COWHC Men's 4s vs Reigate Priory Pilgrims - 20th Jan 2018

Season 17/18; Episode 13 - Unlucky for some

Back at base the 4s were setting themselves to reinforce the CHS fortress. T. V. was back on the scene and a strong line up was mostly in place as the Reigate tanks rolled up.

The opposition displayed a mix of youthful vigour and experienced old heads, but the 4s were so confident in their solidity they decided to start with the Old Man as kicking back while Mulley donned the 'keepers kit. As during last week's episode, the Crows were flying at speed, while deftly deflecting any attempted blows, physical and hockey, Reigate attempted to land. After a few minutes, Mulley was ready and set himself between the posts for what was actually a quiet afternoon.

With JP-esus pulling strings, The Triangle running at pace and the back line holding firm, the Colonel was a happy man. His plan was definitely coming together and he could see the celebratory cigar on the horizon.

0 - 0 was not a fair reflection of the first half, and a decision was made to mix things up.

Old Man was slotted into bottom diamond to free JP-esus higher up the pitch. For the first 10 minutes the plan worked and we were creating chances while keeping it tight at the back.

And then... a breach!

Bad Dog Ford was sent to his bed by umpire Jack for... well, probably for being Fordy to be honest...

As we tried to reshape to cover the gap, Old Man played a slightly loose pass, just a fraction away from Horny. The attacker leapt on the chance, broke through and beat Mulley!

Heads were down, but the 4s refused to be beaten. We pushed and pushed, particularly when Reigate themselves were down to 10 until, eventually, with less than a minute to go, the chance came.

Old Man, desperate to make amends, drove into the D to win a short corner. The first attempt didn't quite work, but we got another. This one got closer, being stopped by a foot on the line.

P-flick given and time was up.

Up stepped T. V. to take. He flicked, but maybe his jewellery was weighing him down because he didn't get enough on it and the shot was saved!

A very unlucky 1 - 0 loss. Fortress CHS holed, but far from fatally. We'll get the gaffer tape and soldering iron out, and for the rest of the season it'll be solid.

Credits
Umpire - Jack
Sideline Manager - Scott
POM - Horny
DOD - no official vote taken, but Fordy