Cobras rattled but not beaten

Leek and Buxton played out a competitive Badgers game under a strange yellow glow from the sky. Both teams had enforced changes from their previous meeting, most notably the Cobras ‘keeper who injured their arm during the week, leading to callum Plant stepping in at short notice.
Despite the changes both teams played good hockey with Leek looking more a team than individuals and were unlucky not to take the lead, the Buxton keeper making 2 very fine stick saves on the right post, and the two Buxton adults making crucial saves on the line.
Once again Archie Bartram was causing havoc whenever he had the ball, using the guile of Sam Brookes and Charlie Swinson in the forward positions to create space.
Whenever Buxton did break forwards, Sam Smith was having his game of the season, Felix Bettany was unflappable and Harrison Fortun unstoppable in his work rate.
Buxton were unlucky not to score when a shot hit the post but inexperience prevented the forward following up, allowing the effervescent Alex Spragg to clear the lines.
A draw was probably a fair result overall, Louis Warrilow having put everything into his performance and all the team ever improving.
Special thanks must go to Sian Jones and Alex for mentoring in my absence and Kate Jones and Sean Finney for impeccable umpiring.