LX CLUB v BURY ST EDMUNDS VETS

17th FEBRUARY 2008

Result: 1 – 1

‘Gill and Grinham get the Goals’

This fixture again lived up to previous expectations of Suffolk sunny weather in February at the Culford School pitch with its excellent facilities.

Playing with the strong sun at their backs, LX scored early in the game, following a precision pass from David Brampton to David Gill on the left wing, who struck an excellent shot into the Bury goal.  Intense pressure followed, with inside forwards Ray Jeff and Austyn Leaverland linking well to test Alan Dures in the Bury goal.  Several penalty corners went close, with the best one from David Brampton being cleared off the line by Chris Blake, with a high stick but within the rules stop between the posts.

However, rather against the run of play, John Grinham raced into the LX circle and scored an excellent goal for the home team.  This only inspired LX, and Nigel Spencer-Knott at right half continued to have an excellent creative game, giving Tony Williams on the right wing plenty of opportunities to break away and cross the ball. The tenacious Peter Ross won most of the 50/50 tackles to inspire the left side of the forward line.

After half-time and playing against the bright sun, LX found attacks into the Bury half much more difficult, particularly as the previously effervescent David Gill picked up an unfortunate foot injury.  However the defensive rearguard stood firm, with Nigel Dixon saving several goal bound shots, and David Wright skilfully intercepting and making good clearances from the defensive area.  John Longden was a pillar of strength at right back, making a major contribution to LX holding on for a well earned 1-1 draw with honours still even now, with two wins each and a draw.

After the match the teams adjourned to the Victory Clubhouse in Bury, where an excellent meal was served, with hard work from Kate and Rebecca Cooke in the kitchen.

Many thanks to Mary and Alan Baker (Suffolk County Umpires Association) for once again excellently umpiring the game; Bury Vets captained by Roland Beaney; Kay Hazell for the superb apple crumble (George did the transporting well!), and of course the Match Manager Alan Dures, who balanced the teams so well.