Bells ring in Foggy Marden

Marden Russet. 4
Blackheath O & E. 4

'Twas the week before Christmas.

'Twas the week before Christmas, and the pitch wasn't frozen
Two teams stood facing, Blackheath and Marden.
With kit pressed and clean, and sticks in their hands
They prepared to play hockey, in front of the fans.

The umpires stood poised, checking watches and whistles
And cards in their pockets, in case of dismissals.
Blackheath needed to press, and to keep the heat on
A result against Marden would keep them unbeaten.

From one end to the other, not a thing could be seen
As the fog had descended, making playing a dream!!
The captains and umpires, agreed all together
Let's get on with the game, to hell with the weather.

During the week, many calls he did make
But the captain soon found, that none could partake.
7 keepers to choose, but it seemed none were free
It didn't seem right, going to the top of the tree.

So our very own Carney, took to the pads
Though it took him a while, to do up the straps.
He dived and he saved and he kicked like a dream
We'd all like to thank him, for taking one for the team

Now Lovell, now Cotgreave, now Smith and Levington
On Blanchard, on Elliot, on Gauge and Mulvanny
One last hurdle before Christmas, let's not take a fall
Pass the ball, pass the ball, pass the ball all !!

Now Lester, now Southgate, Payne, Thorns and McGee
On Horsborough, on Ferguson, on Partridge and Ainley
Some did not feature, but to the fives you must stay
As each one of you, have a vital role to play.

And so to the game, full on from the beginning
We are sure that somewhere, church bells were ringing.
Marden score first, whacking into the corner
But the captain replies, restoring good order.

Then up steps Ollie, running half length of the pitch
He danced and he weaved, he was ever so quick!!
With a final flick, and help from them in the D
The fives were 2 - 1 up, that's how it should be.

The second half starts, and Marden gain ground
They score 2 more goals, the fives 3 - 2 down!!
But up steps young Elliot, his face full of glee
He slaps to the top corner, now it's 3 - 3 !!

But Marden keep pressing, with no reprieve
Scoring reverse stick, worthy of a much higher league.
But the fives are not finished, not by a long straw
Ollie scores another, to make it a draw.

The boys leave the field, heads bowed down low
Maybe robbed of some points, but what a great show !!
So I say to you all, we are still unbeaten
What a fantastic end, to the first half of the season.

So enjoy this Christmas, have plenty of Turkey
You should all be proud, as you all are so worthy.
To play for the fives is such a delight
A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight !!

MOM - Ollie. Sparkling performance
Big thanks to Doc Coleman for joining us and putting in a supreme performance as umpire. Massive praise from the oppo on his handling of the game.