Hockey is back and there is no better way to start the season than a nice competitive inter-club derby. The men’s 2’s started what they know is going to be a Champayne season, with their first game against the 3’s. It was all about getting a good start to the season and playing in a professional manner.

It had to be said that the 3’s started much the better team, looking brighter and sharper on the ball to begin with. Their midfield driving through gaps trying to use their pace against a slower but well organised 2’s back line.

The 2’s finally managed to get on the ball and show their class, moving the ball better through midfield before creating the first real chance of the half. The 3’s keeper saving with his legs from Louie Morgan.

The early warning was not heeded, Skipper Zippy, dropped into the hole to create space, the ball went out wide and Frosty moved sharply into the space left to slide home the opener.

The 3’s dropped back further and further after the goal, while in part due to 2’s pressure, it also seemed to be a tactic to expose the slower back line against the faster forward line of the 3’s. One particular through ball was almost picked up by the 3’s forward, keeper Sam Wood was fast off his line cleaning out both ball and striker. The striker amazingly lost his head and kicked out at the keeper while on the floor, lucky to only see yellow for the outburst.

The 2’s managed to double their lead but admittedly I have no idea how the goal was scored, but apparently Louie Morgan got it.

They should have been 3 clear after great work from Kyran Chitre who won the ball high up and played the ball through to Kyle Hatch, who’s 4mph shot was saved by the oppo keeper.

He made up for it moments later, Edward Lynch played in Frosty in the right hand side, who played it to the base line, Hatch shot from a narrow-angle, initially saved, but the keeper lost it under his feet and Hatch nutmegged him, much to his amusement. A strong half time lead, perhaps a little generous on the balance of play.

Half Time: Bolton Men’s 3’s 0 – 3 Bolton Men’s 2’s

Second half the home side came out fast again and this time they were rewarded for their fast start. Some nice moves down their right, a ball across and slapped home for a quick goal back.

3’s joy was quickly doused, as the 2’s went straight up the other end and restored the 3-goal advantage. Frosty picked up the ball in the centre and drifted to the right before firing a ball at speed to back post where Hatch had lost his defender to deflect the ball into the net, much to the dismay of the baying home fans.

It should have been 5 soon after, a penalty corner routine, saw the ball moved around before deflecting to Louie Morgan at the back post who millimeters out unfortunately found the wrong side of the post.

The 3’s fought back once more, another solid piece of play down the right-hand side, and a static 2’s was played around as the forward once again slapped into the goal.

The scoring wasn’t done, Hatch was desperate for his hat trick, but it wasn’t him but Keith Stanley who produced the finish of the day, a scrappy bit of play with every one on the ball trying to get a shot away, Stanley took his time, recycled, moved the ball back to make space and scoop lifted the ball into the net, a fine finish.

There was still time for Louie Morgan to make up for his earlier miss, and he almost did, good work down the left, a ball across the back, all that was needed was the finish, but once more it went wide. Great movement, the finishes will come, great effort to get there.

Full time: Bolton 3’s 2 – 5 Bolton Men’s 2’s

Well done to the 3’s who drew the second half.

A rusty start to the season for the 2's, but showed their class and composure at times. More games will get the rust out.

Player of the Match: Max Frost