7 changes from last week's squad, adult debuts for Harry Nunn and Harry Denton, 7th team debuts for Ben Tootell and Alec Short, and a debut in goal for Mike (sic) Scott. We lost 4 players between Friday tea time and Saturday lunchtime so a big thank you to Ben, Josh Dear, Matt Earle and Tom Boyle who answered the call for help at short notice. And to Mike Scott for deputising for Laurens.

With rather more experience at the back than last week we played a steadier game against impressive opposition with a similar blend of youth and age. Defence was generally sound but had the odd moment when we lost shape or overstretched. Blueharts took an early lead against the run of play and pegged us back twice in the second half when we should have been well away. Attacking play saw some fluent, creative and early passing, with very good use of the ball back and square, but could have done with a bit more width as many attacks got lost in a forest of Blueharts sticks in and around the D.

But on the whole we took our chances well, Harry Nunn got our first (and his first, on debut) to level up at 1-1. Alec became the first over-12 to score for us this season, Tom Boyle added a 3rd before half time. Billy and Oliver struck in the 2nd half to keep our 2 goal cushion safe through to the end.

Alex was a constant threat up front, both Harrys made impressive debuts, Greyson looked very comfortable back in his left back slot (pairing much of the game with his dad on the right side), Mike Scott was tidy and confident in goal.

I will not nominate a man of the match, this was absolutely a team effort and a real pleasure to be part of it.