Clifton Robinsons M2 prevailed in a tense affair away against Bath Buccs 3s, to get their league campaign off to a winning start.
Robbies started the stronger of the two sides and were soon putting the young Buccs side under pressure, which resulted in a number of turnovers high up the pitch. Pressure eventually told and Shaun Rouse, who as far as anyone knows has never played up front, skilfully lifted a penalty corner rebound into the back of the net to give the away side a deserved lead. Robbies continued to create chances, with a number of crosses flashing past the post, with the telling touch missing. Finally the pressure paid however and Jake Rowe fed George Russell who converted with a stylish diving deflection.
All was rosy in the Robbies camp at half time, perhaps too rosy, as the second half was a sloppy affair with misplaced passes and poor decisions dominating the early exchanges. Robbies struggled to find the fluency they’d found in the first half and in a mad 3 minutes Bath managed to turn the game on its head.
Poor turnovers in midfield resulted in a well taken field goal to half the arrears before a penalty stroke, which would not be placed in the ‘dubious’ category drew Bath level.
This shock to the system woke Robbies up and they regained control. A penalty corner was won with five to play, and clever play at the top of the D resulted in Shilen Tanna being scythed in half as he created a shooting opportunity. After a lengthy deliberation the umpires pointed to the spot giving Chris Tidy the opportunity to win it for Robbies. The forward duly obliged and some good game management from Robbies allowed them to see out the win.
Bill Springett
