Rustlers Go Down Fighting at Surbiton

Firstly many congratulations to the SVs for winning their league and in real style too

The Rustlers were not quite so fortunate in their must-win game v Surbiton on Saturday. What started as a squad of 15 was gradually depleted - a late drop out for illness and a calf injury to Moaty during the warm up meant we were down to 11 for the start. Within 4 minutes one of the 11 couldn’t run… and we added at least one more to the list of walking wounded as the game went on.

That said, in a tight game against a good quality, younger side we very nearly won the game. 1-1 at half time and it was very even, despite our staffing issues. 3-3 with 15 mins to go (having been 3-1 down) and we missed a sitter and had a goal disallowed by the rather partisan Surbiton player/umpire from the far end (partisan is probably being kind).

In the end a crap ball from yours truly in the middle of the pitch combined with an inability to hop after the grateful Surbiton recipient and prevent him for scoring was our downfall, and as we chased the game to try to recover, we conceded a final late goal to lose 3-5. Outstanding performances from Martin in goal and Toddy as sweeper-cum-centre forward, and Soma rolled back the years to play a full game and provide some coaching tips whilst tying his opposite number in knots. In truth a great performance from everyone with the odds stacked against us.

Andy H