker in the D. He stopped and then volleyed the ball to the top of the net. 

The game ended 5-1 and all but secures the league title for Wilts. Wilts still need to perform next week against the bottom table team to ensure they finish at the top of the table.