West Wilts C

A Sultry morning at home, 11am push back with our two Amost genuine and committed umpires at Hand - Pete and George once again had to manage their way through what was at times a surprisingly heated battle!
West Wilts had less than half our score all season but a well selected number of ringers joined the 10 man team. Pre-match we discussed our tactics, keep ball, score goals, pass accurately and play hockey that will demonstrate our capabilities to be in the league above. Harley immediately stated his disappointment in our aspirations, clearly feeling there was a chance to push for the league title and score a mere 26 goals; after a brilliant first 10 minutes the reality set in - this was not the West Wilts we had comfortably beaten in the first half of the season! Marlborough started strongly but quickly the frustration and errors (complacency?!) set in. Half tackles, weak passes and before we knew it we were 0-1 Down. Despite the first half being dominated by the Home team we were struggling to score....the story of our season?! Finally we snuck a well structured goals by Wayne (I think) after some brilliant interplay, and the first of two assists from Chris. Then West Wilts hit back as we left Tom Collins exposed at the back and the impenetrable goalmouth of the legend that is Collins was again punctured by another Quick goal by West Wilts. Things were getting serious, emotions began to run high! Just before half time some adept skills from Oli showing that this passing game does have some merits and we were 2-2.
Half time speech was both depressed and frustrated- we needed to fight to win this, and West Wilts were beginning to be dominant the mid-field. Shaw moved to right back, and the terrier (alex Ford) stepped in to right mid/field. The game changed, Alex was suddenly stealing the Ball, tackling like a man possessed and supporting Dave and Phil to control the middle of the park - now we had a chance of winning. Great steely defence from Darren and Angus but the real star at the back was young Lewis - composure beyond his years, he even subbed Nick Gosling off towards the end!
So the final chapter in an amazingly enjoyable season was a short corner, fitting that after quite so many failures during the year we actually converted one to win a match, again by one goal!
They finished with 10 men, but then they started with 10...in fairness some aggressive and comical interplay and back chat between Wilts 64 and the Marlborough skipper in the last 15 minutes kept the game interesting for the vocal spectators - no more lip like that next season!
Well done team - an epic year, we have proved we a very difficult team to beat, and when we play well, we are a force to be reckoned with - bring on 2019 season.
Man of Match - suitably....Tom Collins