Match Reports
28/03/09
Chichester 5s 1-5 Men's 4th XI
I believe that children are the future!
Ear hair, paying the mortgage, Just for men hair products, paying car/council tax, negotiating with the wife for hockey socials, middle aged spread, back hair, architectural health and safety exams, lack of hair and worrying about the evil in the world. These are just a snippet of the things that 4/11ths of our side on Saturday do not have to worry about. It is perhaps because of this freedom from worry and strife that meant the Rocks boys could all play with such abandon, verve and vigour to help propel the 4s to yet another victory. I suppose the tutelage of Wappy should also be acknowledged. Also when I explained the reason for their team name, Brighton Rocks, they seemed to understand their esteemed place in the club.
On paper this looked like a banana skin. With Chi 4s bottom of the league above and Chi 5s needing a point to guarantee second place it was felt that a strong Chi side could make things difficult for us. And with the continuing player shortage meaning that we were without around nine of the more 'regular' players it would surely be a weakend team that took the pitch.
And so it was to the Rocks that I turned. Chris Paige retained his place on merit and was joined by his compadres Kurt, Phil 'The Power' and Jack. I also looked to the 5s for assistance and stole their midfield general and part time rapper for the Beastie Boys, Mike D (M. I. K. E. to the D, do what I do professionally to tell the truth I am exactly what I want to be).
With the Readmeister still on holiday we had to shuffle the pack a little at the back and Wrighty was given the left back berth, after a season at right back and Smithy was moved from left back and into the 'Grimes style role' at sweeper. It was from here that our long limbed South African proceeded to run the match.
The first half display was an awesome demonstration by the team of possession and attacking hockey. Mike D was marshalling things well and supported of course by Smithy. With Kurt and Jack using their pace and youthful exuberance up front supported by Davros in his new attacking midfield role. Davros so often on the scoresheet took to his role as provider by having a hand in almost all the goals.
We quickly realised that we had too much for Chichester and with the confidence growing Phil and Chris started to torment the Chi left flank and as the chances came something had to give. Kurt was the first to benefit with a well taken goal from 12 yards out. Davros not to be outdone also converted with a powerful flick from close range. Chichester did not have much in reply. Anything they did offer was snuffed either by an interception from Mike D, Mike S or a tackle from the faultless Power.
We extended our lead with another from Kurt who beat the keeper following a one on one.
A rare defensive lapse in concentration gave Chi a scrambled goal back on the cusp of half time.
Dan S did his best to earn the DOD award by taking a might air swipe from a cross field ball. The defence that he was trying to make a wayward shot from Davros look like a pass held no sway, especially as the pass came from Davros' open side, every knows that Davros always runs it on to his reverse, something he repeatedly did through the first half. Sadly, Chi had done their homework and someone always seemed to be in the way as Davros wound up the strike.
Half-time was one of encouragement and pleasant chat but the second half was a little more shaky as Chi played with a little more purpose. A few silly errors also began to creep in with Mike D going for a lovely hat-trick of midfield air swipes.
The pressure was maintained by Chi but the defence held out resolutely with only half chances falling to the Chi strikers which were then saved, (by me).
We managed to find our direction again and Kurt was on hand to complete his hat-trick and extend the lead. With time running out yet another scorching break left Kurt one on one with the keeper and rocket of a shot was parried by the 'keeper and as it span towards the line the tenacious Jack was there to provide the finishing touch and put a deserved sheen on the victory.
I must apologise for the dull match report. While it was a very enjoyable game to play in and some great individual displays it lacked any of the drama and incident of last weeks match. I suppose it was never going to live up to that.
We adjourned to the bar for beer and votes and Smithy was voted man of the match for his inspired display and Dan got the DOD for the air shot. On any other day it would barely have warranted a mention but it really was the only mark on an unspoilt copy book.
Thanks also to the Chi umpires who umpired very well and politely wished us luck for next week to go the season unbeaten. Also thanks to Amanda for driving the Rocks around.
So another bullet dodged and one game to go to complete a league campaign unbeaten.
Team: Brooksy, Smithy, Wrighty, The Power, Perry, Captain Dan (he's not the captain) Mike D, Chris Paige, Davros, Kurt and Jack
Goals
Kurt 3
Davros
Jack