RYE – Field Hockey New York

09/13/2009
Rye FHC started the 2009/10 season in fine form sealing a comfortable 7-0 victory against a weak Westchester side.  Rye started the game quickly with a number of well executed moves down the right and by the time Ali Akhlaq converted from close range to open the scoring, the Rye forwards could have had two or three.   Chris Cheetham added a brace in quick succession, the first from the penalty spot after Patrick Stutz was cynically taken down as he was about to pull the trigger and the second a well executed penalty corner.

Rye continued to dominate possession but some poor execution limited Rye to two more goals.  Sukhi Sanhu rifled a low shot past the ‘keeper from the inside right channel and Amr Halim finished another well worked move down the right to open his Rye account on debut.

The second half proved similarly frustrating for Rye.  Despite a huge advantage in possession time and territory, poor decision making and execution in the Westchester circle limited Rye to a pair of second half goals.  After squandering a couple of fine chances earlier in the game, Alex Anich found the top corner with a strike from 10 yards out when Max Rijkenberg unselfishly let a Cheetham through ball run through to him.  Akhlaq finished the scoring with another close range finish after Stutz again had caused problems down Westchester’s left flank and found his team mate unmarked four yards from goal.

Rye’s NEFHA debutants all performed well.  Matt Hogben ably took over at right back from the departed James Richardson, Lennart Cherifi provided additional stability to the defence and Amr Halim added some more pace to the forward line.  On balance, Rye will be happy with 3 points and a comfortable win but will know better performances will be needed as the season rolls on.  With a talented group of players and expected return of regulars Jones, Missen and Van Nunen, expectations will be high.