Strong performance leads to victory

Sutton Valence 3rd XI returned to league hockey following a weekend off, hosting K Sports 3rd XI.

Both teams started off well, with a high paced encounter which saw K Sports looking the more dangerous.
K Sports managed to secure an early lead, formed from their strong ventral midfield charging through the centre of the park.

Their lead did not last long, following a lovely drive forward by returning Bob Bartlett, who smashed a strike from a rather tight angle into the top of the K Sports goal.

Half time saw Sutton Valence step up their game, improving on their passing, energy and link-up play. Alas, K Sports managed to pull ahead with a scrappy goal after the ball got stuck under star-performing keeper David Turner’s pads.

This inspired Sutton Valence to fight back, with a short corner converted by Rob Cockayne, a once in a lifetime, simply stunning strike. *(Contents of this report may have been altered for dramatic effect)*

With time running out, Duncan Wills, in his first game of the season, leathered a shot from a tight angel to secure a 3-2 win.

A good performance from the 3rd XI.

Goals: Bob Bartlett; Rob Cockayne; Duncan Wills
Team: David Turner; Rob Cockayne; Bob Sagrott; Michael Rolph; Paul Linaker; Mike Nettle; Bob Bartlett; Alex Stanford; Duncan Wills; Steve Parker; Tom Ireland; Ed Hawes-Gatt.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away on the Gravesend Rugby Club Astro at 14:45 against Gravesham & Wellcome 4th Xl.