The curious case of the Durham 12

A solid performance filled with grit and determination saw the students return to Durham empty handed and Deeside maintain their perfect start to the season with 3 from 3!

The first half produced some flowing hockey from both sides – Deeside building from the back with slick passing moves whilst the visitors showed off their dribbling skills. Deeside had the majority of the possession, but the students were dangerous on the counterattack.

After impressing in the first two games of the season – Charlie Leech did not disappoint with a number of powerful snap shots forcing Durham’s keeper into some acrobatic saves. Indeed, it was Leech who drew first blood with a poacher’s goal at the back post on 21 minutes.

Durham needed a change of approach in the second half if they were going to breach Deeside’s defences. They went for ‘numerical advantage’ and managed to play for a good 10 minutes with 12 of their squad on the pitch before the umpires noticed. “I wondered why Durham seemed to have more of the ball” one of the men in yellow was overheard to say!

Deeside’s defence, well marshalled by GK Ant Birchall, managed to hold out until the final whistle to earn a well deserved 3rd win of the season.