A typical(?) match report
So, we were faced with a week ahead without any hockey. Careful planning is essential to ensure that we do not allow our fitness to slip and to maintain ourselves in a state of readiness should the call come.
Thus it was that Monday and Tuesday evenings were spent in front of the telly building up that essential stamina so necessary in the demanding world of Falcons hockey. However, by Wednesday evening the need to “get out there and do the business” was overpowering and only assuaged by a swift session at the “gym” (WHF – White Hart, Fyfield). A tactical blunder on Thursday night saw me staying at home, rather than going training. Thus I was present to say yes to the offer of umpiring the 3rds on Saturday afternoon (thanks, PJ, for putting my name in the frame!).
With this onerous task in mind it was essential to ensure a clear head for Saturday. A vigorous de-briefing session with Virgil was anticipated at the Bear & Ragged on Friday following NPV return from Oz. However a “NPV no show” resulted in a de-camp to the WHF. This proved a good move as the Hook Norton was in sparkling form and thoughts of the impending umpiring were soon forgotten.
Saturday dawned. The Ladies 1s were drawing 1 – 1 with Rover in a friendly, and ended up 2 – 2. I was presented with a pristine whistle for my role and had a very good 1st half, helped by all the play being up the other end. 4 -0 to the 3s at half time. My performance deteriorated rapidly in the second half as I had to get more involved in the game. Definite lack of stamina here; must make a note to step up the training. Final score – 8 – 0 to 3s, but conversion rate of short corners leaves something to be desired!
Back in the bar things were looking serious:
- 3s were at one end of the room, oppo at the other.
- there was no sign of Mighty which was having an adverse effect on cash flow and consumption despite the best endeavours of H.
- we were on the last barrel of Hobgoblin.
Ah well, let’s enjoy the last “‘Gobble” before we transfer to Brains (brewed in Cardiff in case you didn’t know and cared). Off home for a few ZZZZs before transferring to TWH to complete the warm down. Itinerary for Sunday is straightforward:
- walk dog
- take wife & daughter out to lunch
- watch Arsenal v. Liverpool
- complete EOW training in TWH.
thus there is no need to save oneself.
Sunday hadn’t really dawned when the phone rang. I had just received a cup of coffee in bed and the clock was preparing to strike ten. Sorry it is short notice but could you play for Adastral at Bicester at noon? I decline owing to domestic commitments. I come off the phone and re-negotiate domestic commitments, leaving my wife to meet my daughter for lunch. I ring back and clinch a game of hockey, dress, walk the dog in double quick time, bowl of Alpen and off to BRN for 11:00 meet.
Bicester appear to be fielding a cast of thousands, including our ex keeper who has come out of mixed retirement especially to keep a clean sheet against us. We have a side of youth and experience, with all the youth on the female side. Off we go and hold our own well, despite Bicester changing half their side after 10 minutes. A further mass change of personnel after another ten minutes confused us and we conceded. However we became stronger (!) as the game progressed and equalised through “girl power” mid second half, before scoring the winner with ten minutes to go. A quick couple of pints of Guinness and back home in good time to watch the footie, have a snooze and then drag myself off to TWH for lunch/supper and training.
And Adastral match fees are £5 – a lot cheaper than taking wife and daughter out to lunch!!!!
Rogan Meadows
Adastral Hockey Club 