Dancing on Ice… by Hoppy

Ashford 6 – Red Lions 4

Well – it looked like a slippery slope from the start. Cold and bleak, Ashford had a squad of 16 or so.., 16 year olds with 3 or 4 Vets thrown in.

The Lions, 10 to a man, 55 plus, with a sole 19-year-old, skidded into a very early lead, courtesy of George for an unlikely positive first dance score from the judges.

4 – 1 down at half time saw the Lions clinging onto the handrails around the side of the pitch, desperate to stand upright on an extremely polished surface of an aging playing surface.

Robin bravely let go on a few occasions and was often left floundering like Bambi’s first steps on the ice, much to our amusement.

It was not all bad news however and welcome returns to the rink this week were Dave P and Rich D, both debuting the season with excellent passing and panache, Darlings...

A half time chat came with the comment that it would all be downhill skiing in the second half and sure enough, with the memories of trying to stay upright at ice rink and roller discos of yesteryears, the Lions largely then stayed upright and pulled it back to 4 all, with a sound goal from Robbie, a scramble finished by Jitz and one from a cross converted by Hoppy.

The Lions actually played a superb second half and could have potentially won it, with unconverted short corners…

Less than 10 minutes to go, Shack attempts a triple axel and after a restart another goal slides past the defence.

Shortly afterwards a young reverse Ashford stick puts the game out of reach.

It was however a very good game with a great Lions team effort against the odds.

Our opponents were worthy winners of a tough but very friendly game, earning their Blades of Glory!

With thanks as ever to our umpires, fine opposition and for Ashford’s hospitality.

Hoppy