Relics Remain on Top

The Reading Relics remain firmly top of the table after a good win in the sunshine against OCs at RHC.

OCs could only muster eight players so their captain, Andrew Eve, and I agreed in advance that Reading would provide three players to make up a team for them and we also agreed, but did not tell our players, that whatever the result on the day we would record a 1-0 win to Reading as wanted to keep the game competitive.

Despite the valiant and much appreciated efforts of Pelly, Willcox and Green playing for them, the OC team were never able to match the younger legs and fluency of the Relics and by half time Reading were 5-0 up as we totally dominated possession and created many good chances.

With the skipper, Micky, carrying a hamstring injury he and Bartie discussed tactics on the touchline and, with the agreement of Andrew Eve, we made the second half harder for the Relics by giving the OCs another player to make it 12 players v’s 10 (big thanks to Hamish for generously volunteering to switch sides). The switch made the second half a much more competitive game and forced the Relics to work harder and be more accurate with their passes, all credit to the side for winning the second half 2-1 despite our Panto hero Bob not quite converting a penalty flick - he would definitely have scored in a dress and high heels. Andrew and I also agreed at half-time to change the official result to 2-0 on the back of the extra player!

Everyone played well (especially in the second half) and we scored some excellent goals but special mention to the joint men of the match Brad (at sweeper) and Simon C (centre midfield) for their excellent distribution even when under pressure. Also big thanks to Mike Keiller and Phil Bastien for blowing well and keeping the game flowing.

The biggest decision of the day was whether to add the goal scorers to the Relics Top Gun list or give the two officially recorded goals to a player of the skipper’s choice……himself, obviously! In the end beer won and in light of Peter’s excellent hattrick the skipper decided a hattrick jug from Peter was more important than closing the gap at the top of the Top Gun list! So for the record the goal scorers were: Wright x3, Christian x2, Laurie x1, Cooke x1 and in addition I think it only fair to record Pelly’s deft reverse stick goal from Green’s cross for the OCs on the Relics Top Gun list as well.

Next week we have the O60s ¼ final in the England Hockey cup on Sunday so Barty will be resting the cup players on Saturday and redistributing the youngers ones across other teams – please help by playing for the sides he selects you for.

Updated Relics Top Gun list:
Wright x13
Green x8
Cooke x8
Denehy x5
Christian x3
Holden x3
Pell x2
Bambury x2
Hudson x2

Well done all – let’s push on and win this league!

Micky