On a balmy October morning, Cheltenham Cougars journeyed to Central London for the first game of the season against Spencer 3s.

After a 3 hour trip down the M4, the boys arrived in high spirits, ready to hit the ground running in the new SEMLA Division 1.

The first quarter started and Spencer quickly shot out of the blocks with 3 goals from fast breaks. Q1: 0-3

The second quarter started much the same, as we conceded two more goals from the transition. Max Biddlestone opened the Cougar’s account, dropping under the shoulder of a Spencer pole to rifle a shot home into the upper net. After a few more close shaves in attack (including Lenno hitting the post) the boys headed in to the half down 6. HT: 1-7

Quarter 3 saw a marked shift for Cheltenham. An imperious performance in defence by Guy Oldring, Gary Wood and James Cole led to constant turnovers, stripped sticks and egg on the face of the Spencer attackers. Combined with Dan Martin’s best imitation of a brick wall, the Cougars ended Q3 without conceding once.

A fate that our attack decided was not to be shared by the Spencer defence! Fighting with renewed spirit despite diminishing energy levels, Curtis Hibberd drove and scored, hitting low in the goal to the confusion of the Spencer keeper. Q3: 2-7

Cheltenham Cougars had their heads held high as we approached the final quarter. With the lion’s share of possession, the Cheltenham attack was forcing chances, coming close time after time. Tyler Rodberg drove through the heart of the Spencer defence, firing a shot into the uppers of the net. 3-7.

Spencer fired back with their own goal, dropping us to 3-5. Before the play was up, after a beautifully executed clear, a “champagne” fast break was carried out by our attack, leaving Max with the final goal of the game.

FT: Cheltenham 4-8 Spencer 3s

Author: James Humphreys