Lost 0-1
MoM: Arun Banarse
DoD: Alex Ricketts and John Boy
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
A Bad Hair Day for those who have any left…….
The best part of this match was before it had even started. The Folkestone skipper was overheard giving a final team talk to his relatively young team with the words “be careful of these old boys – don’t be over confident – they are not what they seem!”. In the event he needn’t have worried as the Friars engine kept misfiring in a scrappy game ending in a scoreline that distinctly flattered the home team. On the other hand the Folkestone team lived up to their name, that of ‘The Optimists’ who played a bright style of hockey with a fine clutch of youngsters.
However a half time score of 0-0 disguised a plethora of Folkestone penalty corners not executed very well or alternatively saved by Simon Triggs counterbalanced by a Folkestone keeper who twiddled his thumbs, not touching the ball at all and distinctly underemployed.
After the break the Optimists soon went ahead from a somewhat disputed goal from a penalty corner which left the Friars chasing the game. They and especially the defence would have found that easier if they had stopped passing to the blue shirts rather than the green shirts – still at least it gave Trigger great value for his match fee. The forwards faired little better having precious little ball and the great John Boy had a somewhat weak p flick saved by the keeper which would have left Folkestone feeling that they “wuz robbed”.
The only highlight and mention must go to Arun Banarse on his CHC debut from Christchurch Uni and a very warm welcome to him. He played with purpose and enthusiasm at left back and hopefully he will be back if he hasn’t been scared off.
And that was it with many Friars shaking their heads wistfully as they trudged off not having enjoyed their afternoon and thinking that was a waste of brownie points.
Thanks to Phil and Geordie for umpiring.