Result: Won 4-2
A sombre start to this week’s fixture against a mid-table Sevenoaks team, expecting an easy game with our Hero’s, still looking for their first win of the season, rooted to the foot of the table
Both teams respected a minute silence for Bryan Heelis a much loved teammate, with over 50 years’ service to Chelmsford Hockey Club, Bryan sadly passed away after a short battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Bryan will be greatly missed by all, always finding time for the juniors and his teammates, the club just won’t be the same.
Amidst appalling conditions; wind, sleet and freezing temperatures Chelmsford played with a sense of purpose, working hard for each other on and off the ball. Tim opened the scoring following up on his own short corner strike, slotting home the rebound. Chelmsford defended well but conceded a short corner from sustained Sevenoaks pressure, a well struck short corner finding its way past Craw and Peter H in the Chelmsford Goal. The first half finished 1:1 with Chelmsford playing the better hockey.
After a spirited team talk from this week’s skipper Hull, Chelmsford took the field the wind and rain still bitingly cold. MOM Martin inspired by the occasion, finding his shooting boots, nailed a superb strike in the first 30 seconds of the second half, sent Sevenoaks reeling, with no way back into the game. Chelmsford continued to exploit channels behind the tiring Sevenoaks defence. Sevenoaks midfield nullified by a committed triad of Phil, Kenny and Kimmy, who continued to provide our forwards with opportunities to exploit a weakening Sevenoaks defence. This constant pressure mixed with a little Hansen magic found Kenny unmarked at the top of the D from a short corner, Kenny converting with a well taken flick leaving the Sevenoaks GK stranded. A Gilly and Ed combo goal finally finishing off a demoralised Sevenoaks side who managed a consolation Goal in the last seconds of the game.
A Great team performance, our first win of the season, inspired by a great man who will be sorely missed,
RIP Bryan