Sutton Valence 3th XI welcomed Sittingbourne 5th XI on an unseasonably warm January morning with a fully thawed pitch.

The previous meet in the season was a challenging clash, which made for a heavily anticipated match on Sutton Valence’s newly laid astro.
The first quarter was of fairly equal measure, however Sutton Valence increasingly looked the more dangerous side with accurate passing, darting runs and aggressive attacks, leading to three close calls of a goal from Henry Humphrey.

The deadlock was broken with an injected ball from Bob Bartlett to Rob Cockayne, who rounded the keeper to score the first goal.

The second goal was in quick succession, following one of Darren Thompson’s trademark pacey 'bouncing bombs' into Rob Cockayne on the Sittingbourne 23, who skipped past the last defender, dummied around the goalkeeper, to strike into an open goal.

Barely minutes later Cockayne’s hat-trick was secured with another quality ball into the D from Darren Thompson, allowing him to turn and strike a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner off the post.

A physical tussle between Thompson and Sittingbourne’s striker led to some handbags, with both players shown a green card for bad language and generally ungentlemanly conduct. However minutes later a gentle hug and kiss in the dugouts confirmed all was well again, and the game continued in good spirit.

The second half was, unfortunately, a little more laboured as a rather slow and lacklustre approach to hockey from both sides led to a less exciting half.

Sittingbourne pulled a consolation goal back, however Sutton Valence still had a number of un-utilised chances. Little to report beyond that, except some lovely saves from goalkeeper Ross McKay, and defender Nick Hall breaking a child’s leg with a vicious tackle.

Sausage, chips and beans anyone?

Goals: Rob Cockayne (3)

Team: Ross Mackay; Mike Nettle; Andy McVarish; Bob Sagrott; Bob Bartlett; Henry Humphrey; David Turner; Darren Thompson; Chris Sheldon; Rob Cockayne; Nick Hall; Charlie Tucker; Alastair Robinson.
Umpires: President Willson & Iain Simmons.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away at 10:15 at Gore Court (Westlands School).