With only a mathematical chance of reaching the Finals, the Men played their last two indoor fixtures this week. On Wednesday evening against Futebol Benfica, they were 2 goals down after 15 minutes but, after seeing one of their shots from a difficult angle come back off the post, they were encouraged to pull a goal back just before the break. When they went level at 2-2 in the first minute of the second half, a comeback looked on the cards, but a total of 4 penalty strokes – 2 to each team – were to prove crucial. Futebol Benfica converted their first to go 3-2 ahead, Casuals scored an excellent equaliser from a lifted tip-in. They then had their first stroke brilliantly saved, whilst the hosts converted their second for a 4-3 lead. When the Casuals had their second stroke saved and had a goal from a penalty corner disallowed, they took off their goalkeeper to try to force the pace: even here they were unlucky to concede a last minute corner, which Futebol Benfica drilled past the defender for a 5-3 win.

In today’s match against Carris, Casuals were 0-3 down at the interval. They mounted a brief comeback with 2 well-taken goals on the break to reduce to 2-4, but from there on they were caught in possession far too often and Carris scored regularly to finish 9-2 winners.

In Yesterday’s Winter indoor tournament the U13s finally pulled it together, using what they had learnt so far playing indoor for U15, U13 and U11 (of their 15 registered players, all 13 fit/available ones played in the tourno) to play some nice passing hockey. With a little help from the U15 coach, they beat Casa Pia B 9-0 and Casa Pia A 6-0.