Men’s Vets XI

The Vets play in Higgins Group London League Vets London Division 2

Joint Captains – Robbie Banks & Conrad Ray

04th Feb v Reading Redsox

With a top of the table clash looming, 2 defeats on the bounce isn’t really ideal preparation. Neither is being 2 players short and having 2 recall men too injured to play lawn bowls. Considering the squad available the 2-1 defeat to the hands of Reading was nothing to be ashamed of, Smithy grabbed the goal for The Hawks much to the relief of Ben Gibbons who is now attempting to sabotage any goal scoring attempt for Connie!

28th Jan v Maidenhead (home) L 2-3

After spending the whole season undefeated the Men’s Vets have now suffered 2 defeats on the bounce and both in very controversial surroundings. This week they suffered a 3-2 loss to the hands of 3rd place Maidenhead, goals coming from Wee Jason & BBB were not enough as oppositions umpire was so conscious of running late for another match he imposed the game be restarted immediately despite Ade having a gaping wound in his head only for Maidenhead to score against the 10 Man Hawks team. This now means the Hawks are 5 points behind Reading who they must beat this week to keep the pressure on.

21st Jan v Indian Gym ( away) L 5-4

Travesty, Sham, Mockery – all words that could be used to describe the Vets match against Indian Gymkhana last week. After a brace from the Major and one each from wee Jason & BBB to give the Hawks a 4-0 lead at halftime, 3 new recruits emerged from the woodwork, appearing too young to be vets and too handy to stop! 5 goals for the opposition in the second half and our guys suffered their first defeat of the season. Far too old to stay upset for too long….we enjoyed the curry and the beer!! Ed..

07th Jan v Old Cranleighans Barnstormers W 3-0

When the Vets faced the Old Cranleighans Barnstormers, in the first match of the season, the match was conceded but this time round they managed to get a team out and hold The Hawks to only a 3-0 win, with a Brace of Goals from the wee Scotsman Jason, and a brave/foolish diving attempt from the Chairman (after seeing the gash on his knee I think he regrets not stumping up more for a Waterbase!) Pre-Christmas the 1 team above The Hawks, Reading Redsox, lost to 5th place East Grinstead which now means the Hawks have a game in hand and are only 2 points behind.