Good start in the heat
Great start for the boys in the tropics of Thakeham. We could only field ten players with two boys gallavanting abroad -Bailey searching for rum and cokes in Antigua with dad Terence whilst Curtis was off in Turkey seeking sun, sand and leather jackets in a bazaar no doubt.
Even though we had ten men, coach Staples decided on a 4-3-2 formation with Brandon Smith between the sticks and former keeper George Staples doing a roaming role supporting the re-signed Sam Rutherford up front. Venn, Tavares and the Banjo were in midfield whilst Hasler and Leadbeater resumed their partnership in the centre of defence flanked by the ever willing Crouch and Rance.
The game kicked off, was played a high tempo and goodness me, is it half time already? No goals at the break despite near misses for both goalmouths.
The second half kicked off with Vipers attacking "the boulevard of trees" end. A few near misses and suddenly Rutherford was through; he was pushed right by a defender but fired across the keeper and in off the far post!! The home crowd went loopy whilst the away fans increased the volume. Several goal mouth scrambles later and the visitors were level after a forward poked home in the six yard box. The ten men looked shattered but despite Sparrows missing an open goal, survived to the end. So a great point and with some players back next week, things are looking good.
Vipers: Smith, Crouch, Hasler, Leadbeater, Rance, Tavares, Venn, Banner, Staples, Rutherford |
