The Medway Assassins picked up their first tournament win at the weekend at only the second time of asking.

Report by coach Barry Smith:

We have only been in existence for just about 5 months and we ‘rock up’ as the ‘new team’ that are having their first games, the 3rd day we have ever played games in a venue that is loud, intimidating and compact with the spectators standing, looking and shouting over the boards! We keep our composure and our belief that as a team we could win the all important, be all and end all game of this season.

Our opening game was against the Oxford team that were big and competitive, looking menacing as we started we found it hard to beat their goalie. After an avalanche of shots the goalie buckled and seemed to be lost as we scored the goals. Just before and after half time. They steadied the ship but we had sunk their opening game 5-2. One of special mention was Josh making his debut who was quick to find his feet and was a good team player all day. Goals – Matthew 2, Alix 2, Rob 1

Second game was the ‘whipping’ boys, Hastings, I set a target of 10, who despite putting in a strong performance came up against an impressive Assassins who throughout the whole game kept their structure and almost robotic goal scoring by playing balls both at the goalie and ‘down the lines’ allowing the forwards to work well drilling in to the corner and passing balls to the front post were our ‘true pee-wee’s’ were taking full advantage winning 8-0! A mention to our goalie Owen who managed his second shut out in his second tournament.

Third game against Eastbourne. The formidable team that really impressed us last time. Organised and with a bit of flair. At the start of the game people were talking about Eastbournes number 8 and 99 both with impressive ball control and a wicked shot (thankfully Owen was in goal lol). One the passer, one the charger! We were 1 up both times and with the game at 2-2 we looked strong. The lines were working and everyone had found their place, we were creating goal scoring opportunities but the net would not flutter until a quick move into the middle and a great goal. We were 3-2 up and we felt like we could win but as we breathed a sigh of relief at taking the lead our flow stopped and everyone took their foot off the pace. With a slight adjustment to their tactics their coach had changed the flow and we suddenly found ourselves 5-3 down with the crowd seeing the 8 and 99 put in a very admirable performance. A goal of mention from Ryan who took the ball from the halfway line whilst shielding the ball from a defender ‘deked’ the goalie and ‘popped’ it over the goalies right leg to score a great individual goal. Goals – James 2, Ryan 1

Wow……. The final against Eastbourne. The fourth time we had met in such a small space of time. Could we over come the odds after losing our previous three encounters? The hall was full and the crowd cheering and shouting creating a really electric atmosphere. Everyone was anticipating a good game but the pace, energy and exhillerating hockey that was seen was a great sight for all. Pee wee hockey with good structured attacking and organised defending! Real end to end stuff with regular ‘whooping’ from the crowd made it a great game. Both teams started evenly, with both teams scoring excellent goals. There was then a new number who grabbed the spotlight and it wasn’t for Eastbourne. With 5 goals the Assassins number 10 (James) truly took control with impressive play between himself and Alix. Both players stood out in creating great opportunities and excellent finishing. At one point we were slicing through their defences with ease and finishing superbly but never under estimate a good team when their down. Eastbourne struck back and with 10 seconds to go it was a very tense 8-7. But with a time out and a face off our work was done. We had scored enough to win and take the win. A great performance from the entire team with everyone playing important parts in our victory. Goals – James 5, Jake 1, Samuel 1, Gregor 1

I have to mention as well that the organisers said to me how impressed with the way that our team conducted itself and with the hockey they played. The refs commented on numbers ‘1 (the GOALIE) and 10 (James) really showing excellent hockey skills’.

Eastbounes manager told me ‘its great to see a team come down and give us a real competitive game. We have the nationals in two weeks and we have suffered our first defeat this season! What a great lesson my team should have learnt today and hopefully it will make them better in the nationals. Thank you for bringing your team’ I wished him luck and realised what an achievement, we had just beaten the associations best in the South East!

I can only say how proud I am of all the players, those mentioned and those not. Everyone played in the four games it took to win our second tournament ever and without the dedication and belief of every player we would not of been able to win, after many questioned if it was possible. A great performance which fills me with hope and wonder at what will be happening this time next year!

Thank you to all that helped, came to support and our shirt sponsor LaserTag who helped us look good as we won!