LX CLUB v CANTERBURY FRIARS

13^th November 2011

LX  0 – 1  Canterbury

You just can’t beat a beautiful sunny day in November. Blue skies, a game of hockey, good facilities, excellent hosts , a typical Kent countryside backdrop and 22 fit men and true (well I can stretch a point can’t I) . What more could you want?

Austyn Leaverland skippered this motley crew for the day, and after a polite role call, organised us as you would expect.  The young Canterbury braves attacked LX from the start but floundered time and time again against the resolute defence of Mick O’Malley, Roger Girling, David West (guest) and Adrian Money. On the odd occasion they did get through, our goalkeeper for the day, Richard Austin (call me Dick) on loan from Ashford, was there to clear up.

Sudesh Nayar and Bob Grenside were displaying their customary stick skills in midfield assisted by the energetic running of the aforementioned Austyn and David Brampton on either side .Up front Brian Woolcott on the left and Bill Butcher (good to see him back) straight down the middle were keeping the Canterbury defence on their toes and broke through on more than one occasion.  Half time came with no score . Territorial advantage to Canterbury but LX ahead on penalty corners.

That looked the way it might finish until one Graham George , donning a green jersey for a change , had the audacity to nip in without even the courtesy of a warning to poke home the winner from 2 feet in true poacher style. Pami Bolina entered the fray but even his magic (in fairness he had already played a full game) couldn’t eke out an equaliser.

So it ended. A thoroughly enjoyable game, nay, day. Thank you to our hosts and looking forward to the return next year.

LX team: Richard Austin (Ashford), Mick O’Malley, Roger Girling, David West, Adrian Money, Sudesh Nayar, Bob Grenside, Austyn Leaverland (Capt), David Brampton, Brian Woolcott, Bill Butcher/Pami Bolina.

Umpires:- John Widgery and Julia Sime

Match Report:  Roger Girling