A lovely day, and for two thirds of a game not a bad match, with both teams eager to attack but defending well enough to cancel each other out until the higher placed team exerted their authority to run out three-nil winners. Man of the Match Alan Radford was once again the pick of the bunch for the 4ths, putting his body and stick in the way of numerous shots and goalmouth scrambles. Shahzad Ali in goal was always there to make saves if ever the ball got through.

The home team held out for twenty-five minutes until the good movement, long cross-field passes and pressure exerted by the 3rds told and they grabbed the opener with an unstoppable Paul South effort.

After half time the 4ths began to tire and two quick goals within a minute of each other from fast attacks sealed the match.

We kept plugging away, with Smion Jelley and Ian Marshman in central midfield exhausting themselves in the cause. We managed to open up the defence on a few occasions but only saw one speculative effort from skipper Greaves, turned round the post by the not-very-busy guest keeper Chris Pearson, and a couple of Boris Lossy half chances.

It was good to see the 4ths playing intelligent hockey with everyone playing their part, not shirking tackles, scurrying back to harrass the opposition, trying to pass early, use the wings and get crosses in, but the superior fitness, youthfulness and skills of the 3rds was too much.

Lasagne in The Tally Ho afterwards was terrific.