Tight win in high stakes game

Imagine two teams going at it like two grandmas at a Black Friday sale, each determined to snag the last half-priced, top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner. Elbows sharp, eyes sharper, darting through aisles (or in this case, the field) with a mix of determination and sheer panic that only such a high-stakes contest can bring. It’s not just a game; it’s a battle for glory, akin to securing the last piece of pie at a family dinner—everyone wants it, but only the most cunning and agile will claim victory.
Passion was key and Alex Stamp clearly thought this had to be earned, presumably mistaking the green card for an exclusive invitation to a VIP club and decided to pocket it 10 minutes in. The plot thickened as Gravesham, seizing the moment like a seagull on a chip, nosed ahead making it 0-1. But fear not, Lewis Mitchell, Sutton Valence's very own knight in shining armour, galloped through, levelling the score with a goal that was part poetry, part physics-defying miracle.
The visiting team’s opening goal brought back that loving feeling, woah, that loving feeling, of the season-long success they have experienced. Enter Clayton, the man, the myth, the legend, who decided one short corner top-right was not enough and replicated the feat, making it rain goals and bringing the score to a staggering 3-1. The drama didn't end there, though. With the flair of a soap opera finale, Alex Stamp and Fred McVarish with only 7 minutes to go, perhaps inspired by the earlier green card, collected yellow cards as a result of foul language which can only have been influenced by their geographical location. This left SV to fend off Gravesham's onslaught with just 9 players. It was like watching a group of penguins fend off a polar bear, and yet, they held firm.
In the end, Sutton Valence stood tall, their victory a testament to the chaos, comedy and sheer unpredictability of village hockey.

Goals: Lewis Mitchell; Clayton Pohio (2).

Team: Stewart Young; Russell Blanchard; Clayton Pohio; Chris Back; Dan Brooks; Chris Johnson; Ali Carter; Fred McVarish; Richard Turnill; Alexander Stamp; Lewis Mitchell; Jack Davies; Matthew Luksich.

Match report by Alex Stamp.

Next week the 1st Xl are at home at Sutton Valence School at 11:15 against Gore Court 3rd Xl.