Short on numbers this week with VC Seb Dias electing to spend his Saturday at a “friend’s party” and VVC Shin again down in London for Winter Wonderland (3rd weekend running), meaning the honour of running the warmup was bestowed upon (self-elected) Vice-Vice-Vice Captain Ali Smith. Nonetheless, he took it in his stride and produced a classic warm up of stretches including open the gate, and high knees. The boys seemed up for the game against a team who declined promotion last season.

Into the game. Gol 1 – straight off the training pitch Gando to Ali (who was making a lead down the line into space). Back to Gando, back down the line again to Joe who was in space (because Ali had recycled his space and made way for Joe). Joe, straight across the D to Jack who slot it under the keeper for his first goal of the season. Fortunately, Gando remembered to charge the Veo this week, so all of this was captured on camera. Highlights on BBC 2 Tuesday 3:30am.

Gol dos. Similar story. Ali received top D, quick flashy dribble to trick the keeper. Does he shoot himself? No. Selfless pass to Charlie CR (who knows how to pronounce his double barrelled second name anyway), back of the net to extend his goal king lead. 2-0 after 10. Looking pretty. Oh wait. VAR check on the goal. Umpires conferring. All good. Goal given.

Couple of Green’s to end the first half. Green for Douglas for heading the ball and another Green for Josh for crossing. The boys had to hang in tight for the rest of the half and managed to head into half time with the 2-goal lead intact despite several shorties given against us.

2nd half, much the same as the first. 3rd goal, a typical CS3’s goal. Joe “loitering” around the P spot. Great ball in from Jonny Camp for a tap in by Joe.

Lemon given to Ali for a back stick down the line, given by the umpire despite not having any view of the hit and going off the sound of the contact between stick and ball. Ali outraged, possibly one of the best reverse hits he’s ever done. 

Spalding pulled one back from a shortie to make it 3-1 halfway through the second half.

Gol 4, to put the game to bed – 55th minute, shortie given to South. You know the deal. Menzies is back from his 4-week holiday in Bermuda so can only mean one thing. Straight to the top, low back post, Menzies finished it off. Standard.

Douglas got man for a classic Dougie performance. Being everywhere he needed to be. Great interceptions. Great running. Top Bloke.