East League Division 5NW
Grantham 0
Bourne Deeping 3rd 4
Grantham found themselves in the rare position of playing a home fixture at the opposition’s ground due to pitch repairs at the Meres but regardless of the venue, they were unable to add to their points tally, going down to a 4-0 defeat.
Grantham started brightly and matched their well-organised opposition blow-for-blow in a new-look 3-4-3 formation. However, the initial promise of the new outlook started to wear off after a misplaced pass was intercepted by Deeping’s thankful forwards who calmly played it between themselves in a series of one-twos A second goal followed as a large squad attempted an Olympic-style rolling substitution system which did not quite go to plan.
At half time, Andy Barton was carded for dissent, ensuring that Grantham would start the second half with 10 men.
Now chasing the game, Grantham were opened up on the break once more and conceded another from an excellently worked penalty corner routine.
In the last 10 minutes, Grantham showed the kind of hockey they are capable of, forcing good saves from the Deeping keeper after Duncan & Toplis man-of-the-match Sam MacAllister and Rob Buxton saw their efforts thwarted. The unlucky Groom also missed a late chance, firing wide after the on-rushing keeper had completely missed his kick.
Grantham: Leadenham, Groom (c), Wraith, Pearce, Richardson, Barton, Jacks, Hill, Willey, Braunton, Buxton, Gray, MacAllister.
l With both Grantham and Horncastle’s pitches being unsuitable for play, the women’s game was conceded 3-0 to Horncastle 2nd.