For their final League game of the season Valence travelled to Gillingham Anchorians. Despite having sealed the title last week, Valence still wanted to finish the season with a win, especially after Anchorians’ surprise 6-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
The game started evenly with neither team able to make much of their possession and giving the ball away far too easily. Gradually Valence built their way into the game, but it wasn't until a brilliant run from Tom Bartlett allowed him to find space on the left hand side, bursting into the Anchorians’ D and finishing past the stranded goalkeeper for the first goal.
Valence doubled their lead shortly afterwards through a deft touch from Ricky O'Neil with his back to goal and Valence looked comfortable going into the half-time break.
In the second half Valence's passing improved and they managed to put together repeated attacking moves, testing the Anchorians’ defence. Top scorer Rob Cockayne added a third goal before Anchorians caught the Valence defence napping and managed to pull one back.
Valence closed out the game well looking the more attacking of the teams in the later stages and forcing several saves from the Anchorians’ keeper.
Overall Valence finished with a well-deserved victory rounding off a dominant season.
Valence had intended facing Marden 4th Xl, from the League above, next week in a friendly to test themselves in preparation for next season, but the decision by England Hockey to recommend the pulling of all games has put a stop to this, for now.

Goals: Tom Bartlett, Ricky O’Neill, Rob Cockayne

Team: Stewart Young, Nick Hall, James Abrahams, John Edmed, James Abrahams, Duncan Field, Tom Bartlett, Bob Bartlett, Darren Thompson, Rob Cockayne, Ricky O’neill, Neil Hollingsworth
Umpire: Rupert Humphrey

Match Report by James Abrahams.