Sutton Valence hosted Sevenoaks 6th XI on one of the wettest days of the year. From the moment both teams arrived at the Prep School, the heavens opened up. The pitch is not known for its grip in the dry, let alone the wet, so Valence looked to take advantage of the local knowledge early in the game. The half started quickly for both teams, but it was Sutton Valence who took an early lead thanks to Chris Stille’s low tap in at the far right post. The lead was short lived with Sevenoaks equalising within 10 minutes. Both teams continued to play at a high pace each having their own chances, but Valence regained the lead once more thanks to Tom Willson. As the half neared its end Sevenoaks equalised once again, with both teams entering the break thinking either team could take the victory.
With another COVID lockdown seemingly possible, the halftime team talk focussed on the positive passages of play, with the reality that the next 35 minutes maybe the last the team played for a while. With that in mind Valence started the half the better team and once again regained the lead with a second goal from Chris Stille. As the half progressed Valence knew a one goal lead may not be enough to take all 3 points As the half entered the final phases Sevenoaks pushed more men forward and Tom Willson was able to capitalise on a break in the final 5 minutes to secure the win.
Man of the match could have been shared amongst a number of players, but it was awarded to Chris Stille for his excellent 2 goals and work rate on and off the ball.
The win takes SV to 3rd in the league, but the announced lockdown means Valence will have to wait at least 4 weeks before they next grace the hockey pitch.

MoM: Chris Stille

Goals: Chris Stille (2); Tom Willson (2)

Team: Finlay Wishart, Mark Whitmill, Louis Robinson, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, Chris Stille, Alex Hodges, Ben Tragett, Tom Willson, Richard Turnill, Stuart Edmed, James Willmott.
Umpire: Iain Simmons

Next week the 2nd Xl were due to play Knole Park 1st Xl at home, but Lockdown rules this out.

Match report by Mark Whitmill.