Mens 3rds vs Gateshead 3

A true family affair saw the father and son duos of Robin and George Page, Max and Edwin Renwick, Coach for the day Alex and son Evan for Morpeth with the returning duo of Peter and James McMeekan appearing for Gateshead. Morpeth also had to deal with a bit of pre-match shenanigans. Critchley decided that playing finger roulette with a door was a better option than facing Gateshead. Spoiler alert: the door won - ruling Critchley out of the game. 

Peter McMeekan, in goal for Gateshead guarded the goal like a treasure chest, turning away efforts from Morpeth's finest - Gallivan, Renwick the Elder (who, it must be said develops a strange tick whenever the word Gateshead is mentioned), and Renwick the Younger. Despite his heroics, the elder McMeekan was lucky to remain on the pitch, spicing up the game with language so colourful, it could've painted the Sistine Chapel.

The match was like a spicy curry: mostly delightful but with moments that make you question your life choices. Both teams and the “enthusiastic” spectators were given a stern talking to about backchat. It seemed everyone was keen to Chime in, turning the game into a symphony of disputes that even a campanologist would find overwhelming.

Morpeth's approach to victory was, let's say, not one for the hockey purists. Their passing at times was as wayward as Apple Maps. Yet, they dominated the first half with stellar midfield dynamism courtesy of Page, Oakton, The Better Laude, and the notorious Kray twins. Up front, Bott and Renwick threw everything but the kitchen sink at Gateshead's keeper, but the deadlock remained.

Enter Stewart, a wildcard move that paid off brilliantly. 2 minutes after coming on, he seized on a defensive blunder after a pass by Renwick the Elder, Stewart, usually more accustomed to stopping goals than scoring them, lofted the ball over the onrushing Gateshead keeper into the top left of the goal. He nearly bagged another, only to have his honest streak see a goal disallowed. A bittersweet moment that proved integrity still has a place in the game. 

As the match wore on, Gateshead threw everything forward, turning the second half into a siege on Morpeth's goal. . However, the defenders - Whitehead, Powell, Lumber-Jack, Gallivan, and McCudden, with George behind them - stood tall. The defence was like a fortress within Fortress Longhirst, repelling attack after attack with the determination of knights defending their castle. This wasn't just defending; it was an art form, a masterclass in resilience.

For the second week running, the Peth stood firm to hold onto a slender lead and keep a clean sheet – this time, winning ugly!

Remember, in hockey as in life, it's all about how you play the game. And occasionally about how well you can avoid doors.

MOM: G. Page

DOD: M.Stewart