Jokers Pipped 4-3 by OCs Stormers
By Matthew Bloxham
Jokers 3 - 4 Old Cranleighans Stormers
Surbiton may be safely nestled in a leafy tier 2 hamlet, but that didn’t stop the Jokers putting on a display against Old Cranleighans worthy of a grubby tier 3 dystopia. There wasn’t much of the familiar fluid passing game these masters are famous for, or much of the midfield grit that gets the job done.
The umpires’ pre-game zero-tolerance warnings returned a total of zero cards. Says it all. In fact, there was as much passion on display in the post-game match-report voting as there was on the pitch. Let’s hope Noaksie got the hint that the Purley tracksuit top should be returned to the cupboard.
A back and forth first half saw the teams head to the dugouts at 2-2, the home team’s goals coming from Stone (PC) and a fine finish from an OC’s defender.
The Jokers came out stronger after the break and looked comfortably dominant after a well-taken goal from Burns gave them a 3-2 lead. But tiring bodies and a dubious decision by yours truly to waive a pass through to an appreciative OC’s forward saw the game swing to 3-4. And that’s how it stayed despite some relentless pressure around the visitors D in the closing minutes.
The tented, table-service teas area is a welcome addition to the club. Let’s hope it outlives lockdown.