Poor Rav copped for both the ULEZ charge and elevated parking costs. Against this background well done all for making it on time. We undertook a few light stretches whilst our opposition made full use of the running track and took around 800m out of their legs before the game. We also enjoyed watching Kwan Browne play for H&W 2’s, but were a little dismayed when he stayed on the pitch for his second game against us. No matter, we had a strong squad with several youngsters and the welcome addition of Chris ‘Jacko’ Jackson to play centre midfield.

The first half was cagey – we had good possession but struggled to retain it as we entered the opposition half. There were a few chances at either end, when H&W tipped the game in their favour with, I think, their only corner of the half. An attacker encroached the D very early but this was missed by both umpires and after a brief melee they found the net.

1-0 down at half time: we resolved to play a little differently, to hold the ball up in the front line and allow the midfield to move up the pitch and support the front three. The second half was a different game…. this time we played most of our hockey in their half. We had some wonderful passages of play, particularly down the right with some very effective drives up the bye-line and were rewarded with an excellent well worked goal – which I think may have been scored by Griz but I honestly can’t remember. Someone will set me straight!

We continued to play well, and recovering from Covid appears to have had no impact on Terry and Armo’s ability to run. H&W still had the ability to break, but their strength was not in their front line. Rav remained resolute in goal and we kept a well-deserved clean sheet in the second half - Mace and Doc held strong in the centre, Hoops was magnificent at left half and Rosie, after a first half knee wobble which was resolved with a knee brace, managed some fantastic overlaps which culminated in several circle penetrations up the bye line. I always think a Rustlers match report is enhanced by the word ‘penetration’ ?

With Mrs Hooper on the side line wanting Nick ‘pulled off’ in the final 5 minutes (surely that’s not our job?!) – we clinched the game with a well worked slipped short corner, instigated by Mr Hooper at the top of the ‘D’. In my excitement I don’t recall who scored this one either!

We weathered the final few minutes with one or two scares, but it was a well deserved victory. Our midfield of Jacko, Jon and Ben ran and ran, as did our front line consisting of the Covid twins plus Griz and Jamie – the latter unlucky not to make it three at the far post. There were numerous candidates for man of the match, but my vote goes to Ben Major who had a fantastic game at right midfield.

With many needing to get back for the start of Strictly just two of us made it to the rebuilt Carlton Tavern, plus Mace who was conducting a Mercian business meeting in the front bar. Out in the beer garden our hosts were gracious in defeat.

I hot footed it back for the Davey’s Firework and Halloween fancy dress party, arriving to find that only the hosts and current Rustlers players had entered into the spirit of things and were dressed appropriately. Most of the guests went as middle aged people who were quite good at hockey once, or who were unfortunate enough to be married to them ?.

Micky, Rage and Nigel were on hand to offer advice and guidance for today’s O50 Cup fixture versus OGs and may have mentioned once or ten times the grudge they bear about Old Georgian’s 13-0 mauling of our O60’s league team.