Valence showcase their class

On a brisk winter morning, the mighty Sutton Valence Hockey Club’s 1st XI delivered yet another authoritative performance on their home turf. Despite the overwhelming need/desire for a classic Wishbone drop ball test, the boys in red tightened their skates and dominated Gillingham Anchorians with an impressive 7-0 victory. From the opening whistle, Sutton Valence showcased their prowess, playing the ball around the back effortlessly before conjuring up numerous fatal attacks on the opposition’s goal hole. First blood came courtesy of Fred McVarish who topped off a darting run across the circle with an ice cool reverse stick finish into the bottom corner. The onslaught had begun.
With Sutton Valence piling the pressure on the opposition’s defence, it wasn’t long before the lead was doubled… then tripled. The second and third goal of the game came from Sutton Valence Hockey Club’s most prolific striker… Andy Turnill. The young man showcased his incredible skill set with a clever deflection at the righthand post from a short corner and a wicked reverse stick finish from open play. Just moments before the whistle blew for half time, Sutton Valence crafted one more chance. With the ball meaningfully driven towards the back post, Brett Angel decided to give the opposition a glimpse of his flare by rifling the ball into the roof of the goalkeeper’s net. Tasty.
Momentum did not swing in the second half. Sutton Valence continued to exert their authority and Andy Turnill, not satisfied with a brace, slotted yet another in from the top of the circle for his hattrick. A clear case of jug confrontation. With the win all but confirmed, Chris Back added one more goal to his tally, beautifully converting a pass from Matthew Luksich. The final goal of the day summed up the chemistry and collaborative nature of the team. Matthew Luksich played a perfectly weighted ball forward for Angus McVarish to latch onto before darting down the baseline and cutting it back to his much smaller but older brother (Fred McVarish) to finish. The crowd erupted with faint murmurs of ‘assist of the season’.
Sutton Valence Hockey Club’s 1st XI, once again, clearly outclassed their opponents. With this emphatic 7-0 victory, the team has cemented their status in the Division and look forward to building on this momentum in games to come.
The annals of this epic encounter would be incomplete without the mention of Sutton Valence’s valiant warriors in defence and midfield. who battled with unyielding determination. Guardian of the goal, Jesse, was largely untested during the game, however, showcased his incredible ability and cat like reflexes in the warm-up.
Goals: Andy Turnill (3); Fred McVarish (2); Brett Angel; Chris Back
Team: Stewart Young; Matt Luksich; Brett Angel; Fred McVarish; Andrew Turnill; Jack Davies; Chris Back; Angus McVarish; Chris Stille; Russell Blanchard; Richard Turnill; Dan Brooks; Eion Robinson; Al Carter.
Umpires: Chris Johnson; Alex Stamp.

Match Report by Angus McVarish.

Next week the 1st Xl are away against Herne Bay 3rd Xl at 11:30.