Sonning Men's 2nd XI Triumph in Local Derby Against Henley 2nd XI

This match report is sponsored by Tobi Challis, DoD for the day.

On a crisp November afternoon at the BCSC, the stage was set for an intense local derby between Sonning Men's 2nd XI and Henley 2nd XI. The sun bathed the field as the teams prepared for the 13:30 push back, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The pitch adorned with merry supporters of victorious club members, a stirring pregame talk topped off with a solo acapella session could only point the team in one direction

We welcomed the return of Rich Smith between the sticks for Sonning, showcasing his prowess after a stellar performance in the previous Men's 3rd XI win against Maidenhead - a big role to play against today's opposition who historically have had a talisman up top who "spanks the ball like it owes him money".

The tight turnaround left little room for a warm-up, but both teams hit the ground running. The game commenced with both sides evenly matched, but an early opportunity for Henley from strong forward momentum was pulled wide #TABM.

However, from that point onward, Sonning dominated the field. The back five of G Lappin, Toms, Floodgate, Beasley, and Oliver showcased impeccable distribution, putting immense pressure on the Henley defence. This pressure resulted in a short corner, where the "Greeny" classic led to Hanlon executing a well-worked deflection, giving Sonning a 1-0 lead 15 minutes into the match.

Sonning continued their offensive onslaught, and Hanlon, seizing a breakaway opportunity, skilfully netted a bottom corner reverse to extend the lead. Henley managed to pull one back just before halftime, leaving the score at 2-1.

The halftime break saw a surprising yet essential development. Littleboy laid the foundations for a dominant return to the field – a bag of jelly babies – fuelling the team for the challenges ahead and amending his failing from the previous week. The midfield returned with great intensity winning a number of 50/50 challenges and keeping the Henley attack from retaining possession on multiple occasions.

As the second half commenced, Sonning held possession, and despite Henley's staunch defence, the pace of Sonning's frontline exploited gaps, leading to Littleboy setting up Captain Wall via a heavenly tricep-fuelled prod, making it 3-1 at the 40-minute mark.

The second half unfolded with open play and tired legs on both sides. Sonning's pressure resulted in a flurry of back-to-back short corners. After some close calls, Sonning executed a newly worked bounce, allowing Hanlon to slot the ball past the keeper beautifully. However, much like his home life he would only get lucky twice. Challis, positioned on the line, securing the victory with a contender for goal of the season.

The final whistle blew, signalling Sonning's triumph with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. Some admirable determination from Henley throughout the games but a well-deserved victory for the home team, showcasing how much a shower session with Mrs Wall's brownies can spur one on.

Thanks to Pete for filling in some of the gaps in events from the second half, remarkable how much of the game you can remember while watching it from the side-line hey Pat.

Massive thanks to the appointed umpire Najeeb Rehman for helping out despite a mix up in communication, and Salter from Sonning for partnering with him.

#COTN #JugAvoidance #MidTableBabyyyy #PassivePete #Partially(deaf)Pat

DOD : Tobi Challis
MOM : Colm Hanlon