In the warm afterglow of Storm Amy, Sutton Valence 2s had high hopes of an opening victory of the season, after a much improved showing last week. The team looked strong, even with the talismanic Willson still off games after being unlucky enough to connect with Robinson’s stick last week. Returning vc Tragett was relegated to the bench for playing too much cricket.
With Coach Carter managing from the sidelines, Sutton Valence soon settled into a rhythm against the visiting Gills. After 6 minutes, Sheldon slotted the first from a short corner. 5 minutes later, a fine flowing team move was finished off by the rampaging Turnill. An elder member of the club mentioned later in the pub that he seems to share some genealogy with a certain A Devlin, former 1s captain of this parish. Baby Rhino we shall call him now.
Chances continued to flow for the home side with the revolving central midfield of Turnill, Johnson, Tragett and Angel feeding the pacy Hodges and Sharpe on the flanks with Stille and Sheldon looking hungry up top. Indeed more goals should have come. A little bit of air hockey and football from the captain wasted a couple of chances. Not much drama at the other end as the experienced trio of Whitmill, Parker and Blanchard (Snr) snuffed out any furtive advances from the Anchors. Turnill added a third on the half hour, another good team goal.
Just after half time, Turnill extraordinarily plucked an aerial from the sky and fed Sheldon, who made no mistake. 4-0. The fifth was not far behind, Sheldon completing his hat-trick. When the electric Hodges soon added a sixth, it looked like a rout.
At this point I think the defence became over-confident, leaving Tragett at the back against 3 attackers. Hornsey, on debut, had little chance saving the shot. Hodges then made it 7. No less than his efforts deserved. He will be sorely missed next week as he takes on the Utra Marathon. Madness! That’s just a few games of hockey in a row for Alex.
Anchorians were cruelly denied a second consolation goal right at the end when time was called before the penalty corner had been completed. The replayed set-piece was pushed wide. 7-1. Onto Marden next week for renew rivalry with our friends at the bottom of the hill.

Goals: Sheldon (3), Turnill (2), Hodges (2)
Report By: Ben Tragett

Team:
Andrew Hornsey
Mark Whitmill
Steve Parker
Russ Blanchard
Alex Hodges
Chris Johnson
Richard Turnill
Harrison Sharpe (c)
Brett Angel
Chris Sheldon
Chris Stille
Ben Tragett

Next Match: Marden Russets (A) 11:30