Today I was faced with a moral dilemma. Within the space of a few seconds, many teachings came flashing back to me. Some of these were positive teachings reminding me that honesty is the best policy. Some of these were more negative and I will admit that some selfish thoughts entered my brain.

Let’s set the scene.

It was a classic day for hockey. Sun was out with a chance of a sharp shower. Our rag tag 4th XI arrived with a goal in mind, set the tone and show we can play at the higher level and it is safe to say we did that. We started impressively, pressing well, forcing the error and creating chances. The defence mopped up anything that came our way. After 15 minutes we capitalised with a very well worked goal. Jimmy played the ball down the line which I then deflected/aerialed/got lucky in lofting it towards the D. Their keeper went to clear the ball but could only find Joe. After dribbling into the D, he held the ball up well and passed it to Andy who slotted it home on the reverse. 1-0 South.

The rest of the half continued in a similar vain. Quite a few chances for us, a few for Kettering. Potentially could have had a P-flick if we’d been a bit more appealing and we went in at half-time 1-0 up.

Now for the incident that defined the game and has caused much self-reflection. The ball was played into the D and the keeper got a hand to it. The ball then came to me, hit my foot and went in the goal. I didn’t celebrate but then I heard a cheer and on turning around the umpire had signalled a goal. At this point an internal debate began. This played out as a classic angel and devil scenario whispering advice into either ear. What was interesting was that the angel had a Jimmy like appearance whereas the devil definitely looked like Joe.

Devil : Excellent, 2-0 up a bit of breathing space
Angel: But that isn’t legal, you need to own up
Devil: But Matthew, you firmly believe that the umpires decision is final. If you speak up now then you go against everything you believe in.
Angel: Ermmm a bit much! Remember Matt, Kettering were very kind in allowing you to use two unassessed umpires. Surely in the spirit of the game you should own up to this flagrant breach of the rules.
Devil: You didn’t mean to kick it in, it collided with your foot and ended up in the net. It isn’t as if you intended to cheat.
Angel: True, but the stick wasn’t even close. If it was a bit of stick and a bit of foot then maybe you could blag it, but the stick was not even near.
Devil: Let’s flip this on its head. Remember when you played Eastwood 2nd XI about 7 years ago. You knew you edged it behind but you stood your ground. How is this any different from not walking?
Angel: I’d say that was proof that cheaters never win. You got out 3 balls later and got berated by your uncle for not playing in the spirit of the game. Since then, have you ever not walked?
Devil: I’d say you won a little bit, this extra 2 runs did bump up the season average and gave your team a slightly better chance of winning.
Angel: But you can do the right thing here. You guys are on top. You’ll probably score a couple more and keep a clean sheet. You’ve done the right thing and no harm has been done.
Devil: OK Angel, you have convinced me, honesty is the best policy.

Unfortunately, Kettering scored a goal and we could not get another one. Final score 1-1 and I feel weird. [Ed - I have Eastwood Cricket Club on the phone here. Apparently they would like a word…]