Tough Going for Tring

A 10.30am away game at Tring was happy news for our Bucks based squad players (Bob, Peter, Moaty and Mark) but an early start for the rest, we arrived to find ourselves locked out of the pitch at RAF Halton with a bare 11 players & precious little time to warm up.

Fortunately, from there on it all went brilliantly as the Relics once again out on a superb passing performance to put Tring to the sword. We passed and moved exceptionally well to open great scoring opportunities, everyone played well and Moaty’s distribution from sweeper was outstanding as disguised pushes and overheads consistently found men in space to set up wave after wave of attacking moves. A first half hattrick from Micky saw us go into half time a comfortable 4-0 ahead with no need for much half time adjustments to our game plan other to suggest Graham curb his native South African competitiveness off the ball after both he and the Tring centre-forward were carded for a bit of a tussle off the ball.

Reassuringly the Relics kept their focus and commitment in the second half to score a further six in a totally dominant masterclass of flowing attacking hockey. Laurie showed he has lost neither his willingness to run nor his joy of giving umpires grief as his green card was upgraded to a yellow for too much chat! With great chances being created many could have scored but for the record our goals came from Micky x4, Jerry “hattrick- again” Cooke x3, Wright x1, Moaty x1, Rage x1. Moaty and Rage’s goals were created from great passing hockey and both finished well.

Everyone played well but man of the match goes to Moaty for: an outstanding performance at sweeper, taking charge at short corners and a beautifully created & finished open-play goal. Tring’s hospitality was excellent as the Relics savoured a good match tea, good beer and reflected on a great game.

Next week is a week off for the old men and then we face Old Cranleighans at home on December 8th at 12.00. Meanwhile good luck to our over 60 Cup side tomorrow.

The Relics are top of the league with a very healthy +35 goal difference.

Game on

Micky