Saturday saw the start of the second half of the season with an away
tie against top of the table Norwich Union. We managed to take a
determined 14 to a wonderful setup that Norwich Union have at
Pinebanks Astro. It makes you jealous just thinking about it.
Newmarket were strong from the push back with
both Paul Marston and Kieran Drane finding space down both flanks,
supported by the wide backs Simon Greenwood and Sean Watts. We
dominated the first half with Norwich relying on the long ball to
try and gain any advantage.
Against the run of play the home team capitalised
on a substitution made on our right when Magnus was brought on for
Drane, this left a temporary hole down our right that left the
right back Greenwood on his own. The defence was out numbered 3-1
and despite the gallant efforts of Greenwood and Duncan Freed
working back. They scored with a reverse stick sweep over an
outstretched Adam Morris in goal on the 23rd minute. A mistake that
I am still running through my head.
Newmarket continued to battle through to the
break, with good work in the centre of field work by Marston,
Jefferson and D Badcock but the whistle blew with Union's lead
intact.
After the break Newmarket continued where they
left off, bringing Roxy Starling and Barney on with fresh legs
pushing forward. Again Newmarket rallied the Union's 25 but they
held firm. That is until the 23rd minute, a short corner routine
that saw Duncan Freed strike his first goal drew the sides level.
With just over 10 minutes left it was Newmarket
who looked the likely side to get the 3 points, but the home time
remained strong.
Newmarket's defence Watts, Freed, N Badcock and
Greenwood was strong conceding no shorts, and blocking all pushed
through. Adam Morris in goal played a blinder.
Before the game we would have been happy to take
the point, after the game we were a little disappointed. However, it
leaves us in a strong position for the rest of the season.
