A Game of Thrones

The land of Kent is a rolling, green and fertile land, rich in the fruits of nature. It is flanked on it's western side by the Great Wall made of iron and glass. This wall was constructed over many years to protect the land of Kent from the wildlings of London, although some manage at times to creep across the border. To the East is the Big Water, enclosing Kent as it's own small world. The area is populated by small tribes like "the old men of Borden", the newer tribe of "Ashford" and the "stone men of Folk" (who have a faint smell of fish). Each week these tribes take to a field of green astro and do battle in the game of Hockey, each trying to be crowned king of Kent Open Div 2, a Game Of Thrones.

This is one such epic battle.

They marched across the field of sodden grass, their colours flapping in the breeze. Black shirts, white shorts and yellow socks formidably approaching the tribe in red. BOE stood resolute.
"Who is your leader" came the cry.
"Tis I " replied boots Whitney.
"We have marched back and forwards across the land of Kent and all have bowed to our dominance. We come to claim the throne of hooked sticks and declare ourselves Kings"
The tribe from Gravesham looked as impressive as the reputation that came before them.
" I am afraid it is to early to claim that throne my friends" was boots reply. "Besides it has been foretold in the prophecy of the London Queen that it is the tribe in red who shall be crowned"
"We shall see" boomed Gravesham "let battle commence"

And so the game began. With excited spectators from previous battles. Old BOE royalty and proud mothers and fathers watching their sons take to the field of battle.

It was an epic battle. Both teams showing why they are first and second in the league. BOE took time to settle and were slightly ragged at the start but soon the hockey was flowing. Tackles were strong, passes firm and movement good. BOE didn't use the the channels well enough in the first half and kept going back through the congested areas but always looked under control. The first half was well balanced between the two sides, but it was Gravesham who drew first blood with a well executed short corner giving Sam no chance. At the other end it was the Gravesham keeper keeping their head above water, the pinnacle being a stunning save low to his right after the maestro Mulvanny hit an absolute screamer from a short corner. The introduction of "young James" on 17 minutes came with cries from the oppo of "so you send your children into battle in your tribe"
But he is no ordinary child, as they found out for the rest of the game as he danced and weaved and worked his "little Messi" magic down the left side of the pitch

The second half was a more one sided affair. BOE turned on the magic and piled on the pressure. It was a formidable display giving great entertainment to the swelling crowd. Finally just rewards were reaped as Toby ended his goal drought and the game was level. The force of nature that is Mulvenny kept carving his way through midfield, felling half of their side with almighty strikes of the ball, but they dusted themselves off and stood firm. Zac was thwarted on many occasions by their keeper, especially when he tipped a shot over the bar that was hurtling into the top of the net. Hit man Thorns was soooo close on many occasions, showing why we do "the superman" jump at the end of our warm up. The final glory could have been his as he flew inches above the astro, stick outstretched, missing by millimetres what would have been the best deflected hockey goal in history.!! At the other end "iceman" Smith capped another fine performance with a stoppage on the line and a calculate clearance. It was Chris Lovell who took the man of the match honours with an immaculate performance at the back. His stick seems to turn into a serpent, weaving around where it shouldn't and tackling when you can't !! "Tis sorcery" the men from Gravesham were heard to utter.

And so the game ended.
Spoils shared.
"Ale and meat for all" was the cry as the gallant warriors locked hands and heartily embraced after a truly epic battle.

And so the throne is left empty. Will the London Queens prophecy come true?Book 2 of this epic saga will be available in the new year, entitled
"Crowning of the Kings"

Acknowledgements
I have to thank my family for their love, support and patience over the season.
I also have to thank the true life people who the characters in the story are based on. Both young James's - truly awesome. The maestro Adam Mulvenny - incredible. Chris "inspector gadget" Lovell - seriously, how can a man be on his own 22 line and still make a lunge tackle on the base line?? "Go go gadget arms" is the only answer!!!
And finally to all the "family" that make up the Fives. To those that have featured, who regularly feature and who will feature in the future. It is all of you that are making this happen. Let's keep doing it as it is so much fun xx