Lost 0-2
Scorers: N/A
MoM: Sir Geoff Philpott
DoD: Ally Alexander for turning up at the wrong pitch despite being told where AW1/top pitch/show pitch is was.
After a cancelled match last week owing to pitch issues in Rochester, a full and heavy bench of 14 Friars (there had been 15 selected but one didn’t make it through the week) faced off against league leaders Gillingham Anchorians 3 in a thrilling hockey match on a sunny March morning. The Anchorians seemed to have the upper hand from the get-go, with their team looking younger, fitter and faster than their opponents. However, the Friars’ back-line was a force to be reckoned with, with their big units of Philpott and Ricketts especially but also beanpole Barton, an intimidating barrier.
In the midfield lineup it was good to see Dr Jolyon returning to duty after his surgery (2nd or 3rd comeback this season – your reporter has long lost count), and also Biggles in the crowd, hard to miss with his eyes peering out from a still fully bandaged face, following his own procedure. And thus is the way of the modern Friar – surgery and then maybe a week off, but then it’s back to do battle on the Friars’ front line. If you are lucky, like Scribbler, you return with an extra yard of medically enhanced pace! (check your facts!-ed)
The first half saw competitive hockey with the Anchorians eventually taking the lead. The Friars had few good opportunities to equalise, with Aikin senior somehow lacking his usual menace in the D.
The Friars knew they had to step up their game in the second half to get back into the match. However, the Anchorians continued to dominate possession and create more chances.
Despite some solid defending from the Friars, the Anchorians managed to score another goal. The Friars continued to fight, but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the closing minutes new signing Ally did well to control a firm long pass from Alex, but shot just wide – his radar was off (struggled even to find AW1 apparently!) and his “goal a game” record since he took up our very own beautiful game, now lay sadly in tatters.
In the end, despite some fine efforts from Trigger, Jamie, Louis and others, the final score was 2-0 to Anchorians. The Friars were disappointed with the result, but proud of their efforts against a tough opposition. It was a good match to watch, with both teams playing with determination and skill. With the Friars facing promotion next year for the first time in a decade – could this match be a harbinger of what awaits the Friars in division 7?
Thanks to Phil and Kevin for umpiring and to our apprentice hack for writing this report.