Men O40 vs Devizes O40s

The Buccs O40s Men’s team took on Devizes O40s in the Semi-Final of the West Cup.

The Buccs team was a blend of players across the Clubs 3,4,5,6,7 and 8s teams, aswell as a few local players with links to the Club.

The game started with both teams testing out each others setup and defence, with Buccs having good success down to right with Si B, Stu H and Jack B working effectively together.

The Buccs pressure led to a well taken rebound strike from goal hungry Sam R. This switched Devizes into action who train together regularly and started to move the ball at pace. This led to a short corner goal to bring the score level.

Both teams attacked with verve with Jools, Mark N and Heber connecting well. Buccs had a number of short corners, and Tim H calmly dispatched one to take Buccs 2-1 at half-time.

The Chris H half-time team talk was one of positivity but also acknowledgment that a big half was coming up and we would need to dig deep with only 13 players.

Devizes came out of the blocks flying with wave after wave of attack. However, a brilliant sweeping move by Buccs with a lovely one two between Fish and Jack B which he tucked away - 3-1 and 20 mins to go.

The last 20 mins felt like an age with some nice hockey on show by a well drilled Devizes team. However, our player of the match - Stu A - and quality GK Mark R-S kept us in the game, with multiple last ditch stops, tackles and saves. They were on defensive fire!!

After multiple short corners for Devizes, and multiple defensive stops by Stu A, Chris H, Mark N and Mark R-S, Devizes got one back with 5 mins to go.

The full resilient might of Buccs came to the fore with all three lines getting stuck in, with Fish tackling relentlessly!! Buccs held out to secure a 3-2 win and then enjoyed a social pint, chips and sandwiches at a local pub.

Buccs O40s Men’s are now in the Final of the West Cup and look forward to the occasion!