Men’s 2s 3 - 1 Spencer 1s (H)

Half Time 2-1

Goalscorer: Will Haspel 3 (FG)

It was a lovely spring day; sunshine, warmth and no Redders.

Another top of the table clash saw the M2s facing a strong Spencer side, who sat in first place before the game, and were unbeaten in the second half of the season. No doubt Spencer arrived keen to maintain their own promotion bid and avenge a 5-1 defeat in their home game when Ben Hanson had scored a hat-trick of PCs.

The M2s were looking to actually win a game, something they had not achieved in over a month (a run of L-L-D had seen them drop from first to third in East Conference), and rescue their own hopes of winning the league. With this immense pressure already on, Frankie decided it was best to tell the lads that if we didn’t win today ‘our season is over’. Thanks Frankie!

An awe-inspiring, stellar warm-up from Haspel, who was slightly put off by Hanson doing his own thing instead, led to a great start for the boys (something we haven’t had before with Redders). In the first minute of the game, a beautifully lofted aerial over the top found Brady, who found Geering, who found Haspel, who found the net – liquid hockey. Surbiton 1 – 0 Spencer. Morgz was LOVING IT.

Just two minutes later we conceded, courtesy of one shot – one goal (Thanks Dewi). Surbiton 1 – 1 Spencer. Morgz was NOT LOVING IT.

The game settled into a close and cagey affair with both teams creating chances and Dewi actually saving a few shots – good job mate! Stoner and Hobkirk decided it was best to start taking people on in the first half, rather than wait until the last quarter when we are chasing the game. They made the older boys of Spencer look quite silly, while Geering – on top form - showed us why he was the worthy ‘Ballon D’Or' winner on Thursday.

Scott Evans and Hansen provided the team with a solid base, controlling the midfield as always. Rhys came back from a work break, to show us the hits he'd been working on up north, while Hanson showed us how to mis-trap them (something he has also been working on for a long time). Morgan Males (aka Morgz), although struggling with the amount of sweets in his belly, and Anderson (Capt), who spends 90% of a game on the floor and still gets POM votes, finally threw some aerials against a zonal press, and low and behold, we actually played a lot better. Haspel once again showed his lack of understanding of sportsmanship during a bully restart, proving he hasn't learned his lesson from OCs in pre-season.

Then, in the 29th minute of the game, Freddie Lett executed the only skill he can do - a mid-air flip-flap, and crossed the ball, Haspel scored again and Tom Cowling arrived late from his school game.

Surbiton 2 – 1 Spencer. Morgz was LOVING IT (and had lasted a whole half without getting sent off, despite once again trying to square up to someone).

The second half began, and the M2s finally understood how to play a controlled style of hockey rather than continuous counter attacks, with Brady Jones and Sam Porteous-Smith keeping hold of the ball well even with three players pressing them. Hanson proved himself as a worthy flicker (a la his performance in the first Spencer game), with some great efforts on goal, matched by a great Spencer PCD - they learned their lesson from last time and ran a great block. Rhys proved himself as a worthy No.1 runner at the other end, although the umpire didn’t approve, so sent him to the half way and re-awarded five PCs. Luckily Dewi made a few more great saves to keep it 2-1 to the Seals – good job Dewi!

Then in the 52nd minute, Haspel drove the baseline, saw Stoner back post and decided it was best just to shoot from a tight angle into the roof of the net.

Surbiton 3 – 1 Spencer. Another hat trick but the game still in the balance, the young Seals had a job to do – defend well with 11 men. Scott Evans had other plans and decided to get a green. Cheers Scotty! But the fortress was defended well and the M2s saw the game out for a crucial win.

Full time, Surbiton 3 – 1 Spencer. Morgz was LOVING IT.

Later, the Scribe (Stoner) came in with some big news, - London Wayfarers had drawn with H&W in the evening game. The Seals had somehow restored their place at the top of the table. Three massive and difficult games to go in the league… but the opportunity is there with just one point and seven goals now separating the top three.

Friday 14 March vs Old Cranleighans (Away 8pm)

Saturday 22 March vs Bromley & Beckenham (Away 3pm)

Sunday 30 March vs H&W2 (Home 2:30pm)

Special mention to Freddie Lett, back in the team and he had an impressive impact and performance.

A record 17 post game votes across the board for Haspel, left him with both POM and DOD. Just another achievement for a young lad, who has a great sense of style! If you wish, please do educate yourself about complimentary colours using the link below: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complementary_colors

P.S. Please don’t select him again for writing the match report after OCs (he's got A Levels to revise for).

Anyone who is free on Friday evening, why not get yourself down to Thames Ditton for a local Elmbridge Derby game with Old Cranleighan M1 under their floodlights (8pm PB). It promises to be an exciting game with an intense atmosphere, as the Seals push for promotion and OCs look to retain their place at Conference level after a vital win this weekend against Wimbledon M2.