COWHC Men's 2s vs Surrey Spartans Men's 2s - 17th Mar 2018

So there I was on Friday night dreaming of what could happen the following day. Bags packed, stick caressed (take that how you will) and a quick glance out of the window to take in the clear night sky. Then it’s time to hit the pillow! The hope of title winning dreams, goal of the season finishes and joyous unbridled celebration was what I was hoping for. Nothing, blank, much like many of the teams love lives, not a sniff of action.

So I awoke at 6.30 to clear blue sky and bright sunshine and a smile crept across my face. HOCKEY DAY! Not just any hockey day though, this could be the day. The day we have been prepping for, working towards and working tireless to achieve. Erm hold on what is that……. Snow…… What the F@ck?? This open borders thing has gone too far, the Beast for the East has crept back in is trying to ruin our day!

With Dawes strategically posted in Farnham, messages were exchanged and confirmation that the Beast had not made it that far yet was confirmed.

Travel arrangements re-confirmed and the convey began. The snow lashed down and the temperature dropped as each mile was completed. The wannabe champions and the current leaders of the SOHL Prem arrived at the impressive Surrey Spartans HQ. A mini metropolis, of bars, coffee shops, sports pitches, climbing walls and endless tunnels of changing rooms were where this story is to be set.

The squad assembled pitch side. Like a scene from an avengers movie, the ground beginning to freeze beneath our feet, the warm up began. The opposition dressed in hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and more layers then the volunteer umpires, were hoping to put on a better shown then the last time the two teams met.

With a rallying cry and the shout of CROWS echoing around the grounds, the game got underway. A quick and slick start from the Spartans saw them on the front foot. However once the initial cold had been overcome the CROWS began to hold their own. Dawesy feeling at home began to dictate play with his midfield soldiers. Ollie H twisting and turning and Joe’s non-stop running had the Spartans at 6’s and 7’s. Then came the break. A drive by Dawesy, a pass to Joe a flick to Ollie and a direct hit, which was topped and bobbled to Kai. The Predator with 9 in his last 7 games did what he does best by deflecting the ball past the GK and put the CROWS 1-0 up. With more too-ing and fro-ing the half time whistle blew.

The Team talk was simple. We are in control, 35 minutes to be champions! The second roar of CROWS went up and the second half began. This was a very different start to the game. CROWS totally dominant and moving the ball seamlessly round the back and then up through the transitions. The shout of “THIS IS SEXY HOCKEY” was heard from our Irishman summing up what was being played out on the now ice hard turf. Not to be out done, the next 5 minutes were the show boat from Stevie M. Step overs that would make Ronaldo blush and Neymar flicks and the George Weah full pitch run all finished with a reverse tomahawk! Then the moment that takes us on. A great turn over at left back, Jaideep with a crash line ball to Joe who had peeled wide. He looks the defender in the eyes and with a scream of BURN HIM! Dinks the ball down the line, a slide, a one handed reverse smash from the base line cuts out the keeper and finds Kai. With a deft angle touch Kia finds the bottom corner 2-0!

The final 10 minutes are about keep ball and further domination, except for the one blight on the days copy book. What could have a been a glorious ending to finish the game, another fantastic team move resulted in a ball across the D, had there been any CROW there surely it would have been 3-0 and a score line more reflective of the dominance shown, unfortunately it was the captain. The ball duly shipped wide, rather than in and the game is called to an end. DOD sewn up.

The final whistle went and a stunned silence descended on the pitch. The achievement yet to sink into the frozen CROW’s warriors. The foam burst, team showers and warmth beckoned. With Champagne popping and regardless of any other results, they are declared SOHL Prem champions!

A fitting way, with half the other games frozen off, to show that our hard work, determination and plan have allowed us to achieve our goals (even if I miss the open ones!).

On to the final game and at home. All your support and cheers welcome!