Pro-Life Kelburne Men's 5s Draw vs Western Wildcats

16.9.17 - 1st Half Kelburne made a fantastic start to the match against Western Wildcats and Dick Donaldson set the tone for the first half, scoring a fine goal, only to have it chopped off. It wasn't long before the Western goal was under attack again and this time it was Rory Donaldson who made a great run and pass to find Mark Fulton inside the circle to slot his shot past the keeper. Again, Dick Donaldson made another powerful run into the circle with what looked like a great shot to beat the Western keeper, but again the umpire saw an infringement and disallowed the goal. At the other end of the pitch the Kelburne defence looked comfortable, with the likes of young Scott Peters and Callum Stewart looking composed on the ball and keen to move the ball forward. Although, the defence did provide a good shield for goalkeeper Rowan McClure, he too performed well and made a good double save near the end of the second half to deny Western. Kelburne finished the first half strongly, taking a 1 - 0 lead into the break but it could easily have been more.

2nd Half Western looked a different team for the first 15 minutes of the second half and a lapse in concentration for Kelburne at this crucial point in the game didn't help. This allowed Western to build some momentum and eventually they equalised, stunning Kelburne who then conceded another quick goal, giving Western a 2 - 1 lead. The response from Kelburne could not have been better and they were soon back playing the free flowing hockey they had demonstrated for most of the first half. Young Jared Bolland made his debut and immediately was involved in the action, showing some great composure and passing at a point in the game where Kelburne were really chasing the game. Kelburne were awarded a short corner and on 18 minutes Dick Donaldson came close to scoring again but this time the keeper touched the ball onto the post. Another free flowing move from Kelburne, starting deep inside their own half, passed the ball up the left, with Rory shooting inside the circle forcing the keeper into a good block. With the clock ticking, Kelburne's perseverance paid off when a well practiced short corner move straight off the training ground resulted in a great goal for Dick leveling the Final score at 2 - 2.

There is no game next week but Kelburne 5s return to action on Saturday 30th September when they travel to Hermitage Academy to play Helensburgh 3s.