South Berks Report Burglary as Henley Perpetrate Smash-and-Grab Raid

After an away match at Newbury & Thatcham in which an average squad age of at least 30 stretched the definition of ‘development team’ to the limits, SBHC3s were able to welcome back a number of their younger players this week, including Aaron Smith, Tom Ellwood, Patrick Diplock, and Alex Cook – who despite his best efforts hadn’t managed to concuss himself quite badly enough playing rugby to miss their entire run of three consecutive away games.
The SBHC ranks were also bolstered by debutant Ryan Kaley and returning newbie Chris Priddle and it was no surprise that they made a strong start, with the midfield triumvirate of Chris, Pat, and Richie Wallace seemingly knocking the ball around with ease and the movement of the forward line which also included Andrew Sonden leaving an ageing Henley back line looking bamboozled.
However, after a strong opening period in which SBHC threatened but couldn’t find the net, Henley struck first. Despite some great work by Mike Longson and Bailey Kelly in the centre of defence, a rapid Henley break seemed to sap SBHC’s early energy and out of nothing, Henley were one up.
This was South Berks’ queue to start playing some great hockey again, with Bailey Kelly and Ben Cary able to exploit a lack of Henley shape by driving up the wings. SBHC saw a couple of penalty corner opportunities go begging, but following a goalmouth scramble, Sonden’s cheeky reverse was stopped by a foot on the line and Captain Mike was able to step up to slot in a decisive P-flick.
As the first half progressed, the game continued to open up with the SBHC press seeing significant success as Henley’s full backs consistently failed to deal with the pressure. However, the first half ended all-square.
The start of the second half saw more of the same with both teams playing some open hockey, but not able to make an impression. Alex was beginning to have real influence in the midfield, Henley perhaps distracted by the light glinting off his hair – girls, make sure Alex tells you what conditioner he uses.
Goals were hard to come by however, until Chris on the right wing played a lofted ball towards the D. On the edge of the circle, Andrew was able to get the faintest touch to see the ball sailing top bins.
Game management became the order of the day, however a quickfire burst from Henley was SBHC’s undoing. An equalizer on the break, which left keeper Tom Nance with no chance was followed by a third almost straight after the SBHC restart and what was already looking like an uphill struggle only got worse when Pat picked up an injury and had to come off.
Captain Mike began pushing further upfield to try and force a goal, seeing one great pass at the top of the D squandered with an airshot, but in the end it was Henley that emerged victorious – the delight they demonstrated following the final whistle a clear demonstration of the fine margins that had seen them through.
So someone call the police. SBHC3s have been robbed of a win and now they’re out for revenge.

Result: 2-3 Henley, Goals from Mike and Shaggy
MoM - Patrick - work horse throughout the game
DoD - Shaggy - scores the hard ones but not the easy ones