Handsome Win Over OCs

The Reading Relics hosted third placed OC’s Hamstrings at RHC looking to maintain their top of the table dominance and duly came away with a handsome win which leaves us top of the league over the Christmas break.

Both teams joined a minute’s silence before the game to recognise the huge contribution to hockey made by the founder of Pizza Express, VP & friend of RHC, Peter Boizot, who sadly died earlier this week. (Attached is a lovely RIP tribute by an old Saatchi& Saatchi friend of mine who spent his youth working in Pizza Express) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-46468449?fbclid=IwAR2p2p3OLkswmsHmgDRUC1DGmRam3vKIoaBN1eYqOiL3eED1Zu8b3HpIoPY

In truth the Relics were just too good for OCs and early goals created by Peter Wright and Charles Lowe finished by Micky settled any nerves, Hugh Wilcock added a third first half goal after a well worked short corner. The half was marred by back injuries to both Charlie and Laurie which ruled them out for the next few weeks but fortunately we had Fitty back with us as manager and player, after his debilitating illness, to sort out our revised formation as well as showing he has not lost his touch. Another highlight was Tim Green surviving his second match for Reading HC in one piece made sweeter as it was against his old club!

In the second half we totally dominated without quite playing our very best hockey but another six goals (and many others missed) underlined how strong this team is. When we moved the ball early and fast we again looked a class team but we need to keep our focus to ensure we give ourselves the chance to win the league. For the record our scorers were: Micky x4, Hugh x1, Jerry x1, Peter x1, Rage x1, Bob x1 and another clean sheet for Mark Boothroyd ensured his nickname was promoted again - in a single season Mark has progressed from sieve to colander to frying pan to wok to kitchen sink!

Many thanks to Jo Newman and Mike Keiller for umpiring very well in what was a good natured contest and to Bartie for sorting out squads as well as making our new football tenants feel welcome! It was also good to see Rob Thompson at the club – we hope you are ready to rehabilitate with a few games for the Relics after Christmas as well as other vets supporters on the touchline. As always the Relics kept Abdul busy and were in good voice to encourage the youthful Redsox from the touch line of their local derby v’s Maidenhead. We also wished Robbo the best of luck with his hip operation on Tuesday – two new hips in two years is fast work Robbo!! Selfies attached as always (where was Wright?!). No man of the match award this week as everyone contributed so well.

Next week we have a GMA match v’s Surbiton @RHC @12.00 and a pivotal GMA game on Dec 29th v’s IG away – Bartie and Cap’n Bob will select teams for both.

A few Relics asked how the top gun list was looking so here are those who have scored two or more – Jerry, we will miss your finishing during your five weeks break in Oz:
Micky x11
Jerry x9
Pelly x5
Peter W x5
Tim A x3
Laurie x2
Rage x2

Happy Christmas to all and here’s to a great first half of the season to the prematurely named Relics!!

Micky