Mens Merlins lost to Thames Valley 1 - 3

MERLINS KNOCKED OFF THEIR PERCH BY POLLEY

THAMES VALLEY 3 -1 MAIDENHEAD MERLINS

ScorersPolley (2), Townsend Noel Murphy

Having avoided the mayhem on the M4, the Merlins finally gathered at Salesians School by various routes, the most interesting of which was Roger Bowes’ reconnoitre of two exits off the M25, Chertsey Ambulance Station and Ottershaw Christmas Tree Farm. In the seasonal spirit, the home side provided two umpires, both of whom were well qualified and sticklers for applying the letter of the law. Thames Valley enjoyed the better of the first quarter and the Merlins were only kept in the game by some fine saves from ‘keeper, Charlie Jacobsen. Following a self inflicted wound, the right wing was replaced by a first XI player. He was welcomed to the game by Arthur Wood who axed his stick venomously. Surprisingly this was ignored by the umpire, but attracted a seasonal contract as a tree feller from the manager of the aforementioned Christmas Tree Farm. Merlins put together their only spell of cohesive hockey as Ivey, Bowes, the Mialls, Castle and Mair combined to put pressure on the home defence. The pressure was rewarded when Mair hit the goalkeeper’s inner thigh. Noel Murphy made no mistake in putting the rebound away to score his inaugural goal. On the stroke of half time, Lawrence Castle lifted the ball out of the circle. Despite the ball going nowhere near any other player, a short corner was awarded. As the last play of the half, all the Thames Valley team camped around the Merlins’ circle. Lee Polley’s shot gave Jacobsen no chance as his left back failed to protect him.

The second half was acknowledged as the Merlins’ least convincing period of the season. Long balls were either intercepted or let run off the side as the pre Christmas excesses took their toll. Mike Tarrier, normally a terrier like runner seemed unable to get his legs moving for more than a few yards following Friday’s company party. The Thames Valley pressure told as a number of short corners were won and Polley scored his second when he found himself unmarked by the left hand post. The jet lagged skipper seemed to be coming to terms in the unaccented position of right back before Chris Miall nailed him on his injured left knee. Having become increasingly frustrated at the lack of ball down the left, Miall took a hit in. Looking into the low sun, Wardle only picked up the ball on impact. To add insult to injury, the umpire didn’t blow Miall for dangerous play, but awarded a free hit for feet! Another short corner soon ensued. Father Christmas, Robinson allowed Heinz Townsend, the young number 57, to shoot home from close range. Perhaps the only encouraging feature of the game was Murphy’s tireless running and tackling as he stood out as the only player worthy of the MOM award.

The Merlins look forward to giving Berkhamsted a seasonal stuffing next Saturday, although if they repeat this performance, the only stuffing they are going to hand out is sage and onion.