Clash with rivals decides the season

The final game of the season has finally fallen upon us, and what better way to see out the season than with a local derby clash against Marden 8th XI.

High off the back of a nine-game winning streak, Sutton Valence went into the game with confidence and vigour. It was an end-to-end game, with both teams making decent advances up the pitch. Sutton Valence were unlucky not to take the lead after Rob Cockayne struck the post, but moment later local hero Bob Bartlett smashed a strike straight through the keeper’s legs to make it 1-0.

The second half was slightly more…..active. Both teams, frustrated by a lack of goals, upped the intensity, physicality and verbalisation (who doesn’t love a little tussle?!?).

Sutton Valence shortly extended their lead to two after a melee in the Marden D led to a penalty flick being awarded. Hockey expert Darren Thompson stepped forward to take the flick, coolly and calmly slotting it in at mid-height.

Sutton Valence’s third goal was courtesy of John Edmed, who picked up a loose ball in the D from a short corner routine, to flick it over the logged keeper.

Julian Mills polished off the win, with a pick-up at the back post, taking his tally for the year to three goals.

No better way to wrap up the season with a win against the local rivals to secure promotion, lunch at the Queens Head, day drinking and the End of Season dinner.

A few words from captain Rob Cockayne: “It was a pleasure to have led the Threes this season. I am very proud of how the team have performed and they really do deserve to have been promoted. Despite a rough start to the season, we picked ourselves up and secured ten victories in a row, a great achievement for a bunch of rag-tag old farts that cannot even wear matching kit.
We welcomed new players to the team this year, and some returning from long stints away from the game, and I do hope they will all still be playing next year.
The Third XI was reformed from the Vets team in order to become a platform for the juniors to filter through to, which I am glad to say will be the case next season, with a number of new lads passing the age criteria.
On a final note, I am very much looking forward to having my weekends back and not having to see you ugly buggers every Saturday for a few months.”

Goals: Bob Bartlett; Darren Thompson (P); John Edmed; Julian Mills.

Team sheet: David Turner; Mike Nettle; Mark Whitmill; Andrew McVarish; Andy Bye; Julian Mills; Bob Bartlett; Darren Thompson; John Edmed; Alex Stanford; Rod Harcourt; Rob Cockayne.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl will be trying to pretend that the Hockey Season continues for at least another month……….