5s VICTORIOUS IN TOP-OF-TABLE CLASH

From the start, the game was a bit of ping-pong back and forth, as both teams passed around the field, as if waiting for the other team to crack. But at least it made the game about possession, and that's what we did well last week. Gore Court showed to be a well organised team, which knew what it was doing, with players spaced appropriately around the ground and with fast and smart passing. But in the first half a lack of marking in our centre midfield meant that two opposition players often found themselves free and they used this to their advantage, going on the run and easily shifting the ball around the ground.

Around 20 min in, Nathan, running in from the back line, hit the ball through the circle and Toby knocked it on into goal... precisely what we'd been practising pre-game. Just the thing we needed with the game otherwise evenly balanced.

Already one player down after Gore Court showed up without an umpire, we then went two players down after carelessness from an opposition player. He followed through wildly on a hit from the back line, and tore a gash in Charlie's leg, sending him off for the rest of the half. But like a true soldier Charlie played out the second half even after getting hit again.

With 5 min to go in the first half, Paul W hit across the D to James who took a shot, with the rebound coming off the keeper and Max finishing off with a goal. But soon a short corner was blown, along with the half time whistle. BOE valiantly saw out a further two short corners, 5 of us versus 10 of them.

2-0 to take us into half time. This was an excellent position to be in, against our so far toughest opposition in the league. Even still, a 2-0 lead would be difficult to defend.

The second half was mostly uneventful. Gore Court got a goal, somehow. They took out another one of us, as Fenno came off the field to reattach his grip, James cameoed at full back, getting in the way of a dangerous shot at goal and took a flying ball to the knee, with bruise to prove it, and off for the rest of the game. The team probably deserved to win as we slightly dominated and had more shots at goal than Gore Court did. Tom Conway had an excellent game, and made some very convincing saves. Gore Court's keeper was also excellent, and saved some fantastic shots at goal by Charlie.

Thanks to Martin Harris and courageous captain Jamie Cotgreave who umpired after Gore Court showed up without an umpire, and both did fine jobs. A good all round effort, with close votes for man of the match. Eventually went to Paul Whitney.