Good Vets Game Played In Good Spirit

On a warm Saturday afternoon the Relics hosted a very strong IG vets team studded with ex-internationals. When Kulbir Bhaura slotted a Manjit Flora short corner slip within the first three minutes we thought we may be in for a stuffing.

But all credit to the Relics (who were down to the bare bones as Laurie, Steve S and Hugh were all required by the Redsox and none of the Rustlers were available, or fit, to double up), we regrouped and started playing good, intelligent Vets hockey and created an increasing number of open play and short corner chances.

All credit to Barty for not only getting four Vets teams out this weekend but also rolling back the years and playing an excellent disciplined role as sweeper and commander of our outstanding defence.

With astute marking of their key players by the Relics the second half possession was dominated by Reading forcing IG to pack their defence to reduce clear chances.

As wave after wave of Relics' attacks rolled forward, marshalled by Rage in midfield, we created more and more chances and short corners but too many chances went just wide.

Micky limped off with a recurrence of last week's groin injury to be replaced with a wonderful cameo centre forward performance from Rav whose running and willingness added much needed zest up front. In the end a nice deflection from Stuart off a Bob cross equalised the score but despite further chances we could not quite pull off a win.

(IG did have a second short corner goal disallowed rightly by Mike Gray for a high first shot).

A draw was a fair result at the end of a very good Vets game played in good spirit by both sides.

The whole defence were rightly awarded combined man of the match by the skipper with Richard Mannix called out for an outstanding game at centre back man marking Kulbir Bhaura.

Thanks to Mike Gray for umpiring very well and Mrs Dave Sutherland for supporting her hubby and the Relics (a Rach cheering a Rage was a first).

Next week we have a week off so time to mend injuries before a hard away match at Eastcote in two weeks’ time.

Good job Relics - great job Barty

Micky