HEATHENS SHAKE THE OAKS

A tough week for the Heathens. Injures and half term meant a number of regulars were absent (moved up to the 3rd XI) so players were called up to help the team from the 5th XI and a new player Blake made his debut. Would they stand up and be counted against a young and energetic Sevenoaks side? Was it ever in doubt?

After requesting a Friday night/Saturday morning drinking embargo the VC promptly went for a pub lunch (for a 60th birthday...not his own) prior to the game (it's not recommended to have a big meal prior to a game!). Food digested(ish) (chicken kiev, celeriac mash, bacon & cabbage in case you were wondering, yum!), the game started with the intensity we have come to expect in the league. After a bit of back and forth the ball broke to Andrew Moore mid way through the first half . He ran into the D for a shot, which was saved, but kicked out back into the D where Chris Hall was determined and got to the ball before the defender to score a deserved goal mid way through the first half. Sevenoaks responded with good possession but BOE defended brilliantly channeling the oppo away from the D and wining possession back on a number of occasions. Sevenoaks managed a few scoring chances buy again the keeping and defending was second to none. The Heathens started to grow in confidence with Bertie Page running well on the wing and the forwards putting in a shift. The ball eventually broke to Toby who could not convert the second or third chance against a logged keeper!! We went into half time 1 up and deservedly so.
Half time, a TC later from Toby, and Danny off injured, we were back out looking for the second goal. The game was feisty in the second half. Tino was pushed into the midfield and won almost every tackle, anything missed was mopped up by Fenno, Lewis, Brett and Deeley. Sevenoaks tested the keeper on very few occasions. BOE hoping to catch them on the break, we're unable to find the deserved second goal despite chances for Moore and Hall, who had a great D to D performance. With 15 to go man mountain Jonny Lewis went down with a injury, we held our breath, another defender out at such a crucial time. Luckily though, Sevenoaks had four players (all spotted by Danny who umped for the 2nd XI game) on the pitch that had played in that game previous but had tired and their midfield puppet master also pulled a hamstring which eased the pressure. A few more counter attacks from BOE came to no avail. This was a monumental performance for a great home win. Wins like that with such a good team effort make all the hard work in the week worthwhile.

Mom: Bertie Page (special mentions to all on the pitch though esp Hall & Graham)
Goal: Chris Hall
DOTD: Toby for the TC!