An 11 man press, rotating subs, chatty Dazzler, excitable Monkey, flip flop sporting Captain and Chairman (complemented by the Mothership) were far too much for the apple bobbing Russets in a game of sausages, chips and beans. Undeterred by the blinding sunlight & curtain situation, ably rectified by hero of the day, D Turnill’s refraction knowledge, the Sutton Valence villagers stood their ground in the somewhat soulless club house and even when over fluffy beer was forced upon them, they saw this off. A comfortable win at teas in the club house.

But what about the foreplay? With Blanchard’s good knee well oiled, a purposefully slick lunge-filled warm up, the omens were there for a moistening of the points bag with three luscious points. Alas, a dry pitch, some dry humoured whistle blowing from the umpires and the sight of a Kiwi dry humping the rear of centre backs, Parker and Back, were highlights/lowlights that somewhat juxtaposed what looked to be heading our way. There was clear effort out on the pitch; a decent short corner despatched by Back, some particularly spirited attempts across the squad to draw level at the death and incisive running from Junior Bartlett.

This though is unlikely to be one we will recounting to the grandchildren in years to come.

Man of the Match: A toss-up between Steve Parker for wearing a beanie in the hottest game of the year and the 8 players who probably actually played a blinder by pulling out of this fixture over the course of the week.

Team: Stewart Young, Ben Tragett, Chris Johnson, Russell Blanchard, Chris Stille, Andy Barr, Steve Parker, Chris Back, Tom Willson, Dickie Turnill, Jack Davies, Tom Bartlett.

Match Report: Chris Johnson

The 2nd Xl’s final game of the season will be at home at 09.45 against Ashford 4th Xl.