Another good win on the road…

The opposition: Wallingford 2s
The venue: A pleasant sunny day in Wallingford
The setting: A very sunny, crisp autumn day, perfect for a tough game of hockey against one of the better opposition in the league.
Result: Wallingford 2s (1)
Sonning 3s (3)

Sonning 3s came into this match with measured confidence, having taken the maximum 9 points available so far this season, including well-earned victories against some of the tougher sides in the league. They also knew that Wallingford would be another one of the tough sides, having finished 4th in the league last season and shown good promise in the summer league.
The match started with Sonning playing into the sun (which was bright), and knocking the ball around reasonably comfortably during the early exchanges. Wallingford pressed hard and showed signs of the quality side that they are. The early stages of the match were pretty even, and it was clear this was going to be a good match. The Sonning defence, marshalled by O’Mara and Peter quickly settled and provided the platform for the more creative players to exert some authority. Notably Adam Pusey, recalled from the wilderness of fatherhood, regularly got the ball and drove at the opposition winning numerous free hits and causing the opposition problems; whilst Gaz went on his usual tireless forays up the wing.

Sonning were eventually awarded a short corner. Excellent, time for the special teams unit. But wait, Timmy is on the bench. So plan B was actioned… smack it really hard! After a pinpoint injection from Tufty and perfect stop from O’Mara, Pusey dispatched the short corner with laser guided accuracy, via a Wallingford deflection. 0-1 Sonning.

With half-time looming on this match played on a bright sunny day, the scored was levelled. The Wallingford defence threw up an enormous aerial which soared into the sky and nestled perfectly in front of the sun. Tufty had it covered all the way… got it… got it… got it… not got it! (with a hint of a wince). The ball was missed and ended up at the feet of the forward who gladly finished off his early Xmas gift. 1-1

After a calm and considered half time team talk from the skipper, Sonning regrouped and started the second half rather like the first… with control. They were rewarded with a clinical finish from skipper Ollie Tonks and another good finish from Pusey, happily put through by Tufty with the sun behind him this time. Wallingford continued to show they are a quality side throughout the match, but the 3s were worthy victors and very pleased to take 3 points back to Sonning Lane.

Gaz was voted MOTM for his tireless efforts down the wing, whilst Tufty was DOTD for his aerial avoidance… not much he could do, but funny nonetheless!