Saturday 11th March 2006 Broxbourne Mens 5s v Berkhamstead 3s Result won 8-1: Report by The Hummer

Needing to win to ensure promotion, Broxbourne went on the offensive from the outset. With Huddleston and McDonald combining well in midfield, the Berkhamstead defence were soon under pressure, and Huddleston was unlucky to have a goal ruled out when the umpire failed to play advantage. It was no surprise when Huddleston combined with Devlin and Hubble for the latter to lash the ball into the net to put Broxbourne one up. A second goal, eerily reminiscent of the first, quickly followed with Hubble finishing with aplomb. Berkhamstead rallied and tried to get back into the match, but the solid defence of Meadows, Fishy and the Rutters dealt easily with the Berkhamstead forwards efforts. The Rutters (who as stereo typical Man United fans, and obviously well known by Roy Keane) had lunched on prawn sandwiches, and judging by the girth had evidently eaten for England. There was to be no way round these two for Berkhamstead, and it was reassuring to know that at short corners there was no sign of daylight whatsoever!! Having in the previous week secured the team tart championship, Rutter junior was making a late charge for the mastermind overall championship by forgetting that rather inconsequential item - a hockey stick. Fortunately this particular item is rarely used! Broxbourne continued to dominate forcing several short corners and, having been off target with the first few, it was no surprise when McDonald moved the ball to Devlin for him to crash the ball home. Two further goals from McDonald (candidate for goal of the season - pinball off thre defenders sticks) and Devlin before half time sent Broxbourne into the break 5 - 0 up. The only downside was that Fishy attempting an outrageous pre planned manouvre (breaking into a trot), tweaked a hamstring and was forced to retire to the bar. Down to ten men, a hastily rearranged defence were put under the cosh in the first five minutes and with the Humster extending his "give the opposition a goal on a plate" sequence to eight games, Berkhamstead pulled a goal back. Spurred on by this success the Broxbourne defence came under incresing pressure, but some fine covering (team stud!) by that wily old campaigner Edwards and some superb goalkeeping by Chris Blow ensured that the Broxbourne goal was not breached. Broxbourne's speed on the counter attack was causing Berkhamstead severe problems and a quick ball from Huddleston found Devlin in space and he laid it on for Hubble, who smacked it into the back of the net to complete his hattrick. Not to be outdone, the rolls were reversed for the next goal as Devlin finished clinically to complete his hattrick. There was still however time for Hubble to add a fourth to put the icing on a great all round team effort. Next week sees the 5's play Stortford in a game which should they win or draw, will give them the championship, automatic entry into Europe, and more importantly a beer from Hubble!! Men of the match: Hubble & Blow Team Tart (singles) : Rutter junior Team Tarts (doubles): Rutters Team arse: The Humster Roy Keane award for best sandwich's The Rutters prawn amd mayonnaise baguettes, recipe available on www.rutter.con

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