Queen Mary College v OC 3rd XI

Result: 1-4



Saturday's game wasn't pretty by any stretch of the imagination but I was very impressed with how we coped with the conditions. An away fixture in Essex is never easy and add to that a small, rock solid pitch that wouldn't allow the ball to sit down and all in all, I think we did very well to come through as we did. We were always the better side and after a scrappy opening 10 minutes, Al Fenton pounced on a defensive error to slot home neatly and deservedly put us 1-0 ahead. The game continued in the same fashion, the small pitch not allowing anyone any time on the ball and the firmness of the surface resulting in the ball spending most of its time in the air. A defensive error on our side then lead to their equaliser and for a while it looked as though we were going to make hard work of this one. But with 10 minutes to go before half time, we managed to start using the ball a bit better and started to control the game a bit more. Shortly after half time, with the sun blinding their defense, Ryder launched one high and deep into their box and George rose like the salmon he is to square the ball for the unlikeliest of heroes in Ben Moss to knee it over the line from 12 inches out to put us 2-1 ahead. As the game wore on, the football didn't really improve but ultimately our superior fitness and sheer will to win shone through. Al Fenton grabbed his second of the game with 20 minutes to go as we looked to have wrapped things up. But there was still time for them to lead a fight-back and their chance came in the 80th minute as one of their attackers broke clear only to be denied by a superb Oli Plummer save. Buoyed by Oli's fine save, Fenton then battled his way through about 15 defenders, turning, biting, elbowing, bullying his way into the box to hammer home his third of the game - a superb hat-trick that epitomised everything that's so great about this team. I thought everyone did really well and it was great to see the Jackson brothers back, both looking sharp and ready to rumble as always. The defense had another very solid game, led impeccably by Ice-Man Proctor and Fire-Boy Ramsay. Ryder and Mosser both did very well at full back and I don't need to mention Plummer, who was once again superb in the sticks. Kibbs and Frenchy both had to deal with a lot of aerial balls all afternoon on a narrow pitch not suited to how we like to play, but they both showed a huge amount of patience and maturity down the flanks and I'm sure will both be looking forward to a bit of rain and some wider pitches in the future. This week's Man of the Match for a second week running goes to Al Fenton. He again worked his beautiful balls off all afternoon and was deservedly rewarded with a fine hat-trick that highlighted all of his attributes. Tenacity, strength, desire and skill. Bravo. But it was a team effort and I thought every man played his part. Not a pretty one, but a win's a win and let's not break that habit. Our thoughts go out to Rich, who suffered a nasty knee injury at the beginning of the second half. We all wish him the best and hope he recovers swiftly and look forward to him getting back on the pitch asap.