A much-changed Valence travelled to Canterbury this week to play the League’s bottom side. Due to a medical emergency and the inability of some players (Stamp) to follow their satnav they started with a bare 11. At least that meant there were no tantrums this time on announcement of the starting line-up. The absence of Parker required Andy Barr to fill in at left back. They also saw a welcome return to colours from Jonnie Walker. On a bright, blustery day, the game started with neither side being able to exert control. Valence were guilty of many misdirected passes. The first real incident of note involved Andy Barr wearing an undercut shot in the midriff. This was to be a sign of how his afternoon was going to go. Shortly afterwards, he managed to get in the way of another shot as he collided with the post. Some said it was brave, others thought it was foolish. Penalty flick. The flick was controversially dispatched as Young stood up between the sticks, having not heard the umpire’s dog whistle. Canterbury doubled their lead just before half time from a short corner. Midway through the second half, Valence changed formation to allow the influential Chris Back to venture further forward. This soon resulted in a goal back. Not a thing of beauty, but Chris Stille managed to somehow scramble the ball across the line as the hard-working Jack Sheldon did his best to steal it.
Momentum with Valence now, an equaliser was soon added. Back roofed his flick after another shot was illegally stopped on the line. Canterbury were rocking now and starting to make as many errors as the visitors had done earlier. But there was to be a twist as captain Whitmill hobbled off, holding his hamstring. Good job he is not a racehorse as he may by now be unavailable for future selection. Jonnie Walker moved to sweeper and Ben Tragett to centre half in a now very makeshift defensive line.
With 90 seconds to go the home side won a short corner. On the post, Tragett managed to get his stick in front of the onrushing attacker but could not prevent the ball dribbling over the line past a stranded Young. This left Valence with little time to force an equaliser, which probably was not deserved. They retired to the clubhouse where Blanchard finally removed his mask for a couple of Mr Gadd’s fine ales. No trip to East Kent hockey venues is complete without it. It is also pleasing to report that one of the county’s largest hockey clubs have improved their hospitality. Hot food I tell you!

Goals: Chris Stille, Chris Back

MOM: Jack Sheldon

Team: Stewart Young, Richard Turnill, Whitmill, Andy Barr, Chris Back, Ben Tragett, Chris Johnson, Jack Sheldon, Jonnie Walker, Chris Stille, Chris Sheldon, Alex Stamp, Russell Blanchard.
Umpires provided by Canterbury

Match Report by Ben Tragett.

With a postponed game timing still being sorted, the 2nd Xl’s next definite game will be at home on the 26th February, at 14.15, against Blackheath & Elthamians Heathens.