By Roger Baxter
York men’s hockey firsts saw off the challenge of a less fit Boston Spa team despite fielding a somewhat makeshift side of their own. Several players who would not normally expect to find themselves in contention for the higher squad found themselves wearing the black and gold, but the group still managed to post an impressive 4-0 victory.
York began strongly, and forced several penalty corners early in the game, always looking threatening on the attack. This was in contrast to their opponents, who, when they managed to get down to the York D, were always seen off coolly and calmly by the defending players.
The first of York’s goals came late on into the first half, managing to allay any irritation that may have just been creeping up on the York team. Adam Tyrell was the man with the final touch, and Boston were now the ones becoming visibly frustrated, one of their number being sin-binned for dissent before the end of the half.
The scoring was compounded soon after the match was resumed. York won yet another short corner, and a well-worked move saw Richard Larkin in possession at the very edge of the D. His cross found Nick Latcham, who made no mistake in doubling York’s lead.
York were, however, reminded that their opponents posed a threat immediately following the restart, when James Robinson was forced to make a smart save from a hastily won short corner.
York, though, were not to be denied. The ball fell to Tyrell two yards from goal, and he bundled the ball home for his second. He assisted JY Chan for the fourth, and York’s victory was complete.