Tigers Kept At Bay

<p>Top communicator: S G

<p>A slightly grey but dry morning at Mayhill, the pitch very firm but very 'bobbly', as the Tigers welcomed the Fleet Town Colts Leopards for the final group game of the Spring tournament. It was always going to be a tough fixture, as the Leopards beat Headley Vipers last week, leaving the group more open than was apparent. That said, it would need a top performance from all the players to take the win.

<p>From the start, it was easy to see why the Leopards took the spoils against a sound Headley side... Their pace and swift passing ensured the Tigers were up against it, straight away. However, some resolute defending ensured the Leopards' early opportunities were snuffed out, and it was the Tigers who had the first clear cut opportunity before a well taken corner found T L at the back post for an early pass across the box to D S who finished, first time. 1-0 Tigers.

<p>Unfortunately, the Leopards pressure was always going to take its toll and, sure enough, it took less than a minute before Fleet were back on level terms. And it all started with their 'keeper. And that was the theme of the day. For all of the Leopards pace and passing, the Tigers looked like they could still earn their own goals were it not for the opposition goalie. Of the eventual 5 Fleet goals, 4 were initiated by exceptional 'keeper distribution... Very quick, strong, accurate throws took out the entire Tigers midfield and attack, leaving the defenders flooded with the counter. This style of counter-attacking was well practiced, the outfield players moving in to position almost before their goalie had the ball safely in his hands.

<p>The match finished rather crazily with injuries to 2 players, the second a very rash challenge by a Fleet player on D S leaving him unable to see the match out. The Fleet manager was quite right to withdraw the player but it left a slightly bitter taste to the end of the game.

<p>Top communicator went, for the second week running, to S G. Undoubtedly a natural leader, and relishing the captain's armband, even when taking a break on the sidelines, he was still the most constructively vociferous player at the game.

<p>MoM went to B E. He ran his heart out causing the Fleet defence a number of issues and, were it not for the outstanding Fleet 'keeper, may have helped the Tigers in to a lot tighter scoreline.

<p>Win, Lose or Draw, Tigers Roar!