Jokers 0 - 9 Tulse Hill & Dulwich Musketeers (A)
By Tony 'Big T' Haycroft
Team: Tony Haycroft GK, James Hey (Capt), Steve Todd, Chris Beaney, Richard Beaney, Martin Dye, Nick Sait, Jim Sayer, Paul Dowthwaite, Andrew Wingfield
Umpires: Theirs
The depleted forces of the Jokers (10) resembled the 300 Spartans led by Leonidas (captain Jim) fighting the all conquering Persian army of Xerxes (14) (Tulse Hill & Dulwich musketeers - led by Julian).
It was the battle of Thermopylae (at Alleyn's). The Spartans guarded the narrow pass through which the Persians attacked wave after wave bringing on replacements as the Persians tired whereas the Spartans fought as a man to the end. Gallant bloodied but unbowed.
The Persians breached our defences within minutes when Big T got down to a PC only to deflect it past Toddy on the post.
The Persians breached us four more times in the first half with a good strike from the top of the D and some failures to clear the lines letting the eager Persians pounce on their prey.
The two Jims were imperious with Leonidas showing the great leader he is and Jim S and Chris running down PC after PC - probably a dozen. The engine room was run and run without any consternation by Dowthers and Ravvers.
The second half saw a better performance after a rousing speech from our Leader and a switch between Saity and Jim S who quipped that he was enjoying running right back and right wing after his stint at centre back first half.
Four more breaches occurred but many more attacks were thwarted including a deliberate (yes deliberate Chris B!) header by Big T over the back line after taking a chest shot first.
To end on a positive note: Unlike the Spartans, the Jokers live to fight another day and Rich and Wingers ran doggedly up front but bore no fruit. It was good practice for Wingers next week as he takes on the Great South run in aid of Alzheimer’s and in support of his mum - he will match any donation: https://ajbellgreatsouthrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/andrew-wingfield
By Big T - the gatekeeper - or not - hence being the author of this epistle or as Toddy said, “You've earned the right to write it”.