Therapy (and cider) was needed.

2017 has seen a rise in crime against the elderly - and this was continued on Tuesday night as the superstars and youth of the Hampton club inflicted as much pain against senior citizens as Harold Shipman. It was both a treat to see such great hockey - but also deflating to be given a damn good thrashing - six of the best, trousers-down.
As we assembled, it was encouraging to see so many Hampton first teamers warning -up with drag-flicking and other unfair methods. Cue the first minor panic attack. This was made worse within 25 seconds as Hampton attacked with pace and skill, rounding the ponderous Sils defence to slot home - bugger. This set the scene. In 1944, Normandy saw a great storm off the Invasion Beaches that wrecked the American Mulberry Harbour. A similar storm was breaking over Hampton as wave after wave of attacks battered the Sils. To be fair, we stuck gamely to the plan, and the midfield of Perkins, Chuckapony and Worcester's favourite player battled hard. It was in defence that the true heroics were being performed. John Scott works as hard as it is possible for a pensioner to do, and Steve Aylin coped manfully with the challenge of marking two England internationals. Jim Goldstraw was making loads of saves - some more fortunate than others, and it did feel like being under siege. We actually did well to keep the score down to 4-0 at half time. The forward line led by the hard-working Stephen had not seen much of the ball.
As we assembled in the goal for half time, the temperature reached 400 degrees (thanks Diane Abbott), and we completed how to stop Hampton. Machine guns, bribery and man-traps were all considered - but in the end we just decided to enjoy. Unfortunately we had lost Andrew Scott to a foot injury, but everyone in the second half stood up to plate.
On a serious note, there is no disgrace losing to a better team - and Hampton were younger, fitter, more skilled and had more hair. However, we showed great team spirit. Mo Hadian ran hard (but did he pass? - Ed), and Oppenheimer, Thompson, Perking et al played an excellent second half. However when they are against a group as merciless as anything Ming could have sent its hard. We scored a consolation though Mo Hadian, and Jim continued to make a lot of saves. There was one sublime piece of skill from Christ when he hooked a drag flick of the line, but happy moments were in short supply. In the end 10-1 did not flatter Hampton, and as we retired to a picnic snack in the sun, there was a lot to contemplate. Fortunately, that did not last long and the usual nonsense was soon being spouted. A big thanks to Richard Fell for umpiring and to Mrs P for the snacks. A good array of sartorial elegance was in evidence - and then we realised that Olton are next up next week. Matron - pass me the revolver, Im going for a walk in the woods.