Heated start to the season for SVHC Mens 3rd XI

The heading of this report may allude to a contentious clash of titans come the first match of the new 2023/2024 season, but alas it simply refers to the searing 6,000°c heat.

Sutton Valance 3rd XI welcomed New Beccehamian 3rd XI in the first match back from the summer break, following promotion from their championship win in their first season in the real leagues.

Sutton Valence had a very untested lineup, with two U14’s players making their debut to adult hockey, one new player who had never played before, and a new goalkeeper who again, had never played in pads before.

Nevertheless, in true Valence valour, we pushed back with vigour. Within minutes, debutant Archer Ripley was picking up loose balls left, right and centre, slipping a keen injection into Julain Mills, who beautifully reverse stick shot the ball past the New Beccehamian goalkeeper.
Sutton Valence and New Beccehamians continued to battle in an evenly matched battle, with both teams making strong attacking moves, met by equally as strong defending.

New Beccehamians managed to claw a goal back after a number of quality saves made by new goalkeeper David Turner.

The second half was well battled by both sides, in a stalemate battle of strength and (lack of) fitness producing a good number of attacks and defensive moves all round.

New Beccehamians unfortunately managed to hit three goals in quick succession, on account of sheer fatigue of a number of the key Sutton Valence players.

The match ended 1-4. Most would accept this was not a score reflective of the game, purely down to a lack of late legs on the day.