Valiant Valence vanquished by victorious V’s (IV’s)

Another top of the table clash at Hurstmere saw the god of hockey, or Dave Ovenall as we call him, clear the dismal skies for a glorious feast of great hockey and goals. A fitting description, tika-taka hockey, as opposed to the more usual tikka masala after hockey.
Ash started the game like an over keen parent at the schools sports day, not even hitting the ground, their legs moved so fast. Slick passing and movement off the ball led to Rudduck and PoM Usher both calmly slotting home a brace before the subs had even sat down. The second goal, a long pass, followed by close inter play, was a real goal for the purists. It was a tough call for PoM this week, anyone could have got it, but also hard to choose between two hat trick hero’s. I took advice and the consensus was give it to Steve as he may not have many more left, whereas Jude will have many more to follow, so I did the bloke thing, ignored the advice and picked Jude. If you will leave me uncensored to write this stuff, what do you expect.
Valence weren’t second in the league by chance and came back strongly, but that was when the team spirit, the work ethic, and the hard yards pounding the streets of Bexley all week paid dividends.
We had 14 this week and even though I am in no real rush, rugby has finished now and let’s do the English thing and pretend the Cricket World Cup is also over, I am not naming all 14. This time I mean it.
But I can’t ignore the fact that Rudduck and Usher both scored hat tricks, or that the Matt twins, Coxall & Wotherds also scored good goals, or that Murphy had little to do but when called upon stood tall, or that the defence, Lush, Redman, Wells, Knights, Hammond & Hendry all walked off the pitch in a funny way as they had an opponent in their pocket, or that Fiege and Herridge were like Tasmanian devils marauding down the wide areas. I’ve not lied. Well, I’ve mainly not lied.
Mention should be made of the visitors too, who played the game in good spirits despite the way the game was going.
It was commented after the game that it was a privilege to be part of that performance and it really was, the team worked hard, for themselves and for each other, they came through sticky patches and were absolutely ruthless and clinical in front of goal.
I could mention a champagne moment, “you know we are in red this week”, just before the orator stroked the ball to a yellow clad player, but that would be just down right mean.
The support was excellent too, standing room only, apologies if I miss anyone, but thanks to Sue, Sue, Groot & Charlie (both of whom we wish all the best for speedy recoveries) and the absolute BA legend Ron Selfe.
Special thanks to Rob Brine and Tim Howard for umpiring.