Lost 1-3
Scorers: John Aikin
MoM: Simon Triggs
DoD: Alex Ricketts for his Ariel Pass
The Friars found themselves facing the Holcombe Hurricanes on what was a fine day of autumn sunshine. Just 12 Friars lined up, with skipper Tony rested pending his England trial and ranks filleted, allegedly by the Squires’ dasterdly captain who had cherry picked a number of our faster moving finest!
12 Friars nearly became 11 when Ewan Hutchinson pulled a “glute” in his warm up, but battled on.
It was a match with both highlights and lowlights and thus better written in bullets:
• The Friars drew first blood in quarter one with John Aikin (who else-ed?!) clinically finishing a goal which in fairness was delivered on a silver platter by young newcomer Eddie Florence combining with fellow newcomer Bert Andrews.
• As ever it was a busy day for the Friars defence with Trigger in goal, and newcomers Dave Lane and Luke Fassum joining Alex Ricketts and Biggles. The Friars midfield (Phil Dowling, Jamie Harris, Ewan Hutchinson and Mike Barton) battled hard against generally younger, faster opponents.
• John Aikin’s embarrassing ariel (Procter & Gamble?) pass to himself in 2019 still looms large in the Friars’ collective memory, but it was on Saturday surpassed by a fine ariel from that well known spin doctor Cllr. Alex Ricketts. The trajectory was just perfect as it looped right off the pitch, and ‘lest we forget’ causing much mirth among his team mates and supporters! It was even rumoured that the adjoining Rochester Airport went on alert for a high flying projectile!
• Mike Barton was again asked to take a little rest by the umpire – with John Aikin under caution with some early season late tackles…
• Great to see so many newcomers and the return of Fit Phil Dowling in Back to Hockey mode in midfield. • Despite many fine saves by Trigger, Holcombe drew level at half time
• Q3 was an even dual, but by Q4 the Friars were visibly tiring in the 24 degree heat and Holcombe scored 2 more
The final score was a well deserved 3-1 win for Holcombe, and the Friars retired to the clubhouse for a baked potato (with choice of succulent toppings!) and ale.
So next week Friars travel to Marden for their first league game of the season after being promoted and being awarded Club Team of the Year (just sayin’).