‘You get a shiver in the dark
It's a raining in the park but meantime-
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie, double four time
You feel alright when you hear the music ring’

Rewind to a similar day in 1977, it’s South East London and the rain is pouring down. Mark Knopfler and his brother David were sprinting through the streets of Deptford and, as they pass The Duke, they hear the sound of Jazz. It’s Friday night, and, as budding musicians they drop in to see what the fuss is about. In the corner of the pub, that is is somewhat deserted, a rhythmic jazz band play, the members of the band now only outnumber the punters by 5 to 4, and, after a few ales, as they close the set, the lead singer chimes in with ‘Thank you, goodnight, it’s time to go home, we are the Sultans of Swing’. Ironic to say the least, and in Knopfler’s head the cogs started to turn. This woeful band of musicians had claimed a title not worthy of their display, but from it would be born one of the greatest songs from one of the greatest rock bands of the late 70’s & 80’s.

The same misgivings could not have been afforded to this BEHC side. In similar fashion the rains came down, but there was something very different, those that flocked into the rain were treated to a celebration of rhythmic hockey that blended electric pace and divine patterns as they ran riot in front of a rocking Meadow crowd, and to the tune of 4 goals, they most certainly were more equipped to be South East London’s Sultans of Swing.

It was nothing but Dire Striaits in open water for the oppo back line, as the Sultans set about a tempo to the game that would have the crowd making music with their own voices. Much like the East London pub scene, where Knopfler performed regularly, this was a sight to behold. Regular transferring of play to open up the opposition from Forshaw, Archer, Downer & Rocket Wilson, meant the channels were being opened up like a fine wine for the Skippers birthday, forget that, CHAMPAGNE for the champion captains Walk of Life!

The interplay from the midfield was sublime, and the connections being made by Burnham and Morrison, much like Knopfler on the guitar, were making the team purrrrrr. It was very much Romeo & Juliet. The tones of one of the very best lead guitarist and vocalists were being matched by the hockey bats of our two central midfield Fender’s. Forwards, backwards, sideways, who knew which way they would go, the brilliant thing was, it was almost always the right decision. Couple that with the smooth sax of Nurse, Bull, Collard & the returning Egan on the flanks, this band were starting to play.

The opening exchanges saw a very early foray forward from SHC, but once that was shut down, the movement, precision and pace at which this slick outfit was moving it was no surprise that the drums came in early. The subtle top hats of Jones & Slack rattled the fringes, the snare of Dave Lawrence (the VVC) drove us forward and, with unerring presence of debutant Matt Jarmo came through with the big base drum. Quick fast interchanges down the left, perfect triangles and movement, ball in and after a minor scramble, Big Will was there to reverse tomma into the bottom corner. 1-0, turn on the spotlights & smoke machine maestro, 2 more ‘No 1 hits’ before half time.

The 2nd was a thing of beauty, the galavanting Egan strode through the centre of the park, beat 1, beat 2, swivelled like a lazy Susan at an upmarket dinner party and slung a pin point pass to Dutch Room mate Ludo Jones at the far post who deflected it towards goal and Dr Who? Andy Slack that’s who, popped it home to raise the proverbial roof off the meadow and say ‘good night Utrecht’. Local Hero’s playing the Wild Theme in the rain! And it would be 3-0, this time the right hand side was engaged, baseline penetration from Jones after some quick sticks from Bull & Nurse, leading to retired Pilot, Lewis Burnham, to mega slap into the bottom bins, 11 minutes gone, British Airways back in action.

The interval came an went with a desire to put the foot on the gas and, bar a 5 minute period where we went a little off beat and SHC scored with a platinum open side rocket, we were rather cool. In this period we were indebted to JC in nets who also kept out 2 PC’s and an open play attempt to ensure the off colour period didn’t cause more yips, you don’t get your Money for Nothing! Rocket Wilson & the boys regained control as Sergeants Forshaw and Archer whipped up an encore from the Sultans at the back, possession, tempo & Rhythm, it was magnificent to watch and each time we went forward we threatened the SHC goal with Jimmy ‘23 today’ Morrison almost sliding into the crowds DM’s with a naughty deflection and his ‘Latest Trick’ that crept past the roadie on the far post.

They saved the best till last, as youth and experience combined to score one of the best goals the Meadow has seen. Blue wowed the ultras in the south stand as he rinsed 3 in the middle of the park, drove forwards and found Nurse, who found Blue once more with the naughtiest reverse, no look leg splitter, Blue played Dave ‘The Wizard’ Lawrence a cheeky waist-heighter and The Wizard happily upper forehand baseball batted it into the middle 90 - Heavy Fuel for the raucous home support!

There was time for a brief lower pocket reverse success from the visitors but that was that. 4-2 and magic rain had been sprinkled on this consort of Hockey. The drizzled crowd were waxing their guitar picks, the lads had put in a shift & put on a show, the Staropramen was starting to be loosened up by George in the 1861 and Lady Writer would be quickly readying her ink & quill to get this one down on paper for the Sunday Times hockey section.

Much like Dire Straits, these boys rocked it from start to finish. Unlike their 1977 Jazz counterparts in that run down pub in Deptford, they hadn’t just filled the place, but they had wowed the audience. With the Meadow at near sell out, the Ultra’s let off their red & blue flares much to the delight of the capacity crowd and with a cacophony of fireworks rattling off in the back ground, to a standing ovation, the house lights dimmed and the 1861 opened its doors to these Brothers in Arms, we will let Knopfler take us home….

‘And then the man he steps right up to the microphone,
And says ‘at last’ just as the time bell rings
"Goodnight, now it's time to go home"
Then he makes it fast with one more thing
"We are the Sultans
We are the Sultans of Swing"

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Tunbridge Wells - away