A more traditional US warm up saw the keeper injured before we started*. Don’t worry other goal keepers; Rus is off to Yeovil in September. With both teams playing in white socks and Ben O and Tom S both happy it wasn’t their fault this week, US were given the green light to start. Opening with an aerial that was more likely to damage a toe than a head, the game was on.

With several key players not bothering to turn up due to various excuses… weekenders, injury, mummy wouldn’t lend me the Range Rover and “I’m 63 now it’s a youngsters turn”, HCS dominated the first half.

HCS scored some well worked goals (3).
Clearly this was all the defenders fault and couldn’t be the goal keepers fault. “If only Ed to listened me” was mentioned at half time. It’s a non-blame culture here at US these days…

A few green cards here and there were awarded to both teams to spice it up a bit for the 2 fans in the stand.

Half time 3-0. However it’s a game of two halves and as long as we drew the second it’s ok. Or win. Or lose. It’s got “Summer” in the title, it’s not real hockey.

Normal service resumed and a much better US came out of the blocks, good movement, good passing and almost a positive attitude from everyone.

Miles and the HCS keeper continued their budding relationship, (falling / tackling / saving depending on your point of view) but it was going to happen.

Goal 1-0 US (in the second half) with a great finish by Miles, doing what he does best, anti-skill and speed.

Still moaning about a minor injury from the warm up, HCS equalised (in the second half) through the keepers legs. 1-1.

Finally it happened. Ed got his “complaining at the umpire” yellow card and went to have a 5 minute sit down.

Call that a card said HCS… we’re going to beat you at the traffic light game too… and sure enough a RED card was raised by the umpire (right decision and both umpires had a great game). Lewis** got down low, planted and then with the HCS player mounting him, stood up.
In response, the HCS chap was a little bit sad. This resulted in what can only be described as a “slap across the chest*” WWE style.

It’s Summer hockey though, so Max got himself a yellow with 4 minutes to go to even it up.

To finish on a high:
Congratulations to Robynne and Tim on the birth of Beryl.

*photo on request
**lewisesque it was Max

Various comments from around the areas:

“If US players kept their kit in the cage it’ll help”
“Should have been a yellow, now I’ve got admin to do”
“I’m only watching as I heard starmum was a supporter”