Valence switched around to a 16:30 start, playing their first match on the new senior school pitch and first game of the season under floodlights. Maybe a 09:45 would have helped the team, who knows, or maybe it just wasn’t their day.
The match started brightly, with Valence looking the better side, but it was evident from fairly early on that it was going to be a tough game. Blackheath were a strong, organised side, and despite having decent possession, Valence were struggling to make their passes stick. This allowed Blackheath to have the better of the attacks, and more chances on goal.
Despite some good saves from Stewart Young in goal and some last ditch blocks and tackles, Valence found themselves 0 : 2 down at half time. It really wasn’t going to be their day as Adrian Gander hobbled off after only 20 minutes with a damaged hamstring, and any attack Valence were making was being cleared by a very well organised Blackheath defence.
Some tactical changes were made at half time following Adrian’s withdrawal, giving Valence two up top and reshuffling the defence. Valence started much brighter, with the midfield having more control of the ball, and Valence looking the most likely to score. Valence had several short corners which, on another day, would have found them level. Not today.
In one of the first attacks of the second half, Blackheath found themselves with space to fire a ball into the D which managed to evade the whole defence and go to a Blackheath forward, who finished clinically. Next goal was from a short corner. Some debate ensued as to whether it should have been awarded, mostly from the opposition trying to convince the umpires it shouldn’t have stood. 0-4, nonetheless. On a positive, we won teas.
One shining moment at the very end, saw Wills with his 9 iron rocket one into the top far corner, only to see it plucked out of the air by the keeper.
There were some good performances, but man of the match went to Jack Sheldon, for his tireless running and commitment.
Valence play next week against the Hurricanes, looking to quickly bounce back.

Thanks to both Iain and Darren, for their excellent umpiring, despite the heckling in the bar afterwards.

Man of the Match: Jack Sheldon

Team: Stewart Young; Nick Hall; James Abrahams; Adrian Gander; Chris Johnson; Duncan Field; Jack Sheldon; Alastair Robinson; Chris Sheldon; Duncan Wills; Ben Tragett; Tom Willson; Alex Hodges.
Umpires: Iain Simmons; Darren Thompson.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home against Holcombe Hurricanes.

Match report by Nick Hall.