Experience over Youth as M2s make it 4 in a row.

This match report is sponsored by Patrick Wall, your DoD for this game

After the rearranging nightmare from hell. And a good GMS/Pitchero timing clash spot, the M2s went up against Oxford Uni for the second time in a month.

It all started to go wrong for Patrick when he managed to lock himself in a cubicle in the changing room before the meet time. Warped doors were blamed, teammates laughed, a little cry was had, before the gentle giant Sam Boseley came with his big size 12s to save the day.

On to the match, with a rare double umpire appointment we started like a house on fire scoring with our first attack, Alex Green slotting home after some great baseline play from Jack Evans and Pete Young. Who showed that they can actually do what Kali tries to coach. It got even better with Jack slotting home 3 mins later with a carbon copy of the move. Pulses were checked to see if we'd gone to heaven. Sharpy, after watching Jack play for 5 mins sighed on the sideline lamenting the legs and speed he has lost to father time.

As the game progressed Sonning continued to press and hassle in midfield and up front. Winning the ball in key areas and putting Oxford under pressure. Chances came and weren't taken, however they grew back into the game, eager to make up for their home loss. In a tale as old as time. A SC was conceded, Ali Allan, tells Billy Oliver to cover the right post, even gave him a 15 minute vistual demo before the Game, Billy nods like a puppy with ADHD... The result was never in doubt, 2-1 Sonning.

Half time and it was evenly matched, with both teams playing some gritty hockey. Some positive encouragement and advice from Santa, in his role as the Joe Biden of the M2s provided focus.

Second half was much more solid from us, moving the ball very nicely, transferring it round with Nathan Toms dictating from the back and Soli Floodgate advancing up the left flank numerous times with pace and skill before getting a nosebleed from being too close to the opposition D. The third Sonning goal wasn't too long coming with a great steal in midfield to set Jack away who smacked it like it owed him money. High, wide, would eventually reach the moon, but what got in the way on the post? PESSIMISTIC PETE. Just happy to be involved, and not caring if he ever wants kids, he through himself in the way before remembering he had a hockey stick, and somehow turned it into the net. 3-1.

We pushed on, creating more and more chances which both Pat and Santa continued to leave for each other like true gentlemen. While the defence were outstandingly composed, with Boseley and Tobi Challis clearing off the goal line and in dangerous areas, and with Ali making some fine, commanding saves in goal. The only real 2 moments of fear were when Pat tried to be honest and give the ball back to Oxford, told the umpires, the other team were appreciative. Yet one whipper snapper decided to run off in the breakdown and this causes Boseley's moral compass to flare up, to the delight of the 5 fans who came to watch. Rattled Sam forgot where he was playing and 5 mins later tried to assist their forward with a square ball. The squeal from Nathan at this suicide pass was not even human. We survived though, and the game ended 3-1.

A great game, thanks to Guy and Alistair (appointed) for umpiring us. 4 wins on the bounce and Henley next weekend for a tasty local derby!

MoM - Doug Whittaker for being prime N'golo Kante
DoD - Pat Wall for toilet gate.

#COTN #prayforpete