TWO weeks ago, when we lost our home game to Telford, the players and fans knew it had been an outstanding hockey match. The play was intense, the fans totally involved.

We played at the same level when we travelled to Peter-boroughthe following day and I described that weekend as the best back-to-back hockey of the season.

We were looking forward to building on our impressive home record last weekend, but our home game against Peterborough was the worst performance of the last two seasons.

We were flat, and that is not what the fans expect, or deserve.

Three of our young Buffalo players – Alex Sampford, Hallam Wilson and Ryan Sutton – played on a line in our cup game on Sunday.

They gave a really good account of themselves against opponents from a higher league than they usually play in. Dan Weller-Evans, who had played so well against the Wightlink Raiders, was sadly injured in training.

The news from the Under-20 World Championships in Estonia was also mixed.

Matt Selby picked up another concussion and has had to withdraw from the tournament.

He had already lost a large chunk of this season but had carefully followed rehab protocols in the hope he would be fully fit for the tournament. He will stay on with the team as captain.

GB have won their first two games against Holland and Lithuania, Cameron Wynn picking up a man-of-the-match award. Our best wishes go out to the team and especially to Matt.

Our young internationals won’t be back in time for our away games this weekend in Milton Keynes and Sheffield, but they will be available for our next home game against Guildford.

I know that game will be a sell-out. It’s our job to give you all reason to cheer!

All the best,

Doug