WBTHC 3 v Hartlepool Caledonian 2
WBTHC moved from the sunny uplands of the Tyne Valley to the smoggy hinterland of Hartlepool to play their second game of the weekend.
There have been many inspiring speeches throughout the ages, such as those by Winston Churchill, Julius Caesar and the President in Independence Day. Although Kier Waugh may never be remembered by so many, his half time team talk on a dreary Sunday in November bought about a heroic comeback by a team that had been thoroughly out-played under pressure from Hartlepool.
As the players trudged to the goal-mouth at half time they were relieved to only be a goal behind to a team who had robbed them of possession in their own half on numerous occasions. However after some half time invigoration and some tactical changes courtesy of Mick Christopher, Tynemouth came out running with star striker Tom Fuller leading by example and scoring from a counter attack early in the half. Alan Barlow netted shortly after as the visitors piled on the pressure and Tom's second goal, slotting past the keeper from range put his side 3-1 up.
Tom completed his hat-trick and the rout of Hartlepool with a stunningly taken goal from a short corner rebound and was unlucky not to have a fourth as the reds continued to press. As Hartlepool began to push forward late in the match, the team defended superbly as a whole with a Keir Waugh save from a short corner ending the match and a great half of hockey.
Special mentions to hat-trick hero Tom Fuller, Keir Waugh for keeping the team in the match and for Abel Petho for receiving an arial pass without being blinded and overall good runs and work rate.
WBTHC 3 (4-1) Hartlepool Caledonian 2