TIFS A 1-0 Ryde A
TIFS B 0-2 Ryde B

Last Saturday, the Under 13 boys’ hockey teams took on Ryde School at a sunny and relatively warm Smallbrook Stadium.
The A team’s match was most definitely a game of two halves. TIFS boys started promisingly, with slick passing and movement forcing Ryde onto the back foot. They created chance after chance but seemed unable to capitalise on their complete domination. As half time drew nearer, a reverse stick flick by Finley L into the Ryde net saw TIFS take the lead. A quick half time team talk of “more of the same” would have surely resulted in more goals, but in contrast it was Ryde who took the upper hand and began creating chances. TIFS lost their passing game and Ryde sensed an equaliser was on the cards. However, great defending and goalkeeping saw TIFS soak up the Ryde pressure, and the final part of the game saw TIFS grind out some good short corner chances and hold onto their 1-0 lead.
The B team’s match was played at the same time and started in a similar vein, with TIFS dominating the game but being unable to take the lead. A breakaway goal from Ryde did not deter our team, who went in search of an equaliser, but despite numerous opportunities TIFS succumbed to a second goal and eventually finished the game losing 0-2.
All in all, both teams should be very proud of the way they played, and the standard of hockey was fantastic.We need to work on our finishing in front of goal, but it shows that we are heading in the right direction and are looking forward to the Hampshire Festival in early March.