Following two successive cancellations, it was great for the U16 boys performance team to be back on the pitch in a competitive fixture, bolstering their match fitness for the EH Cup quarter final on 26 Feb.

With Surbiton just about finding their feet, BromBeck slotted in the opening goal within 90 seconds of the push back, thanks to a fine strike from Noah. Only two minutes later, Toby narrowly missed another chance but it was clear, this was very much game on. The boys took the match to Surbiton with pressure across all parts of the field and Jayden was able to carry on despite a ball to the thigh in a reckless slice from a rattled defence in the seventh minute. Two short corners in quick succession, one for each team didn't yield any goals but it wasn't long before another open play offensive concluded with Jamie sticking another past the visitors. The rest of the first half , the momentum was very much with BromBeck though they were unable to convert a number of opportunities through open and set plays to add to the goal tally. In the twenieth minute after a scuffle in the D, Carter took a stick to the top of the nose and had to come off for treatment with his game sadly ending there. Just before the end of the first half, Brombeck also lost Jamie after going over on his ankle leaving the home side two down. Going into the break, the boys were 2-0 up and joined by coach Ben, hobbling around the touchline after an ankle incident in the Men's 1's game that had just finished.

In the opening minutes of the second half, another scoring opportunity was missed but with continued pressure, it wasn't long before Brombeck chalked up the third in another well-worked goal from Teo, with a Toby assist. Within five minutes, Surbiton won their second short-corner of the game and this time they made it count and sneaked in their first. Five minutes later, though, Toby smacked the backboard thanks to a pass from Rohan for BromBeck to maintain the goal difference. The visitors pulled back another goal from their third short corner, with a nicely worked drag flick into the back of the net. Unphased, the home side continued their pressure on the visitors and bagged two in the last ten minutes , Toby with his second, from a Jayden assist and Noah with his second of the match, taking the final scoreline to 6-2. The result was very much indicative of the match, it was a great performance and a thoroughly deserved win.

With all of BromBeck goals coming from open play, it is clear the team has the skill, confidence and understanding of each to enables it to win matches. With a little more success from short corners, this team is a challenge for any opposition. Fingers crossed injuries will improve over the week so there is a full-strength side to face Horsham next Sunday.

Massive thanks to Alex for stepping in to help Surbiton who were unable to field a keeper. Without Alex, the match would have had to be cancelled meaning the team missing yet another match. He made some good saves in the match and benefitted from being part of a performance squad.

Thanks, as ever, to our umpires Paul and Brendan, we appreciate your help to ensure fixtures can be played. Thanks to Ben and Harrison for continued guidance and encouragement to the boys.

MJ