FESTIVE FIVES & THE SEVEN SURPRISE

A very poor first quarter by the 5s saw sloppy play, with the ball being passed straight to opposition sticks. The match was on tenterhooks until we scored goal number one, ten minutes from half time. We made it to the break 2-0 up. Both goals were impressive. Charlie grabbed the first. The second was a great deflection by Andy Cooke, from a great hit from Charlie on a short corner.

Friars looked dangerous and could easily have equalised. But we took a third and their motivation dropped. The second half saw much improved play from the team, particularly with more sensible passes.

Then it was time to unleash the secret weapon that we'd been saving all season - Daniel Blanchard, the festive fox in the box. The goals rounded out to a hat trick for Andy Cooke (man of the match), 2 to Dan Blanchard and 2 to Charlie Nelson.

Joni Coleman was superb at left back, with some fine tackling on one of their terrier-like forwards. We were lucky to have James Smith and Matt Deeley taking full control at centre back and they did a fine job.

Thanks to Karen and Adrian for umpiring - very much appreciated.