2nd X1 secure promotion with barnstorming finish

Valence arrived on a warm and sunny morning with a spring in their step, knowing the team had one final hurdle to overcome to secure a second successive promotion, up to the heady heights of Invicta Div 5.

The team knew this was going to be no easy match, given the resilience that Sevenoaks showed at the away leg. But they knew this was the pinnacle of their careers, this was their Everest. They knew that today they had the chance to become legends. Going down in folklore. But this wasn’t going to happen without throwing their bodies on the line for 70 minutes – they had to be first to the tackle, first to receive the pass and first on the end of the crosses if they were going to be victorious.

The whole team could be seen nearly 2 hours before push back – dragging tractors through the fields, bench pressing the local livestock and sprinting through knee deep rivers just to ensure they reached the promised land. No SV 2nd team had ever been promoted out of this league before and this group of comrades were determined to be the first.

The warmup was intense, the shooting practice was magnificent, with not a single shot troubling Mackay, the passing drills were crisp and mostly to a stick. They were ready for battle. Some final words from the inspirational skipper and the coiled springs were ready to unleash themselves.

And what a start from Valence – they came out firing. First to every ball. Well nearly. Connecting with every pass. Well mostly. Keeping pace with all the ‘Oaks youngsters. Perhaps not.

The first half ebbed and flowed. Sevenoaks had a number of whippets in their forward line, who combined were still younger than one of the Valence defenders, but the defence were strong, controlled and organised as a unit and nothing troubled the back line. Finally, the breakthrough and what was described by one of the umpires as a “duff shot…proper shit” gave Valence a deserved 1-0 lead. Despite some good play from the midfield and forwards, the scoreline stayed 1-0 at half time.

Some wise words were shared at half time by “Coach of the decade Wills”, having secured two promotions in the same season with difference sides, and 1st team Veteran, Chris Back. The defence set up narrower whilst the forward line was looking to create width down both flanks.

The second half started with Valence determined to put their opposition to the sword and prove why they were sitting in second place. Alastair Robinson started the second half playing like a man possessed – free from the shackles of having to umpire the next match and was on a mission to break up everything that came down his side, to great effect. Valence had to wait a while for the second goal, but finally, goal number two came from Master Bartlett, returning all the way from Wales just to take part in this duel. A fine finish from a fine young player, who has chosen a life with sheep rather than a life as a hockey player.

Valence’s dominance increased, with the midfield of Hawes Gatt, Willson, Johnson and Player of the Season Ben Tragett controlling the game and firing passes around like Paul Scholes in his heyday. The wide players, Sheldon Jnr and Robinson were running their markers ragged. Finally, goal number 3 arrived, courtesy of Chris Sheldon, who found himself in the D ready to pounce.

Next into the action was Tom Willson, pouncing on a ball in from Johnson in from the right. Given Johnson’s lack of finding the target this season, some might say it was a mis hit shot. Those are probably right. But it looked like a good cross.

4-0 and the floodgates hadn’t just started to creak open, they had well and truly had their back doors smashed in.

Knowing he was umpiring next and wouldn’t be able to get to the pub to buy his jug, Ed Hawes-Gatt was free to grab his hattrick. And that he did. With two quick fire goals, utilising the skills he’s learnt since joining SV, he made it 6-0.

And judging by the look of pure hatred from Chris Sheldon towards his strike partner, some might assume Sheldon didn’t want to be outgunned. And not out gunned he wasn’t. Two more for Sheldon to add to his total of 3 for the match. Something he had in common with Hawes Gatt. The other thing they both had in common was that neither bought a jug.

This match wasn’t all about SV. Sevenoaks, despite being on the end of a pounding, continued to attack and look to create opportunities, and won themselves two short corners. As they had all game, the defence held firm. Two goal line clearances from skipper Hall ensured the “0” was to be maintained. Michael Rolph, playing his first game for the 2nds was outstanding and as always Steve Parker was a rock in the middle, with man mountain Mackay dealing with anything that came through, which was mostly 16s!

This was a fantastic finish to what has been a superb season for Sutton Valence 2nd XI. Chapter 1 over, Valence now had to win teas. Which was easy given Sevenoaks went to the wrong pub. But on a positive, 3 sausages each ready to soak up the alcohol in readiness for the evening’s shenanigans, which saw Ben Tragett win 2nd XI player of the season and Darren Thompson nominated for the 2nd consecutive season for Ladies Player of the Season.

Goals: Ed Hawes-Gatt (3); Chris Sheldon (3); Tom Bartlett; Tom Willson;

Team: Ross Mackay (GK); Nick Hall (C); Steve Parker; Michael Rolph; Ben Tragett; Tom Willson; Tom Bartlett; Ed Hawes-Gatt; Jack Sheldon; Alastair Robinson; Chris Sheldon; Chris Johnson.

Match report by Nick Hall.