LX CLUB v EASTCOTE VETS

22nd February 2009

‘Excellent New Fixture’
Result  0 – 4

Following the postponement of the St. Albans game because of a Vintage Cup fixture on this date, Eastcote Vets very kindly stepped into the breach, with Paul Pech and Lloyd Wood (LX Club members) arranging a fixture on their superb new pitch at their Club in Kings College Road, Eastcote.

The LX Club team under Captain and Match Manager Graham Martin was under no illusions that this was going to be a very demanding fixture, given the skilful players in the opposing team.

The game started with the LX defence under tremendous pressure, and Alan Dures in Goal and Alan Jackson at right back performed magnificently against the Eastcote forwards.  Eventually the LX team combined better with Rod Cochrane and Bob Grenside integrating well down the left wing.  However Paul Pech and the Eastcote Captain, Vijay, at the back, tackled and stopped impeccably, and looked nearly impossible to beat.  Also their centre half was always in control, a player who is clearly worthy of national recognition.

Sudesh Nayar playing for LX demonstrated his range of powerfully hit passes, and centre forward Graham Martin powered towards the Eastcote goal with strong running and stick skills. The first goal for Eastcote came after Alan Dures cleared a penalty corner shot, which was passed to Lloyd Wood, who scored with a terrific shot, which in true hockey terminology ‘made the goal backboard rattle’.  This was quickly followed by another unstoppable individual goal from Maqsood Mohammed (Mac).

At half-time LX Club still considered there was a chance, if the team could get one goal back, and following the restart, the midfield of Sudesh Nayar, Nigel Spencer–Knott, and Mick O’Malley pushed up well to support the forwards with inside right John Grinham performing well.  Keith Hunt on the right wing got to the goal-line on several occasions, making excellent crosses which the other forwards were unfortunately just not able to convert into goals.

Against the run of play, Eastcote’s left wing, Jaggi, converted from short range to make the score 0-3 against LX.  Maqsood Mohammed then sealed the game with another goal following a tremendous run from the left, giving Eastcote a very well deserved 4-0 victory.

The after match hospitality and friendship was superb, with excellent curries followed by apple pie and custard.  The cuisine was as good as Eastcote’s hockey!  Thanks go to Lloyd Wood and Paul Pech, the two umpires Ian Fitzgerald and Dave Wilson who umpired skilfully and let the game flow, and to Graham Martin the LX Club Match Manager, and to his wife Lesley who did all the administration.  Finally mention must be made of all the wives and partners from both sides who supported the fixture.

Team: Alan Dures, Alan Jackson, David Read, Mick O’Malley, Nigel Spencer-Knott, Sudesh Nayar, Keith Hunt, John Grinham, Graham Martin (Captain), Bob Grenside, Rod Cochrane.

Match Report: David Read