Won 4-0
Scorers: R.Upton (3), F.Holland
MoM: Reef Upton/ Oliver Holness (shared honours)
With thanks to team sponsor MMil http://www.batchelorcoop.co.uk
The Batchelor-Coop Millers faced newly promoted Holcombe, in the weekends early fixture on AW2.
Having apparently attracted the backing of an undisclosed Hollywood figure, over the summer, Captain Sharratt had recruited well and was able to field a (partially) fresh-faced and youthful side; or as he dubbed it: a ‘Hovis 50/50 best of both’ team!
The Millers trade-mark attacking flair was in evidence from the off. Reef, rampant through the middle of the park, put the home side ahead from open play after a trademark shimmying run. 1-0. Freddie soon doubled the lead, with a great reaction strike from a narrow angle, and the home side were looking comfortable at 2-0 (usually the cue for some unnecessary jeopardy to occur).
While the visitors were being hard-pressed, they did have an outlet ‘over the top’ to their agile forwards – which they used frequently. However, Oli Holness, in goal, pulled off some truly magnificent saves to deny them and his defence were equally adept at snuffing out all other threats in the home 25. Thus, the Millers made it safely to half-time, and the message was clear: more of the same please, just keep it simple.
Attacking with renewed vigour after the half-time Jelly Babies (which were noticeable by their absence this week…) the Millers won a succession of short corners; one of which was ably despatched by Reef with a nice flick past the keeper. 3-0. Wrapping things up, and avoiding the dreaded mantle of ‘jug avoidance’, Reef completed an impressive hat-trick, not long after, with another ‘shimmy-and-shoot’ goal.
The juniors looked good, putting in solid performances all round, while the older members of the team are looking forward to Upton senior providing the aforementioned hat-trick jug (as nominated by Upton junior). Furthermore, they wish to draw his attention to the two-pint weekly tax that is applied on the jug, until delivery!