A Game Of Thrones - the final part of the trilogy

The countryside of Kent looked sparkling in the rays of early spring sunshine. The emerald astro at LMG seemed to glow. The prophecy of the London Queen had come true, and men in shirts of blazing red had conquered all and taken the title of Division 2. Sgt Whitney sat upon the throne of hooked sticks and surveyed his loyal warriors. Through many battles they had stood firm, side by side, rallying under pressure to grind out results, but most often just asserting their dominance with fine stickwork. Still they looked hungry for more, which was most pleasing as although the war had been won, there were still 2 battles to go, and both teams would like to take the scalp of the champions. The first was Ashford

The warriors silenced as the Sgt climbed down from the throne.
"What we have achieved together is incredible" he began. "But my friends it is not over. Again we must take to the field of battle and protect our Crown and remain unbeaten in this game called hockey"

The warriors cheered

Sgt Whitney raised his hands for silence.

"Together we have fought. Together we have won. Together we have enjoyed and honoured this sport. Together. So I have no right to sit upon this throne alone. It is ours together"

And with those words echoing across the pitch Sgt Whitney started to dismantle the throne of hooked sticks. To each warrior one stick was given. A huddle was formed and sticks rattled together to signal the start of battle. The captain spoke first.
"Together again to the fray my trusted friends. We are the Fives. We are BOE. Who are we??"
"We are Champions!!!"

And the penultimate battle began.

Ashford had travelled to do business, and the early encounters were evenly matched. Before long the fives were absorbing pressure and a soft bobbling shot managed to creep over Damo's foot giving Ashford an early lead. They smelt blood and tried to strike again quickly, thinking the fives as a wounded animal. But the fives are stronger than that, which is why they are champions and unbeaten, so heads didn't drop, panic did not set in and the fives set about business. Order was promptly restored as Ollie re joined Stu at the top of the goal scoring chart, by scoring neatly into the bottom corner.

The fives now settled and slipped into gear. The hockey got better, not great, but better, until a moment of beauty. And it was beautiful.
The ball was passed out of defence calmly and quickly in a succession of one two's that baffled the opposition. The final one two of about 6 in a row saw Dan "tristan" Bayliss receive on the reverse and slam home into the bottom corner. And the crowd went wild !!

The fives dominance became more prominent and Ashford were on the backfoot. Cameron "wherever I lay my hat that's my home" Lester was his usual effervescent self, returning from his travels for a guest appearance, he buried the ball in the backboard and the champs were 3-1 up.

But Ashford were not finished. The fives fell apart for a while. 3-2. 3-3. 3-4 !! What the hell just happened !!!

Now was the time for the fives to show their mettle. Now was the time to stand up and be counted. Now.

Duly the fives got back to business. Pressure built again. Attack after attack mounted. you could feel it coming.
Dan's brother Tristan "who's stick is this" Bayliss wiggled his way clear and slotted home.
Phew !!!
That was nervy.

So the battle ended 4-4 and the fives remain unbeaten with one to go.
Ashford were a fantastic side and the game was played at a great level and in a great spirit. The 2 umpires did not have the need to even speak to players at anytime. Thanks to both Lewis and Nathan "Archie" Bullens for a great showing.
Thanks also to the throng of supporters especially the voice of Derwyn "Nathan" Baille.

It was another awesome result for the fives on their quest for greatness. Everyone had stand out performances and often left the field on their knees, literally in the case of "Little Messi" Elliot. Black magic defending at the back again from the super duo of Jamie and Tino "Ders" Graham. Forwards and midfield again worked liked machines, but man of the match had to be decided and it went to Paddy "fresh face" Ferguson. Top marks for running yourself into the ground.

And so there is one to go. We are all wondering if there will be an appearance by the elusive Archie, aka Tino ??!!!
we shall need to be careful as a lesser opposition may be baffled by the presence of all these characters at the same time!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read these instalments.
They are dedicated to those who have been, who are, and who are yet to be
FIVES !!!