Ken and Mark White from Nottingham HC pulled out all the stops to ensure the game went ahead.
Thanks to support from The Brinklow’s (one of whom scored two goals against his dad in goal for Nottingham ). Thanks also to Mike for playing before high-tailing it across town to play 3s.
The game started off with some fantastic play by the spine of the team in the form of Graham J, Adam H and Norman B. Their play allowed Dylan to make some great jinking runs out from defence to support the midfield.
Harry and Archie received or intercepted many balls and released our forwards on numerous occasions.
Ken had shots on goal with one in particular drawing a great save by Andy B (thanks for supporting the game and keeping for Nottingham ).
Mike made several good runs topped by chances well saved by the same keeper
Shri was always in the right place to receive passes and pass the ball onwards.
Max and Jake deservedly scored two each. One of which was made by a scything pass from Ken to Max who unselfishly passed to Jake to slot home. Well done both
A further addition to the line-up came in the form of another Shapland, Taylor, who had been warmed-up on the sidelines by his dad David (Stan). Taylor S made several good interventions. He received his first pass from his uncle, guarded the ball and released it confidently to others to take the game forward.
As is often the case, Fraser made several great saves and kept out shots which otherwise would have been clear goals for Nottingham.
The fantastic fours ended on four and Nottingham on three goals.
A great outcome for the team on a day which saw three generations of Shaplands on the pitch.
Given the injection of competent new players and several others to return, the team is looking in great shape
Shapland 3 generations on the hockey pitch November 10 2024
Grandpa Ken and Uncle Mike, and speedy Taylor too,
Went on at hockey and Taylor stuck like glue
To his opponent. Chasing the hockey ball.
But Match decider? Far too close to call.
Their clever work with hockey sticks
Was keeping opponents in a fix.
That was a great Remembrance Day
When Grandpa Ken ran out to play.
So every Remembrance Sunday weekend in the future, the Shaplands can look back to the day when Ken actually burst into a sprint!!
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