Despite the fear of wind, rain and snow, Sutton Valence 3rd XI welcomed Old Williamsonians 7th XI to the fortress that is the Prep School Astro.

Noting the number of considerably younger players on the Old Wills' team, Sutton Valence’s pre-match chat was focused on retaining possession, passing and not expecting to be able to outpace the well drilled youngsters.

Both teams started well, stringing passes together, moving into space and communicating efficiently. Sutton Valence however, seemed the less urgent of the two teams, a theme that continued throughout the match.

Nevertheless, Sutton Valence had a few chances, but were unable to get around the goalkeeper. Old Wills managed to secure the first goal of the game from a short corner, which was deflected in off Nick Hall’s foot.

Sutton Valence persevered, however were unable to make much ground due to lacklustre weak passes and not chasing loose balls, which was heavily focused on during the half-time team talk.

The second half saw Sutton Valence thankfully wake up a tad. A free hit just outside of the Old Wills' 25 yard line was quickly taken by Tom Bartlett, spotting an unmarked Rob Cockayne, in the D who slotted the ball under the diving keeper’s legs to level the match.

From then onwards the game became scrappy, with some heated exchanges, especially from usually mild-mannered John Edmed following a late tackle, having run the length of the pitch on his own. “You tricky whipper-snapper!”, he cried. “A recurrence of such a dastardly action shall be deemed as an insult on my fine family name and pistols at dawn shall result!” echoed across the pitch, or something very similar.

Mr Edmed redeemed himself shortly after with the match winning goal. A short corner injected by Darren Thompson to Rob Cockayne was pushed to Edmed on the posy, who reverse stick flicked the ball over the logging goalkeeper to secure the win.

A frantic last five minutes followed, Sutton Valence throwing players back to defend a desperate Old Wills, who were unable to break through.

Best teas in Kent, beer and rugby to finish.

Goals: Rob Cockayne; John Edmed

Team: Ross Mackay; David Turner; Mike Nettle; Nick Hall; Julian Mills; Paul Linaker; Rob Cockayne; Tom Bartlett; Charlie Tucker; Darren Thompson; Andy Bye; John Edmed.
Umpires: Nick Willson; Chris Sheldon.

Match Report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away against Maidstone 5th Xl at 14:30.