Old Georgians' Men's 1XI continued their unbeaten streak with an emphatic 7-2 win over Cardiff & Met in the Men's Premier Division. Playing away at the Welsh Institute of Sport, the team delivered a balanced display of defensive stability and offensive prowess to secure another vital three points. This result leaves OGs firmly at the top of the table as they prepare to face East Grinstead at St George's College next weekend.
The game got off to a competitive start, with Cardiff & Met determined to make an impact against the league leaders. However, Old Georgians struck first in the 13th minute through Chris Griffiths, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance. Tom Carson doubled the lead three minutes later, putting OGs in control of the match.
Defensively, the Old Georgians' backline showcased their strength, anchored by the experienced international duo of Liam Sanford and David Ames. Their disciplined approach frustrated Cardiff's attack and limited their ability to penetrate the OGs' defence. Phil Roper's contributions in midfield further stabilised the team, providing a link between defence and attack that kept Cardiff on their heels.
As the game progressed, Old Georgians continued to build on their lead. Griffiths secured his second goal in the 33rd minute, and Phil Roper found the net just two minutes later to extend the advantage to 4-0. Sam Ward, the team's in-form striker, made his presence felt in the second half, scoring two clinical goals in the 47th and 68th minutes, taking his season tally to 12 goals.
Despite the OGs' commanding performance, Cardiff & Met fought back with commendable resilience. They managed to find the net twice, with Rhys Gowman converting a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute and Jonny Fleck scoring from a penalty corner in the game's final moments. However, these goals proved to be mere consolation as the Old Georgians continued to press forward, with Alan Forsyth adding his name to the scoresheet in the 57th minute.
Captain James Albery praised the team's persistence and adaptability after the match, noting the importance of maintaining focus across all quarters. "It was always going to be a tough game, but I thought we handled ourselves well. Cardiff pushed hard, especially in the second half, but we showed great character to stay on top and finish strongly," he commented.
With East Grinstead up next, Old Georgians will aim to maintain this momentum. The team's strength in both defence and attack has made them a formidable force in the league, and they are yet to record a clean sheet this season—a goal that remains on their radar. The upcoming home fixture provides an opportunity for OGs to solidify their lead at the top and continue refining their game as the season unfolds.
As the season progresses, OGs' mix of experienced internationals and rising stars will look to maintain their winning form. This latest result keeps them undefeated and high in confidence as they head into the next phase of the league campaign.