Sonning Men's 3s vs Sonning Men's 2s

The season starts and it seemed as though god (or the fiture organisers) wanted to start the season off with a bang. First week of the season and Sonning 3s were pitted against Sonning 2s in the pinnacle of derby day games.

Both teams came into the game with good preseasons under their belts but Sonning 3s were determined not to be intimidated by the situation and endeavoured to get the most out of the game. Olly Tonks set out his team and gave his final commands before heading out to the field of battle.

Something was different this day and everyone knew it. For a club well known to be friendly, this day there was a distinct 10m area between the 3s and 2s whilst watching the ladies play. Any communication was friendly, but all minds returned quickly to the prospect ahead.

The game started with a lot of good pressing hockey from both sides. There weren’t many chances given the attaching nature both teams were playing at. Eventually Matt Poulton got the first game of the season for the 2s and got first blood of the game from a short corner. Slightly disappointed in letting in the first goal, Sonning 3s got their heads up and continued to play their way, knowing that they’d get their chance. 3s won their first short corner shortly before half time. Timmy Preston lined up at the top of the D and drag flicked it between goaly and right post man, bulging the top of the net.

End of the first half and all talk was about keeping up the effort. They were holding the 2s, and showing periods of real threat.

Second half started with conceding another short corner, this time dispatched by Sharpy, but with the captain’s messages ringing in their ears, Sonning 3s pushed on and kept up the attaching play.

Plenty of attacking play from the 3s limited the 2s to odd moments of counter attacking, drawing out their attack and leaving them easily dispatched by the back five outfield players. A counter attack from the 3s gave Timmy his chance to double his tally for the season. An expertly delivered drag flick slid in within the right post, almost taking Radar’s head off in the process.

With the play all going for the 3s, and sensing the vulnerability, they pressed their advantage and caught the 2s off guard. Quick movement from the 3s got them another short corner. With Timmy off the pitch for a well earned rest, it fell to Neil to strike the short corner. The strike was clean and hard but Mac could only parry it to Justin for a hard strike that thumped the back board, thunderous announcing a rare 3s lead.

With the 3s now in control of the game, the 2s started to get a little more anxious and attacked with more and more desperation. The defensive line absorbed the pressure but the 2s got a third short corner and looked to keep up their 100% for the season. However, the 3s were on top of this one and kept it out. With the desperation to level the scores, gaps inevitably opened for the 3s and they took advantage. Another quick attack led to a fourth short corner for the 3s and Timmy was back at the top of the D to terrorise the 2s defence once again. A well placed drag flick and Timmy had his hatrick and moved the 3s further into the lead.

With the game progressing into the latter stages Sonning 2s became desperate to reduce the deficite before the game ended, they came at the 3s more and more. However, the 3s defence kept their composure and formation and absorbed everything the 2s could throw at them. Another interception from Sonning 3s sent them hurling at the 2s fragile back line and gained another short corner. With Timmy at the top of the D, the 3s were prepared to turn the screws and put the game to bed. With all seemingly ready to see another drag flick bulge the net, Timmy lined up and stepped into the D. With the runners on his toes, the plan unfolded and a hard push to the back post gave Colm an easy deflection past a stranded defence to give the 3s a three goal lead with minutes to play.

When the historic game ended, the two sides showed the extremes of human emotions. The 2s, obvious favourites for the game were crushed and the passion and anger overflowed. In comparison, the 3s were delirious with having finally shown their quality and beaten the favourites. However, when all was said and done, both sides showed the class expected of all Sonning sides and shared honest respect for the opposition they’d just played.

A special note must go to both umpires who officiated the game. It was not an easy job but they let the game flow and the teams play which lead to the thrilling game. We’d also like to thank all those who came to support both sides and make the game that much more special.

MoM – Tim Preston - Hatrick Hero

DoD – Peter Orchard – Silly comment about marking Squires