It was a beautiful Saturday morning as the Gloucester Mens 4’s were in action against Stroud 3’s. Stroud, having played in a higher league the previous season, were the bookies firm favourites, but Gloucester had strengthened their squad in the off season, with the intelligent signings of promising youth players and extra experience. The tension in the air was palpable and the crowd (of 4 or 5) watching the game could feel an upset was on the cards.
As the two teams of athletes (in peak physical condition) lined up, Gloucester made the bold decision to field an extra player rather than a goalkeeper. This tactical masterstroke allowed Chris the goalkeeper to turn up fashionably late and clearly put Stroud on the backfoot as Gloucester had drawn first blood within the first 5 minutes of the starting whistle.
The goal was a result of some good interplay before Graeme (Tonka) Pratt received the ball on the right and put in a perfect cross where Matt Jefferies, with the grace and touch of a prima ballerina, delicately deflected the ball towards goal with just enough pace to cross the line. The crowd went wild, sure in the knowledge that they were witnessing history in the making.
By this time, Chris was ready to come on and Gloucester reverted to a more traditional lineup with a keeper and 10 in the outfield. Stroud, chastened by the first goal, set about trying to equalise and started to exert pressure on the Gloucester defence. The defence, ably led by James (Selfie) Self and Brian Stokes held firm and soaked up the pressure while initiating Gloucester break aways that threatened the Stroud goal. Most notably, a break-away spearheaded by young Ethyn Hendry terminating in an audacious reverse stick shot at goal that hit the post. By this point, the crowd was transfixed, enjoying the spectacle on display.
Unfortunately, that was the closest Gloucester came to a second goal. Stroud managed to settle into their work of breaking down the Gloucester defence and by half time had managed to eek out a 2-1 lead.
The second half was much the same as the latter part of the first half with Stroud putting pressure on Gloucester while Gloucester attempting to attack via break-aways. It was clear that the Gloucester midfield was tiring, with Ian (no legs) McIntosh having substituted himself for the 2nd time in a row and looking like he was about to expire on the sideline. Midway through the second half, Stroud managed to extend the lead to 3-1 and soon thereafter had made it 4-1. Meanwhile, Gloucester had several attacking break-aways that Stroud were narrowly able to close down.
The crowd had gone quiet thinking the upset gone, but the Gloucester team kept at it. At this point Stroud’s right midfielder, who, for reasons unknown, had taken a dislike to Gloucester’s newly signed tireless midfielder, Ian Posgate, lost his head and hit the ball away on a Gloucester free hit, resulting in him having to go to the naughty corner for the remainder of the game. The crowd came alive, thinking a comeback was imminent, but unfortunately it was not to be as Gloucester were unable to take advantage of the extra player and the game ended with a 4-1 loss to Stroud.
By the end, the remaining spectators had witnessed an enthralling contest, full of entertaining and skilful hockey and surely left the ground feeling satisfied.
DoD: Chris Moulinie (for arriving fashionably late)
MoM: Ethyn Hendry (a difficult choice as there were several candidates)