Shefford attack. We tackle. We give the ball to Dave. Dave whacks clear. Shefford intercept.

Repeat.

There were a few variations, since if every rally was identical it would be really boring. One was when Dave’s 16-yardie picked out Rob on the opposition 25, clean through. He tried to round the keeper but was then swamped by retreating defenders. A straight shot was out, as the visitors' keeper had his angles right all game and wasn’t about to be beaten without a bit of subtlety. Where was the legendary Oven lob, that is what I want to know?

At the other end, Shefford scored from a firm strike from a shortie. They added two crisp reverse stick strikes after the break, one of them pinpoint in off the inside of the far post.

The match was also notable for technological innovation, specifically umpires Josh and Ania using radio mics. Is this international level or something?!? If it had been, there would have been the option of a video review, which could have got Dave off the hook when a short was awarded against him [the skipper would definitely have supported his sweeper in reviewing]. But with no such option, taking the decision as an opportunity for a debate simply resulted in a two minute rest. Which saw Dave push no-show Paul very close for the lemon award.