Surbiton Sparticans 6 - 1 Old Kingstonian 2s (H)

Scorers: Beaney R (2), Stephenson, Sutton, M, Burnside, Fitch

Another three points and a comfortable win this week for the Sparticans.  Our injured supremo Belly was busy on the captains WhatsApp group on Friday asking about frozen pitches, but when we (but not he, blame South Western Railway) turned up nice and early for our game, we found relatively balmy sunshine awaiting us for our game against Old Kingstonians.

We welcomed back Beaney, C, and we were grateful that he brought his brother Richard with him for the game to solve our numerical challenges.  Stand in skipper Fitchy asked for a strong start, and the Sparticans delivered against a team whom we conspired to lose against in our first fixture this season. From the first minute, we took the game to OKs and scored three before we made our first substitutions on 12 minutes, with Richard scoring two (whatever Matt might say) and Kieran one with some brilliant team play. Ollie added another during the first half, Save It Lee managed not to touch the ball despite his best efforts (commended of course by stand in skippy) and we were 4-0 up at half time.

Following a half time dialogue which included some wise words from our delayed skippy, the second half never reached the high points of the first period, despite some good team link ups and strong play from everyone in our mix of youth and experience. Ollie added a fifth before we took our foot off the gas and allowed OKs a consolation. There was still time though for Fitchy to score from a vintage strike/a pass to the keeper (delete as applicable) and we finished the game five goals to the good.

The Surbiton kitchen’s jambalaya took teas to a new level, and as we convened for debrief in the new, improved, seating arrangements discussion was animated around the successes during the game. These included our umpires Tony and Oliver – one of our own – being assessed at level one standard and thanks to them both for controlling the game well.  Moment of The Match was eventually won by Kieran for his goal, a great team passing effort, and Spartican of The Day went to Dan, solid throughout at left back.

After a little mid-season wobble, our victory marked three wins on the trot as we aspire for our aimed for bronze medal position. Next week is our derby against our friends from the 5s, ticket arrangements to follow during the week…