A local derby with a history of rivalry to challenge that of the Ashes , with a chastened St Francis 1’s ( relegation) v Middies 4’s , bolstered by new talent alongside some of the regular stalwarts - new boys Ben Subedar ( the prodigal S returning after 20+ years, first full adult games for Harry Bending and “ Capt” Jack Aubrey, Jon Underwood helping from the 3’s , adding to quartet of Hursties and a cameo from 'Blondie' Heine.
A good warm up had the Fearsome Fours in fine fettle as teams lined up , Mark indulging in the lesser known Kendal Mint Cake energy gel.

St Francis were hot off a 4-0 win over EG over previous weekend, and apparently brimming with confidence - however we were physically prepared , but we had somehow left our brains in the car park as our makeshift defence was rocked straight after the pushback when a loss of possession was clinically despatched past an isolated Cobie .
Shell shock reminiscent of the Great War was the initial reaction , compounded by the embarrassing sight of the skipper receiving the ball at the top of the D, then being ‘pushed ‘ by the Invisible Man , head butting the astro , the ball dribbling off in the path of an onrushing St F centre forward, clear on goal but failed to convert as Cobie narrowed the angle , or maybe it was the shock of seeing a Gen Z er floundering like a salmon on the M4.
Comments such as a Granny on ice” or typical OAP fall were noted.
The guffaws had barely died away when St F clinically capitalised on another defensive cock up to go 2 up after 5 min, things were looking bleak. To compound matters , the opposition won a short corner , which they converted 3-0 , oh !! but luckily the eagle eyed umpire from the other end spotted that it had not left the D.

The ability to recall the rest of the game in much detail is hampered by delayed concussion , suffice to say Middies settled into a more disciplined defensive structure, with Nick “ the Rock “ Rout dropping back into the back 3 as we started to get a grip on the game and became familiar with each others style of play, the manner in which we persevered and did not allow our heads to drop was a credit to all.

The midfield of Ben , Will E ( Eric) , Blondie and Grant combined to take control of the midfield , breaking down attacks ,spraying passes to forwards , one such move down the right to Mark , who in his usual laconic manner , crossed into the D , a melee’ ensued , the ball falling to Cpt Jack whose positioning nous belied his age , as he calmly slotted the opportunity. Further pressure from Middies up front with Theo and Harry creating problems with their pace. and utilising all the skills and drills gained by regular coaching , laying off the ball, not over committing ( lessons could be learned ) and looking quite comfortable in the mens league.
By now the midfield was firing with Blondie running the show and a second goal clinically finished by Mark after some super build up play. Harry , Theo and Jack were terrorising their slightly slow defence, Jon often displaying the maturity that comes with his advancing years , holding the ball up and awaiting support, working well with his partner in crime , Mark.
Half time 2-2 , we came off the stronger team , having responded brilliantly to going down 2-0 ,a lesser team would have buckled, a team talk requesting more of the same however .was a touch premature, St F came flying out ,full of intent , putting us under immediate pressure , Andy S and Henners ( Shorty ) defended gallantly , but yet another soft error ( rumours that St F gave Henners their MotM award are unfounded ) led to a well taken goal , 3-2 . The midfield struggled to get control , Blondie having a quieter half , having spent most the first covering up for his fathers mess ups , Eric was frustrated but was showing signs of the old form coming back

Frantic , pulses racing , spectators chewing finger nails and bookies in India sweating with worry.
Last ditch defending kept them at bay , and one of our rare forays’ into their D resulted in a short corner, stopped expertly by Henners , and top right corner by a Blondie drag flick.

Into the last 5, waves of attacks , Cobie keeping us in it , a speedy counterattack across the top of the D , fell to Theo , who wrong footed the keeper with shot of reasonable power into the bottom left . 3- 2 , 4min to go , shouts from Martin in the dugout - all behind the ball , but wasn’t to be , all a blur , equaliser , and then with a contentious decision over a ball lifted towards my midriff in the D ( not a guitar solo) , fended off , rebound picked up and slotted home , with the last action the game - despair, anguish, disappointment and depression.

The feeling across across the team was - 'gutted’ one that got away. On reflection to lose in that manner to a team that should be pushing for promotion was perhaps not a disaster and show the potential of the Fearsome Fours.

However as we said , we never lose , only win or learn

Lessons - game management when in the lead and minutes to go
- possession ( we had more turnovers than Bake Off) giving the ball away in the midfield and in the 25
- decision making
- ball speed.

MotM - Theo for his pace , control and hard work
DotD - Me

Onwards and upwards , next week Saxons , take those fine moments we had last week, replicate and minimise the errors.

Thanks to all those who debutants , who helped make a difference.

See you Saturday, big smiles and good memories!

PS sorry for the disjointed report