Since xmas, life in division 5 has looked very different for the M5s. A settled team, great spirit in the camp and a new formation has brought a run of 5 wins in a row and 7 wins from 8 since the break. 

We welcomed East London M5s to Alleyns School on saturday with a score to settle. East London had beaten us 1-0 right at the end of our encounter before xmas which was motivation for us in case we needed any more motivation.

East London started the better. They had a fast tempo and high press in the early stages which resulted in them hitting the post and forcing home keeper Adrian Von Eckevort into action on a couple of occasions. The M5s settled into the game nicely after this and started to dominate the midfield. Captain Tom Harris got the first goal of the game from a short corner after some neat build up, drifting past a couple of quick East London defenders before slotting the ball home for his 7th goal in 6 games.

The M5s carried on and were unlucky not to go into the break leading by more than just 1 goal. The second half brought more THD pressure and chances. Plenty of action in the East London D before the second goal arrived courtesy of Henry Abbott who slotted home after a lovely run and cut back by debutant Rob Thomas who was playing in his very first men's match. 

In truth, it could've been more than just 2, however the final whistle signalled a great win and a 6th on the bounce for our Mens 5s who move up to 4th in London Hockey Division 5. Not bad for a team 3rd bottom at xmas. 3 games to go and see how high we can finish.

MoM was voted as Chris Searle who was all over East London like a rash. DoD was also Chris Searle due to a variety of reasons - none least thanks to some very interesting towel antics....