Green shoots of recovery

Well it has been a tough old summer. Hard matches, bad weather, odd umpires, a missing Nobby and Anno Domini kicking in. It seemed as though it would be more of the same before the fixture last night against the Real Madrid of local hockey - Olton. Even the name makes me shake. Steve Aylin clearly thought so as he attempted to injure himself enough so that he would not play. Fortunately this allowed the return of the prodigal Oppenheimer to the fold. How we have missed him!!!

It was a strong side who assembled with a strong umpire - Steve Tracy (brother of Dick?). Who was this new name? We were excited until we saw the All Seeing Eye appear. At least we could guarantee a clear explanation of any of our ineptness.

Olton are a strong outfit and their CF was a cross between Peter Crouch and the Road Runner. He was hard work, and within 5 minutes, Olton had gone ahead. Cue Andrew 'Sicknote' Scott to retire hurt, and the diminutive ski-boarder to take his place at the back. Within another 5 minutes, the pace of Olton had gone through Sils like Napoleon's cavalry went through the Russians at Austerlitz in 1805. 2-0!! Bugger. Oppenheimer beginning to sweat like Nigel Farage in a helicopter. Some passes were being strung together, and Tog 8 (summer brand) was holding the midfield well. It was also great to see the Child Catcher and 50 Shades putting a shift in. Then - damnation - another swift Olton attack and it was 3-0. It was like a siege for a while. Christ and Strawbs were playing well at the back, and John XYZ Scott is like the Duracell bunny the way he keeps going. It was this effort that enabled us to begin to string together some passes. We finished the half well, and it was an optimistic bunch of pensioners who assembled in the goal for words of inspiration Cap'n GP was inspiring, 50 Shades was Brummie, Tog 8 was precise and the small ski-boarder was like a freshly released hard-boiled egg. Could we stage a comeback.

The 2nd half was as good a half as we have played this summer. Tenacious D runs hard up front; and Right Said Fred was also contributing well. We held onto the ball well, and it was a great moment when 50 Shades volleyed in from a Tenacious D cross. This was followed 7 minutes later by a goal of grit, bravery and sheer arse from Tenacious D. 3-2. Back came Olton - three attacks and another goal. 4-2. It was like watching two prize fighters going for it. This led to more attacks from both sides, some significant sweating from Oppenheimer and then an award of a flick from the All Seeing Eye against Heavy Breathing (Si - do you get it- Ed). This was saved by Jim(now that is very debatable - The Crowd), and we were still at 4-2. We came back to 4-3 with a goal from Right Said Fred, and then Olton banged another (careful now - The Vicar). The game was heading to a frenzied climax (I said CAREFUL!!!), and Right Said Fred scored a majestic goal (his words) by lobbing the keeper. 5-4 and could Olton hold on (Baby - Olton perhaps). They could, and the game ended with both sides having enjoyed a competitive and tight game.

So to the bar for baps and beer. MoM was Tog 8 which was deserved and everybody contributed. Next week it is the return fixture with Berkswell. It is on Sky 18. Admission is only 5 Euros (vote remain)