This Sunday October 20th, it was time to play
against SCAA, one of the most “European” team of the league, well drilled and
strong, which finished 1st runner up last season. With the return of
some good players, we were confident on our chance to play well and show some
nice things. Scheduled very late, we made sure that everybody was awake and
ready for the fight.
After the usual 5 minutes keep warm up, we were starting in
defense. And such a big difference compare to the previous games! Despite a
first lucky goal for them, the defense was moving well, blocking every combination
they were trying to make. Back with our 5-1 defense, we also made it really difficult
and with a bit more luck, we could have had a few more fast break.
Unfortunately, even if defending well, there was always a few seconds of no
focus, which allowed them to score easily.
With a very offensive defense, they didn’t let us play with
a normal line up, and everybody had to back up each other, running and giving
solutions to the ball carrier. After 10 minutes, the score was 6-3 for them.
But then, our defense became a wall, and they could only shoot at 10 meters,
and not accurate. And so 10 minutes later, we were leading 9-8. With a little
down before the end of the first half, we let them come back and get back one
goal ahead before the rest.
Back on the pitch for the 2nd half, we tried to
keep the same dynamic. And it’s what happened. With an always strong defense,
the few goals were only lucky one or fast break. The attack kept doing well,
with players proposing solutions and creating movements. The score was tight
for about 20 minutes, when each team replying to the other with a goal. With 1
goal lead and 9 minutes to play, SCAA decided to play normal defense at 6
meters. That took us by surprise and couldn’t adapt quickly enough. And despite
a very good game, the last 5 minutes were a show of bad passing and mistakes,
giving many fast breaks to our opponents. The final score of 25-19 doesn’t show
how tight was the whole game, and how much we bothered them in defense.
Highlights of the game, to our keepers Tim and Jack, who realized
a few incredible stops at the right time. Eric and Fabien, best scorer of the
game with 7 goals each but also everyone, that really put their hearts in and
gave their best.
We still have trainings coming, we need to capitalize on
this good game and make sure to keep improving. We hope to see everybody at the
training and get even better, especially with the coming games that are must
win!
