Jokers 2 - 2 Old Georgians Phoenix (A)
By Tony 'Big T' Haycroft
South Masters Mens O50 Premiership
Team: Tony Haycroft GK, Steve Todd, Jim Sayer, Chris Beaney, Richard Beaney, Martin Dye, David Barnicoat, Paul Dowthwaite, Rob Stone, Jim Hey (Capt), Luke Michael, Andrew Wingfield, Simon Jackson, John Aynsley
Umpires: Theirs
A goalkeeper’s lot may not always be a happy one.
New boy John Aynsley clearly fibbed in saying he had not played “in years”, showing class the Jokers aspire to and achieve intermittently. As well as skill on the hockey pitch he is also a clairvoyant: starting on the bench he was told to come for someone not playing well and he would have plenty of choice. “What if Big T lets in a couple of softies? I don’t do pads.” Watch this space.
The game started brightly with good play by both teams but the Jokers had the balance of play and a PC rebound saw Stoner bury the ball into the goal. The Jokers continued to edge the possession game due to a stout defence of Chris, Jim S and David, marshalled confidently by Toddy. However, things took a turn for the worse when Jim Sayer pulled up with what looked like a hammy issue.
On 30 minutes after a flowing move from open play the ball broke to Tai Chi master Jacko on the left of the D and with Richard and Wingers in support, he calmy slotted the ball past the keeper who made a number of other good saves in the game. 2-0 and looking imperious.
From the push back OG threw a high ball into the Jokers circle which Big T swatted away with the OG player complaining (why? The 5m rule applies to keepers too!) only for him to be asked to return to his half as he had jumped the gun. The first of only two things Big T did all day except dummy a few through balls for 16s. Another flowing move saw Stoner dance through the OG defence and lay the ball on to be thundered into the goal – 3-0. Er no – Stoner did a George Washington saying: “Sir I cannot tell a lie - the ball touched my foot.” Back to 2-0.
A couple of minutes from half time the Jokers conceded a silly corner which was drag flicked to our left hand side. Lovely height for Big T who then saw Ravvers appear in front of him swinging at the ball. Fearful of whacking the ball into our talisman’s head, on reflex the hand was withdrawn and the ball sailed softly into the goal. That’s the keeper’s version of events. 2-1 at half time.
The second half saw the arrival of our speedy Gonzalez, Luke, and he had his fast shoes on as usual. The Jokers notched up a series of corners with General Maximus Decimus Meridius Hey leading the midfield of Dye and Dowthwaite; Stoner had two shots cleared off the line and two flash past the uprights. OGs responded with some corners of their own and then controversy. A free hit “just inside” (the 23). It was taken outside the 23 and Jokers remonstrated. Inside of resetting the play the umpire (so he alleges) said “play on”… There then followed a debate as to whether the ball was hit straight into the circle or not but an OG forward then crashed the ball at goal for Big T to get behind it only to see the ball bounce in off his pads. Further debate then ensued (Jokers have at least six qualified umpires in the team) as to whether the ball was taken properly. “I shouted play on and it was a minor infringement”. A number of players said they did not hear it yet how could there be play on… and the OGs captain agreed but the goal stood. 2-2.
The Jokers pressed further and with ten to go, Luke was pushed and in self-defence pushed back. The umpire did not see it like that and gave a ten minute yellow. With the numerical advantage OG broke through, 2 v 1 on goal. Big T did the second thing of his game and stood tall and made the attacker push the ball wide to no 2. Fortunately, the receiver missed a sitter (ish) and hit the ball into the side netting. Justice prevailed and “honours” were even; well actually Stoner won that one.
Well played Jokers – for those of you who have seen Gladiator II – “Vi et Honore” (Strength and Honour). No vote post-match - the outcome was evident – sorry for the softies.
Reading next week – above us in the league and two games in hand. Strength needed indeed.