LX CLUB versus HARLESTON VETS

Sunday 19 March 2006 

 ‘ 5-1 defeat for LX Club in East Anglia’

This fixture has always been a very tough game for LX Club, and it was expected to be especially so this year, as the Club only narrowly won 2-1 against the ‘Magpies’ last year.
A quick assessment of the opposition confirmed that their team had been strengthened, and the LX defence was very soon under ceaseless attack, with shots rasping in on Nigel Dixon’s goal, from all angles.  The first goal came from a precisely struck penalty corner from John Wells, and then Peter Halls scored from a thunderous shot, which ricocheted off the crossbar into LX’s goal.
The LX team then increased its momentum, with Sudesh Nayar controlling play well, releasing Geoff Morley and the skilful quick running David Gill, who both went near to scoring.  However, the defence was always under pressure, and ‘Magpies’ made it 3-0 to the home team at the interval, from another penalty corner.
After the customary half time port, the midfield unit of Mike Gale, Dave Robson and Keith Hedley improved their control of the youthful opposition’s midfield.  Nigel Spencer- Knott, indomitable at right back, made excellent tackles and created numerous opportunities for potential attacks by the LX forwards.
 Brian Woolcott and David Simms gallantly persevered down the wings, and eventually the attacking instincts of Mike Gale led to a precision pass to Geoff Morley, who deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Magpies’s goalkeeper, scoring the best goal of the game, to give LX some encouragement.  However, Harleston’s Vets’ Captain, Jeremy Podd, came on to bolster the opposition’s midfield, and further goals from Roger Kent, and Keith Alexander from another penalty corner, finished off the LX Club team’s hopes, giving Harleston a very well deserved 5-1 win. 
Thanks go to Judy Robson and Graham Ramm (‘Magpies’) who umpired, Harleston HC for their excellent hospitality, and especially to Tony Williams who always organises this game, but regrettably was unable to play this year because of injury.
It was good to see David Farrar watching the game after his recent hip operation, and   all hope he will be back on the pitch before too long.

Team: Nigel Dixon, Nigel Spencer-Knott, David Read (Captain), Mike Gale, Dave Robson, Keith Hedley, Brian Woolcott, Sudesh Nayar, Geoff Morley, David Gill, David Simms.

Match Report: David Read