Despite external interference that will be referred to the Press Complaints Commission, this report will faithfully recount the events of yesterday without fear or favour! It is with great pleasure that we record a fantastic result against the league leaders (3-1) and an even better performance.
Everyone was up for this. Old Georgians have set the tone this season having been promoted in spectacular fashion. They are a fine team of ex national league players who have all played together for years and deservedly are top of the league having lost only once (before yesterday!) to Epsom. So, to lower their flag was no small achievement and to do it deservedly, even more so. As a spectator rather than a player yesterday I can say that I took great vicarious pride in watching the team deliver the sort of complete performance we have been searching for all season. We have been slightly misfiring this year, occasionally hitting the right notes without the consistency and ruthlessness of recent seasons but yesterday put that right as we pinged the ball around with pace and accuracy, letting the ball do the work, rather than the player; it was a joy to watch. Having umpired the opposite against Old Loughts it was a joy and a relief to see.
It is true that Fez (can someone please add him to this distribution), Harro and Groomy provide some welcome zip and energy that stretches and stresses opposition but this was a genuine team performance with everyone contributing and all the more pleasing for doing so without the reassuring presence of Mark, who like myself was warming the touchline. Marcus played a blinder in the middle (handily also contributing two goals) with Groomy and Gareth buzzing around relentlessly to dominate midfield. Jules, Harro, Fez (the third goal), Oli and Gerry all ran their socks off rolling off to take a breather but leaving OG constantly under pressure as we defended from the front but then the much heralded defence put in a real shift as OG proved on the rare occasions when they shook off the shackles how dangerous they could be - their one goal was consummate, quality hockey and its an absolute credit to all that we simply didn’t allow them to play. Matt was imperious on the day (best performance of the season), with Alex and Dale patrolling the flanks (with a brief cameo from Guy before his hamstring let him down) and Jim sweeping ahead to great effect. It’s a tribute to them that Jon will have busier days in goal but his interventions were critical, with one save in particular coming to mind that kept our two goal lead intact at a crucial point.
We scored three, pleasingly two from short corners, but also left at least three out there which reflected our dominance and the quality of the effort. Well played all!
OG were extremely complimentary in the bar, describing us as by far the best team they have played this season which is lovely to hear, if a little frustrating that we haven’t hit these heights more regularly. We are second in the league, four points behind OG but with Reading and Epsom having games in hand it is unclear how things will play out other than to say we know there are five or six sides that can all beat each other and so its is not all over until the fat lady sings. Lets keep this standard in mind and play to it every week and let other results take care of themselves. Next up Spencer in a couple of weeks. Our favourite local derby so see you then for more fun & games.
Narrated by: Tim Musgrave