Jokers 1 - 0 Spencer Hurricanes (A)
By Matthew Bloxham
Team: Haycroft GK, Proudman, Bloxham, Barnicoat, Hardy, Hey (Capt), Milsted, Stone, Bowen, Mallinson, Carlisle, Walbran, Balbirnie
Scorer: Phil Balbirnie (PC rebound)
Umpires: Theirs
The Surbiton Jokers assembled in the bright November sunshine at a chilly but bustling Battersea Park looking to put their season on a firmer foundation with three points against Spencer Hurricanes. After weeks of fruitless tinkering with squad rotations and tactics, skipper Big T struck the Thanksgiving Weekend jackpot with an attacking lineup that snuck a hard-earned but well-deserved 1-0 victory.
Days like this go down in the Jokers’ history books, and a post-match trip to The Lighthouse, preferred hostelry of the opposition, brought back fond memories of a similar hard fought victory over a dogged Hampstead Vets team many seasons ago. If only Noaksy had been able to stay around to recreate the scenes of gratuitous drinking. But champagne beckoned elsewhere for Showbiz Stephen.
As our American cousins gather to celebrate the Autumn Harvest, we Jokers too have much to give thanks for:
- Frontman Phil’s goal-scoring antics
- Big T’s second-half goal-saving heroics
- Zak and Dan’s youthful speed and energy
- Noaksy’s steady hand at the heart of defence
- Jim’s pre-match motivational mind bending
- Jonny’s post-coital (sorry, comedy show) zip
- Stoner’s discipline making it through 70 minutes without a card (yes, really)
- Jon’s magnificent midfield engine
- Trevor’s wondrous attacking wizardry
- Andy’s awesome hold-up play
- Scott’s Kiwi-calm composure
- Your author’s Turkey-like sacrifice at the DOD altar.
The Jokers are reborn. Revitalised by the sweet taste of victory. Hungry for next weekend’s victims-in-waiting, Wanderers M3. It’s a “six pointer” with both teams on seven points and equal goal difference.