Radnedge short corner hatrick helps Redsox to a strong away win at Wimbledon

The score line does not reflect the dominance of the Redsox performance as the two Wimbledon goals were scored in the last 5 minutes when we were 4 - 0 up with the game in the bag and our otherwise rock solid defence were caught napping.

With a strong squad of 13, including the welcome return of Hunty, the Redsox settled quickly into a good rhythm and took an early lead as Fitty scored after a fluent one – two with Hunty. The second goal came from a well struck Radnedge short corner who had time to pick his spot thanks to a typically fast Hunty pull out and a clean stop and nudge into the circle by the “still ready to learn” Mason. With our rolling subs and our clear dominance, the Redsox adopted a slightly too fluid formation as some players decided to try out some unexpected unusual positions on the pitch. Fortunately, Jack Hargreaves was alert enough to snuff out any threats.

A somewhat sharper than usual half-time chat from the skipper saw the team pull up their Redsox and play an excellent second half (until the last 5 minutes). Good distribution from Dodds and Mace at the back allowed the Redsox open up the Wimbledon defence and perhaps we should have had a couple of open play goals but in the end, it was two more fine short corner strikes by Radnedge saw the Redsox take a winning 4-0 lead. A quick count-back sees Fitty and Rage now tied for Top Gun with 6 goals each (with Rage still claiming the Southgate own goal from his wayward short corner strike!!).

Everyone played well despite the somewhat bumpy surface and strong low sun across the pitch with both English and Scottish Steve working hard alongside our hatrick scoring man-of-the match, Rage, in midfield to ensure we had most possession and the defence taking turns to enjoy moving up the pitch to put added pressure on Wimbledon. All in all, a good win and a game played in good spirit marred only by Scottish Steve taking a nasty deflected blow to the arm.

Thanks again to Mike for coming with us to an away game and umpiring well (and for wisely not allowing a novice female umpire to blow for Wimbledon). The win keeps us hard on the heels of Southgate and Epsom in a satisfyingly competitive league.

I was delighted to see all 13 (+ Mike Gray) happy to come back to the Wimbledon Clubhouse to enjoy the exclusive Noble Isle Rosemary, bergamot and rhubarb toiletries in the best clubhouse on the circuit followed by many SW19 priced, kitty-draining jugs (thanks to Rage for his and Ian Ashby for subsidising another to just keep us in the black!). The haggis, tatties and neeps match tea was spot on, except perhaps for Dodds who had the same dish at the Henley Gold Club Burns Night the evening before! Amrish and I stayed on the finish the final jug in the company of Ditta from Spencer and few other old hockey friends who dropped by. Attached snaps.

Next week we are very stretched across the Vets squads so maximum avaialbilty please for Bartie. (Bartie, I gather there is a useful 35-year-old Swiss tennis player who may be looking for a new sport next season, his hand eye co-ordination and leg work would be a welcome squad addition).

Micky