Reserves Show Their Strength Against Thetford JVs

Thank you to all the parents and Marauders fans who attended Friday afternoon's brilliant match between the Reserves and the Thetford Academy Junior Varsity, and apologies to all players and fans who missed it. The Boys' Reserve team showed just how skilled and beautifully the game could be played under the recently perma-overcast sky at the Norwich fields. As predicted, the TA team was older, taller, and stronger than Hanover's but that was not apparent nor a factor throughout the entire match.

Long passes towards the Marauder net were all Thetford could muster in the first half, quickly becoming aware of the defensive prowess of Daniel Wilson, Zach Estes, Matthew Couture, Bei Dai, and of course Ryan O'Rourke between the pipes. Midfield play was inspired and aided greatly by a top performance that would put Xabi Alonso to shame from Mr. Eben Holbrook. Robert Wild, Mitch Curry, and Rain Yesman, and Nick D'Orsi used the wings to full effect while giving 150 percent effort. Corners and free kicks led to no avail to either squad in the first half.

The second half began with Thetford on the offensive, throwing everything forward quickly only to find the Marauder back line solid. Hanover had many long passes sent to Alex Brown and Robert Wild who tried their hardest to center the ball. Good shots towards net were taken by newly returned central midfielder Jonathan Kenkel and first-time striker Steve Gofer. Both shots were of quality but missed the net.

With fifteen minutes to go a Thetford striker knocked knees with center back Matt Couture, bringing him down with an unfortunate game injury that sent him out of the game. Ethan Wilcox, making his fourth appearance this season, proved he was more than capable to replace Couture. Play continued to go positively in both directions with strong tackles and determined play. With five minutes remaining Thetford was awarded a corner kick that was struck short, landing on a Thetford foot that shot the ball into the protective hands of an Hanover player inside the box. A penalty kick was awarded and Ryan O'Rourke gave his best effort, nearly stopping the kick but seeing his well earned shutout disappear.

With Thetford holding a 1-0 lead, the remaining minutes were filled with as much drama and intensity as the rest of the game with Alex Brown and Nick D'Orsi forcing the issue trying so hard for the equalizer. With two minutes remaining Thetford got another chance with a cross over O'Rourke to the far post that was redirected off the head by a Thetford player two feet from net, only to be headed out off the line by the ever prescient Ethan Wilcox. Time ran out and the Hanover squad should have no regrets. The effort passion and true beauty that was on display made this match the best of the season so far.

Altogether congratulations are needed for the full sqaud. The Men of the Match were: Ryan O'Rourke, Matthew Couture, Zach Estes, Bei Dai, Daniel Wilson, Tor Hathaway, Sawyer Brooks, Rain Yesman, Robert Wild, Neils Kuehlert, Eben Holbrook, Mitchell Curry, Nick D'Orsi, Parker Gardner, Ethan Wilcox, Steve Gofer, Jonathan Kenkel, Alex Brown, Duncan Piper, and Michael Yukica.

Congratulations on a fantastic perfomance. The bus for Monday's away match at Hartford will be departing from Hanover High School at 3:30 p.m. Players. please arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. wearing maroon away jerseys.