Veterans
Matches
Mon 29 Feb 2016
Northampton
2
1
Old Silhillians Hockey Club
Veterans
R Thurman (55')
Away Day adventure for the Mystery Machine

Away Day adventure for the Mystery Machine

Jim Goldstraw17 Mar 2016 - 11:57
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10 men battle in deepest darkest - WHERE???

It was a Monday night when Cap'n Gary attempted to assemble a team of explorers to travel to a far off planet in a distant galaxy called 'Northampton'. It was so far that many players abandoned the ship of Vets, and opted instead for an evening of the One Show and University Challenge. In the end, we assembled 10 - with one them travelling on his own (Simon Russell). More of Simon's travel adventures later.
Most of the team arrived at the Sils to travel in the Fun Bus driven by Punxsutawney Phil, and we were in for an ADVENTURE. It is good fun going together - because if you all get lost, there is no-one to blame. We all set off, and were looking forward to meeting Simon there. In the meantime, Simon was travelling north on the M6 (???-ED). After a jolly outing, we arrived at Moulton College - a huge establishment surrounded by nothing. It's a very odd place. In the meantime, Simon was now travelling south on the M6 (!!!! - Ed). So we warmed up, and looked bereft in the hope that the 26 players that the opposition had would take pity on us. In the meantime, Simon had stopped in a layby and wept. In the end, the opposition lent us a player, and the 9 +1 took the field. Suddenly, after 10 minutes, a screech of tyres, a burst of smoke and out jumped the motorway tourist. So we were eleven.
It was an excellent game. Northampton were very strong and we had to be at our best. The defence were excellent and Tog 14 was coping with the pressure brilliantly. Mr Messy put a shift in, and we always looked like scoring when the ball arrived at the stick of The Big Biscuit. He is amazing in the way that he will miss the sitters BUT score the absolute worldies. A strong mix.
Northampton scored two excellent goals - but it is fair to suggest that they deserved them. Sils midfield of Mr Messy, the Motorway Tourist and Tarasamalata worked well. There was a stunning goals by the Big Biscuit - and also some lovely play at times. Sils can bang it around like Barca at times.
It was 2-1 at the end. But this was only the start of the fun. A trip back to middle of Northampton for tea and medals was followed then by an epic road trip. Because of the motorway being closed to repair the damage done earlier by Simon, the Groundhog Day funbus was diverted - with the redoubtable Mr Scott in the navigators seat. We saw Rugby, we saw Nuneaton, we saw Coventry. By the end we needed to see a priest as we arrived back at the Sils late on Tuesday morning. We should have gone down the close motorway - and we would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those pesky kids (Scooby Doo reference there - Ed).
It is always a pleasure to drive 150 miles for a game. And we didn't overtake ONCE. It seems that the driver felt unable to pass safely (Leave it!! - Ed).
Next week - it is Evesham away. Altogether now - Oh Argh - Get orf moi land!!!

Match details

Match date

Mon 29 Feb 2016

Kickoff

20:00
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