Game Week One
1s
Dublin University Hockey Club 5-1 Mullingar
DUHC began the season with a big win against newboys Mullingar. Sean Flynn made his long awaited return to the fold, a comeback unseen since the likes of the Messiah. Of course our Prodigal son didn’t disappoint and lit up the bleachers with a goal and a solid display. Steven Nolan got off the mark to go along with his debut performance, later earning man of the match. The team played fluid hockey for the most part, showing no signs of a summer hangover so credit must be given to Billy Evans for keeping the team in check, well-drilled and organised.
The result leaves DUHC top of the table after game week one and long may it continue. Steven Roberts hustled all day long and was rewarded for his efforts with a double. Matt Lewis and Andy Tyrell also donned the green jersey for the first time and represented well, slotting into the team with ease and panache. A performance reminiscent of Santry’s fortress bodes well for the rest of the year.
2s
Dublin University Hockey Club 3-6 Fingal
Nervously stepping into the mould of increasingly successful 2nds Captains is Dan Ryan. He follows Dave Adley, Henry Butler and Jack Hegarty and with such esteemed predecessors, Dan may have his work cut out for him. Luckily for him, and the club, Dan comes off the back of an immaculate year as Match Secretary and Douglas Montgomery is only months away from fitness so perhaps the duo shall be reunited once again. With yours truly having an absolute shocker standing in goals on Sunday, the 2s were always going to have their work cut out for them. Also not helping the situation was a heavy night on Saturday for all involved but the 2s hustled well and played some champagne hockey to come away with a very respectable performance, all things considered.
3s
Corinthians 0-0 Dublin University Hockey Club
A new look 3s team came very close to snatching the points on their first game of the season. Stalwarts Charlie Blakemore, Dan Ryan and Roger Clarke looked as comfortable as ever in the green jerseys, showing off their summer work in the gym. Cian Booth did well to pick up his first clean sheet of the season, Horse was his usual reliable self at the back with Sully fitting into the team well. A rather uneventful game was almost lit up when Rocco attempted an audacious lob in the latter stages of the game, only to be snuffed out by a good save.
