Posted by Captain Ben
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on 2/2/2009, 8:13 am
82.109.66.150
31 Jan 09 1400hr at Drayton School, Banbury
Banbury 4thXI 1 - 1 Witney Wayfarers
This was a top of the league clash with the winner likely to gain promotion. Wayfarers had a strong side to travel, helped by a cascade down of players from the 2nd teams 'bye'. Even so, 6 of the team had played in the pre-Christmas fixture vs. Banbury, where we had thrown away a 2-1 advantage in the last few minutes to lose 3-2. On arrival, our confidence waned somewhat when we saw a huge squad of senior players... Game on!
Wayfarers opened typically strong, with a quick ping forward from Tony Brown and inject by Tom Yallop to a rampant Nick Dunnington who deflected a beaut within 5 minutes of the start. Buoyed by this start, things looked good, however Banburys senior players were not to be flustered, and they came back strong with good solid passing and some quality hockey. Some excellent defensive support by an inspirational Geoff Saul & Mike Roberts combination were reinforced by the dynamic duo of Alex Rivers and Jake Crowley on each side of defence. Few balls got as far as James Bartrip, but one got behind our line and was twitched in by Banburys young hot-head; Not a goal to be conceded and against the run of play. All square at half time.
The half time team talk was very positive. We knew this was a strong, quality team against which we were not only holding but looking dangerous. Clearly Banburys team talk was of a different nature, as they came out hard, pushing and shoving their way to the ball. This period of 'agricultural' hockey raised tempers on both sides culminating in a yellow card for Yallop and a nose to nose standoff - a first for Captain Ben in 20 yrs of hockey! Calmed by some good umpiring, both sides returned to quality hockey. The last 10 minutes saw the Wayfarers fitness levels proven better than Banburys - especially Kaka Carrol who seemed to be everywhere for a period; Wayfarers were looking dangerous. Owen Collins was particularly strong, eventually getting Man of the Match, with some spectacular saves by Banburys keeper leaving the game a score draw.
An excellent game, with no poor play or Muppetry seen - even Yallops Yellow was thought excessive and certainly provoked. Indeed, there was more votes for 'No Muppets today' than for any player, so we must have been good. Well Played Wayfarers!
TEAM: James Bartrip (GK), Alex Rivers, Geoff Saul, Mike Roberts, Jake Crowley, Ben Campion (Captain), Tom Yallop (Y), Tony Brown, Nick Dunnington (1), Owen Collins (MOM), Ben 'Kaka' Carrol.
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