Tough day at the office

On a wet and windy day Valence turned up to Hurstmere School with a strong squad of 13 expecting to give the Division leaders a good game, but it soon appeared Storm Ciarán had blown away Valence’s ability to play hockey.
Burnt Ash took a very quick lead and then quadrupled it equally quickly. Although trying to play well, inaccurate passes and missed tackles contributed to Valence’s downfall as much as Burnt Ash’s strong play led to their ascendancy.
The one positive from the match was an excellent forward move between Chris Sheldon and Tom Willson resulting in a conversion from Willson to reduce the deficit to three at half-time.
Valence remained hopeful at half-time that they could turn the match round. Unfortunately two quick goals from Ash put paid to that plan. Ash increased the pain with two more well taken goals to finish the game 8 : 1.
Only positive to come from the afternoon for Valence was the rather good chicken stew/curry back at the Bexley Clubhouse, where the beer was good too. Onwards and upwards as Valence welcome BBHC in a home game next week.

Goals: Tom Willson.

Team: Ross Mackay; Nick Hall (C); Adrian Gander; James Abrahams; Ben Tragett; Tom Willson; Darren Thompson; Andy Barr; Jack Sheldon; Chris Sheldon; Alastair Robinson; Julian Mills, Ed Hawes-Gatt
Umpires provided by Burnt Ash.

Match report by Nick Hall

Next week the 2nd Xl are at home against Bexleyheath & Belvedere 3rd Xl.

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