A Game Of Thrones - book 2

The sun glinted on the sand covered battlefield before them. Sgt "Boots" Whitney looked at the faces of his soldiers. None of them looked weary, even though they had been marching across the wilds of Kent for months, doing battle with many a team. In fact they looked positively fresh, ready for the next battle, one step closer to the throne of hooked sticks and to be known as champions of Kent Open Div 2. The team in their way, however, looked just as determined. Their colours flapping in the slight breeze, black and yellow, had already cast fear among many before them. Their troops battle hardened and ready to fight.

"Boots Whitney" looked over his legion. Many soldiers had left his legion. Iceman Smith and Maestro Mulvanny now serving the higher battalion. Hit Man Thorns and "go gadget" arms Lovell had set sail across the big water to lands where rumour had it that they drink "Amber nectar" and shave sheep for fun!!!! Cameron "the bionic man" Lester had followed Julia Roberts and decided to "eat, sleep, pray" and go and "find himself" somewhere in the world!!!!! And "Little Messi" is still on school duty - kids!!!!!! The troops that remained were more than worthy, each had proven himself week after week, laying heart and soul on the line, and some soldiers could not even be taken to this battle even though they are more than worthy.

So the battle commenced.
The fives were high on positivity, their weekly barrage of zen fresh in their minds, "speed of mind, speed of body" and "we are what we think. Think winners. Think champions" and that is how we started. Crisp passing, swift movement, intelligent play. GW were completely outclassed. They had the occasional penetration into our half but the back line was assured and confident, protecting young Tom in goal, giving him little to do. It was like some form of greater force had spread itself over the players. "It be black magic" was uttered by the oppo, and maybe it was !!!!

GW, as in the first game, showed why they are second in the league and challenging for the throne. They dug deep and defended well, under constant pressure from the glory thirsty fives. Their keeper made many fine stops, thwarting our forwards constantly. Eventually deadlock was broken as Stu H bundled in goal no 1. The battle plan was taking shape. Ross "alcopop" Ainley showed stunning battle craft throughout the first half, tackling, running, working and capping it off with a fine strike that rattled the backboard and sent the fives into the break with a 2 goal buffer.

All going to plan.

The half time battle discussion gave new tactics to the second half. Their keeper is excellent and always stops the first strike, let's follow in hard and mop up the rebounds. Let's flick at waist high or above and see how he deals with it. Stay calm. Pass to each other. This battle is ours.

Second half.

GW came out of the blocks like a team on fire. Suddenly the fives were under pressure. Before long it was 2-1 with GW reaping the beefit of constant pressure.

Not going to plan !!!!

"Boots Whitney" rallied the deflated troops. Heads up, keep calm, play hockey. Oh boy did the fives do that. Within minutes the battle took on a new form. The fives dictated the game. Cooly. Calmly. Professionally. The rest of the battle was execute with complete precision. Zac "3D" took complete control of the midfield. "Speed of mind, speed of body" took complete effect. The fives moved forward fluidly as a unit, at speed that bewildered the opposition. The counter attacks were supreme, perfectly executed, a complete joy to behold. Within minutes order was restored. Zac coolly finishing the move he started 5 passes before hand, flicking past the keeper, just as we discussed. 3-1

The next 10 minutes was just utter joy. Left to right and right to left the passes destroyed the oppo. The running was devastating.
Zac to Alex to Ollie to Stu to Zac, flick, 4-1. To Zac, a long ball to the right corner, Paddy runs half the length of the field, along the bi line, slips to Ollie, slap, bottom left, 4-1. Battle plan complete. Victory to the fives.

The troops left the field joyous, embracing after the most glorious game that any of them had been involved in. Peaking at the perfect time of the season. To a man the performances were exceptional. Ross performed out of his skin, literally, leaving the field battered and bloody with his lip inside out !!!! Stu, Ollie and Dan - awesome running and vision. Alex, paddy, Zac and Ross - incredible work rate. Joni, Jamie, Tino, Matt and Tom - calm, understanding and a solid unit. One and all 100% and top class. Man of the match Zac, deservedly for a class performance but followed closely by all !!!

Thanks to Mark and the GW umpire for keeping full control, explaining decisions and both doing a grand job.

Pies for all !!!!!!!

So with 4 games to go the final outcome is in our hands. Will the London Queens prophecy come true, and the men bathed in red become champions.?? The final instalment of the trilogy is only a few weeks away !!! Be ready !!!!!