Old Silhillians 3rd XI 8 - 1 Bromsgrove 3rd XI

Old Silhillians 3s 8 (5) - (0) 1 Bromsgrove 3s

Well 2024 dawned with lots of bad news - storms, politics, the Middle East, the Post Office. But it was a bright sunny start at the Keith Willetts Stadium and home for Retired Lothario's as Simon Russell and his band of merry man started the year in the bets possible way with a resounding win over rivals from down the M42 Bromsgrove. It was a triumph of the ever improving Sils youth, and bodes well for the future. Even if the country is in a mess, the state of hockey is good.

There were good performances all over the pitch. Captain Russell started on the bench because of the dreaded lurgy, but in his stead, the youth dominated. Bromsgrove are a solid team - but by half time they were 5-0 down due to the incisive work from the forwards and midfield. Both Ollie's, Jimmy, Paul and Mr Foord controlled large passages of play, and many attacks were slotted home, as the Sils attack went through the opposition much as Marshal Ney's cavalry did at Austerlitz. The burly figure of Jones was fed well, and he slotted home time and time again as he feasted on the trimmings. Bromsgrove had many attacks, but the defence marshalled by an improving Jim and the towering centre partnership of Clutz and Harry mopped up like Norman Bates after a shower at the motel. It was great to watch. Half time saw a request for more of the same - could it be maintained?

The second half didn not quite reach the giddy heights of the first. Sils were still good in patches, but Bromsgrove showed great resilience. Sils added three more goals; but Bromsgrove gained a deserved consolation. In the end 8-1 was a satisfying start to the second half of the season;and it was a happy bunch who debriefed in the bar. The umpires were excellent too - well done to the venerable pairing of Cloke and Bettridge (sounds like a law firm - Ed), and the hope is that the impetus can be maintained. Jones was MoM with 4 goals - but to be fair it could have been anybody. Next week, we travel to Mordor - sorry Kingswinford. We hope to remain unbeaten in 2024.