We knew our opposition had a lot of talent at their disposal, with a blend of young legs and old heads. However, recent performances had shown we could compete with the best of the teams in this league.

Both teams started brightly but it was the Dev who scored first, when Browne was given too much space at the top of the circle. Despite this we had quite a lot of chances that we just didn't manage to take. 1-0 at half time, but a lot to give us confidence for the second half.

We conceded another goal before we really started to put the pressure on their defence. One of several Penalty Corners broke back to Rusty who unleashed a beast of a shot that gave the keeper no chance.

It was that man Rusty who again latched on to a ball breaking loose in the circle. If you were wondering if he was going to lay it off or have a go, wonder no more. Another thunderbolt was unleashed that levelled the score at 2-2. Game on!

At that point it looked like we could go on and win, but we failed to take the chances we created and paid the price in a big way.

Pushing for the winner left us a bit exposed at the back and we paid the price when we gave away a PC with about 10 minutes to go. A Macfarlane rocket was deflected past the helpless Batch off McNally's stick.

Sadly, the scene was repeated just minutes later, however this time no help was needed for a blistering strike that was only ever going to be stopped by the backboard.

It was completely unfair to see a fifth goal go in, via a well worked corner finished off by Browne for his hat-trick. 5-2. No way did that score reflect the overall game.

There was no time left for us to recover from this triple whammy, so we left empty handed. But isn't it good to be bitterly disappointed to lose to a top side! Yeah, kinda.

Grange Hockey Club

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