Won 5-3
Scorers: W.Hanys (2), O.Neal (2), R.Upton
MoM: Reef Upton
With thanks to team sponsor MMil http://www.batchelorcoop.co.uk
An optimistic start for the Batchelor-Coop Millers on AW2 this week; the skipper had remembered the shirts (having been ‘relentlessly’ reminded of his recent memory lapse over the two-week break). In customary fashion, and despite a positive start, the Millers conceded first thanks to some defensive jiggery-pokery in their own D. 0-1.
Suitably chastised, the Millers went – more or less – straight up the other end and scored. Details are vague, but it was Ollie Neal for 1-1. A second came shortly after, for Will Hanys this time. 2-1. And despite coming close to a third (a clearance off the line from Barnes Jnr), the scoreline remained thus at half-time.
The break commenced with Ali commenting on what a handful the (Canterbury) youngsters were up-front. The rest of the interval was spent discussing whether the term ‘youngster’ was meant to be inclusive of Ollie Neal or not. Result: inconclusive!
A relentless opening twenty minutes of the second half saw Canterbury extend their lead through Hanys with a powerful strike from the edge of the D. 3-1. A sneaky second for Ollie Neal. 4-1. And a well-taken drag-flick score from Reef Upton. 5-1. However, the final ten minutes were accurately summed up by Captain Sharratt in his post-match debrief, as: “…at best, a cavalier attitude to play!” as the home side conspired to concede two in the closing stages. 5-3 finish.
The key takeaways: Reef Upton was irrepressible in his marauding runs. Ollie Neal is spreading his jug-avoidance habits. Ben Lawford (dubbed ‘The Hulk’ by one canny umpire this season, on account of how often he sees green!) completed several miles of on-pitch running; an estimated 5-10% of which was to and from the naughty step!
Thanks to Chris and Phil for officiating an entertaining game: much appreciated.