The 2s lose two goal lead in Sittingbourne

Sutton Valence thought they had arrived in Sittingbourne for Wilcher's testimonial. The only thing missing was the barrow boy selling half and half scarfs at the entrance of the astro. Having spent many a misguided, yet happy year in Sittingbourne's premier club Wiltshire returned to high fives, handshakes and hugs.

The usual rousing speech from Captain Fantastic set us up for the encounter; speculation on whether their team was a genuine 3rd team, we don't expect much from their umpire and if we pass to a red we should be able to beat them. Let's get on with it.

Gore Court started well, penetrating passing sliced through the midfield. Valence's defence rode the early storm and the visitors began to play themselves into the game. The young legs of Padwick, Robinson x2 and Walker began to create menace on the break, SV began to feel comfortable. Albeit the visitors were forced to weather a regular flow of penalty corners. Luckily the GC routine was put to the sword by the inspired SV defence and Young in defiant form.

With GC attacking in numbers and SV's youthful front line it was unsurprising that the deadlock was broken by the visitors on the break. Padwick stayed on his feet for the first robust challenge, but collapsed in a heap after being clattered by the keeper. Penalty stroke awarded. Step forward GC's favourite ex player. Ice Man Wilcher did the business. 1 nil.

Half time came, the words of encouragement flowed and the second half started.

Early slick passing from Valence let to Johnson setting up Walker and extending the lead. 2 nil. Strongly debated by Gore Court, but the goal stood. As we set up for the restart the GC striker could be heard saying, 'Thanks Sutton Valence, right lads, let's teach them a lesson and win the game'. But SV were 2 nil up and playing well, what could go wrong?.... Let me explain.

As previously mentioned, Gore Court like to attack in numbers. They did not abandon this strategy, throwing all bar the kitchen sink forward and overpowering the SV defence. More penalty corners flowed and eventually GC got on the scoreboard 1-2.

Rattled, SV lost their composure that had served them so well in the previous 100 minutes of hockey. Captain Infallible even came back to help and conceded yet another penalty corner. In the resulting attack a minor stick tackle led to a penalty stroke being awarded. 2-2.

Gore Court had that most valuable asset, momentum, but SV weren't dead. The young attacking quartet continued to cause problems. Walker showed the GC keeper several times how hard he could hit the ball, but sadly they bounced off the goalie, rather than the back board. Johnson demonstrated his aerial and non-aerial talents.

Eoin Robinson continued to pressure the GC defence and managed to intercept a ball across the D, forcing a reaction save from the keeper with minutes to spare.

However it was to be Gore Court's day. They pressed and despite the warriors of SV digging in with; heroic tackles (Parker & Ife), combative attitude (Turnill) and goal line saves (Turnill), it was not to be. 3-2 Gore Court.

Another enjoyable, full blooded contest for Valence. While the quality of hockey may improve through the season, it is difficult to think that the challenges will be any tougher than this.

Next Saturday SV welcome Burnt Ash to the Prep School Astro at 10am.