Cheam 1s show bouncebackability with 6-0 win

After Cheam's first league defeat of the season in midweek under the floodlights, this match against London Brookes took on huge significance. A victory for Cheam would put promotion within touching distance, but a defeat would open the door and give Old Georgians Hockey Club the opportunity to pip Cheam at the post. Having never tasted defeat before this season and now finding themselves in a pressure cooker situation, the question was - how would Cheam respond?

The title of this match report possibly gives that away a bit. Cheam started the game ferociously and were determined, creating two or three good chances in the first couple of minutes. However, the wind was taken from their sails somewhat when Brookes immediately got a breakaway and won a short corner, which they converted to take the lead. Or so they thought, as an infraction by Brookes meant that a free hit went Cheam's way instead. With that warning shot across their bows, Cheam redoubled their efforts and the goals soon flowed. Some incredibly slick play saw Cheam rattle in 4 first half goals, all of high quality, with very little threat coming back from Brookes.

In the second half, 2 more goals came for Cheam, which is not as had been hoped for given the half-time score. Brookes settled into a siege defence and Cheam perhaps became a little guilty of playing 'down the middle' into a congested area, as the goal-hunt made the play a little less clinical. Still, there was plenty to be proud of for this very important win in a high pressure game. Cheam also showed defensive solidity with a return to the clean sheet, including a penalty flick save by Andrew Oldale.

Special mention in this match must go to Seb Jennings, awarded Man of the Match for a superb 4 goal haul. DOTD was awarded to Koen Overeynder, for reasons too numerous to mention on here.

This win means that the best Cheam's nearest promotion rival in the league can now do is equal Cheam's current points tally. Old Georgians are lagging behind in goal difference, but are capable of racking up big scores, so it promises to be an exciting final two games for Cheam, with promotion within touching distance but the job not done yet.