Sparticans Take the Spoils in Division 6 Derby

SHC Sparticans 2 – 0 SHC Cobras

Scorers: Grant, K (2)

At long last, the Sparticans returned to league action on Saturday, in the SHC derby against our clubmates the Cobras. Eagerly awaited by some, the game was played in appalling conditions, which at least allowed for a prompt start time as the customary pitch watering was certainly not needed on Saturday. 

We welcomed back the Gaffer from his recent trips away with his lovely wife, and congratulated him on his elevation to Team Health and Safety consultant after his pillaging of the selection of accessories on display in the clubhouse. Thankfully, despite the game being played very competitively, his skills in this area were not needed as we all finished the game fit and well.

Once the match started it was the Cobras who gained the early upper hand, with their skilful and structured play stretching the Sparticans throughout the first quarter. Things evened up in the second quarter, although the Cobras will rue the several unconverted corners from the first period, with the Sparticans’ number 1 runner Jimmer Warren in particular performing heroics to advert danger at the top of the D. Towards the end of the first half, the Sparticans took the lead, with yet another excellent interplay on the right hand side resulting in Fitchy setting up Kevin for an opener for the team in the white shirts.

The second half was a great 35 minutes of hockey. Again, the Cobras started strongly with more corners, one of which led to everyone’s favourite on-pitch Q+A show with our umpires Barney and Ian, who took control of this potentially difficult game with aplomb. Once things settled down, the Sparticans started to carve out more chances, with some promising moves forward, and with ten minutes to go more pressure told and Kev slotted home his second for the three points.

After trying to undrown the rats in our shirts and taking our excellent teas in the clubhouse owing to the inclement weather, we retired to the Marquee of Dreams for a debrief assisted by the jug generously donated by the Cobras. The Moment of the Match award was a hotly contested debate, full of the self and mutual deprecation which features so highly in our debriefs, with the prize eventually being won by Adam for both his debating society interlude with Ian and also for his running the clock down in midfield by a good couple of minutes whilst his forwards were politely and subtly noting that a quick pass would be beneficial. Runner up was Belly for his similarly quiet and helpful advice to Jimmer whilst he was dribbling out of the D.

Spartican of The Day was awarded to Kevin for his clinical finishing, with some honourable mentions for brother Gary, new boy Joe and James Robert Andrew for moving up to midfield in the administrator’s somewhat defensively oriented team selection. We also celebrated the birthday of Selfish Steve with his wife Cindy’s next level cup cakes. It was good to have the cakes, as the tin lids proved to be worthy substitute trophies as our on-field captain had told his wife he’d won the real ones in perpetuity and we didn’t want to ruin the story on his birthday weekend.

We now look forward to OKs next week and hopefully better weather, as we continue our league return in the heady heights of London Division 6 (South West), reflecting on a good day all round this week. Thanks to all who contributed to an enjoyable day out in the rain.