Men’s 3rd XI Surrey Open League Division 21

Captain – Matt White

18th Feb v Epsom 4s (away) W 6-1

The Men’s 3rd XI returned home with the most convincing of wins but should have bagged even more than the 6 they put away past Epsom. 3 more goals to add to his season’s tally for Connie and a rare mention on the scoresheet for wandering left back Jamie Coulson. Our very own Billy Whizz finished a sublime strike on a short corner and the final goal was from Stew Whitehead but they could easily have hit double figures but remain comfortable at the top of the league and this week also face Kenley who toppled them before Christmas.

 

04th Feb v Guildford 4s (away) L 3-1

The Men’s 3rd XI were also playing an opposition in 9th place this week in a 4pm snow covered pitch in Guildford. The snow had abstained for the pushback so there was no reason to postpone and with only 10 men thanks to a massive school boy error by the writer of this report the Hawks were quickly 2-0 down. Unfazed they continued to attack and provided plenty of opportunities for Ben May as the lonely striker. The second half started with The Hawks attacking heavily and as the snow began to settle the switch to an orange ball also saw Matt Kelsall fumble home a goal. A lack of defending by Delaney guaranteed his title of Dick of The Day as Guildford immediately got one back and could have had a 4th, a great strike only being kept out by the cross bar. Final result was a 3-1 loss, a decent performance by 9 of the 10 men and fun for all before the best ‘Away’ teas of the season! The 3’s remain top as Spencer didn’t get a game and now face Leatherhead 1’s at home.

 

28th Jan v Croydon and Old Whitgiftian Men’s 2s (home) W 4-2

The Men’s 3rd Xi were the only team in Surrey Open Div 1 to win on Saturday, the other 5 games all ended in a draw and the 4-2 victory now means they’ve created a 3 point void at the top of the table. Not ideal when we were looking at holding them in this league for another season but why stop a runaway train, maybe they’ll get overturned by 11th place Guildford this week ?

21st  Jan Trinity Mid-Whitgiftian Men’s 3s (away) W 1-3 

The 3’s were at full strength away against Trinity Mid Whitgiftians. Reports suggest a very strong opposition with some handy players were unable to thwart the slick passing of The Hawks and 2 goals from Ben May and another from Matt Kelsall gave the boys a 3 goal advantage that was marginally spoilt by a Penalty Stroke (coolly converted and un-coolly conceded by Jamie Coulson).

07th Jan v Reigate Priory Cardinals  L 2-3

With the change in squads Matt ‘Chalky’ Whyte is now leading the 3’s and despite being in 2nd place at Christmas, we could really do with them staying in Surrey Open Div 1. Thankfully the limited availability meant the squad was much weaker than normal and the 3’s were chasing the game from the off. They did manage to claw back to 2-2 but succumbed to the pressure and Reigate took the win 3-2. Interestingly the one team above the 3’s, Spencer Hurricanes, were also beaten, in fact they were stuffed 6-1 at the hands of Trinity Mid-Whitgiftians. Despite this both teams remain 1st & 2nd but are now in catching distance.