Some would say the Men’s 7s team is a force of nature - but on Saturday, away at Halifax, they faced an opponent even they could not compete with: gale force winds on an unimaginable scale.

A mentally weaker team would’ve backed down and pleaded for the game to be called off. Not the magnificent 7s. Playing into the hurricane-like conditions in the first half, they found the winds cruelly undermined their trademark style of possession-based ‘liquid hockey’, quickly conceding goals to a skilful, youthful Halifax’s 4s team.

Following a ‘frank and honest’ team talk at half time, the team soon rediscovered their mojo and scored 3 quick goals to restore pride and keep the score to a respectable 6-3 defeat.

Despite suffering this freak meteorological setback, the 7s remain anchored to a creditable mid-table position.

The 7s team is the rock solid foundation on which the Men’s section is built on. As a development squad, we help transition young players from junior hockey to the senior teams. We also help many middle-aged men avoid soulless Saturdays trudging around B&Q. The 7s always welcome new players and train on Wednesday nights 7.00-8.30.

Next Saturday, we reset, rebuild and go again.