Well that was a curate’s egg of a weekend. The Barnstomers kicked things off with only their third win of the season in a match low on quality and played on a very mediocre pitch at Dulwich College. It wasn’t pretty but winning ugly was going to be the day’s theme. A gruelling thrash across parts of south west London that I haven’t seen in years got me back to watch what I understood to be a 1st XI league match against Woking but turned into a card fest as both umpires tried to out do each other in front of their assessor. At one stage in the second half the hockey was completely incidental. Now I know that the umpires have to be assessed but more often than not it impacts adversely on the game. (Remember Purley Walcountians as well). Rumour has it the umpire de-brief was still going on as JJ was locking up. A scorcher from me old mate “Smiler” Wiseman took us 7 points clear at the top though so things could be worse. More support required for the home games please. Then finally Martin Williamson showed how hockey should be umpired with more finger wagging and arm waving as the 3’s beat the league leaders Chertsey Thames Valley 1st XI (coach and clipboard included) 3-0 with some champagne hockey. Knappy avoided a jug (heaven knows how) but Jody got his wallet out and remembered the one he forgot to buy last week. Oh and Sam has chosen the menu for the End of Season Dinner to be held at the Club on 26th April. Looks good so put it in the diary.
Virge