Valence welcomed Canterbury Friars to an early morning match that had been moved from the Senior School to the Prep School following the rain during the week. The match started with both sides showing good energy, the ball toing and froing from end to end. It was clear that Canterbury would provide a stiff challenge from the outset and that Valence would have to work hard to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Valence showed glimpses of the good passing and movement that had been key to their victory at Holcombe but lacked consistency, leading to fractured play and the ball being passed to a green shirt just as often as a red. This put their defence under pressure to deal with the constant Canterbury attackers.
Eventually Marius Dreyer broke the deadlock, adding to the two goals that he scored last week, however celebration soon turned to despair as Canterbury equalised almost instantly. The battle continued until half time when the team talk focussed on Valence passing their way back into the game and trying to recapture the form of recent weeks.
The second half proved to be just as even a contest, with Valence having much of the possession but still not finding the rhythm to capitalise on the possession. Canterbury were able to break swiftly and looked threatening in attack, taking and then doubling their lead. Valence continued to push forward and pulled one back thanks to a good finish from James 'Bear' Wilmott, but with only a minute remaining Valence couldn't find an equaliser.
On the day Valence were disappointing with their all round poor performance and were punished by a well organised Canterbury side, who were deserved winners. This loss drops them from League Leaders to second place, 3 points behind Old Bordenians.
Valence need to bounce back for next week's tough top of table clash with Old Bordenians, the outcome of which will prove to be decisive later in the season.

Goals: Marius Dreyer, James Willmott
MOTM: n/a
DOTD: All the team

Team: Scott Montgomery, Nick Hall, Rob Harrison, James Willmott, James Abrahams, Chris Jackson, Duncan Field, Marius Dreyer, Finlay Wishart, Duncan Wills, Rob Cockayne, Darren Thompson
Umpires: Louis & Ryan Robinson

Match Report by James Abrahams.

Next week the 3rd Xl play League leaders Old Bordenians 5th Xl away.