With a journey through monsoon rain under darkening skies things seemed ominous!
However, the weather cleared with perfect timing to welcome the new vice captain in his first game in charge and the 11 others who'd signed up to take on this week's battle.
With a perfectly judged toss SV had the push back and started passing the ball accurately around the field with pressure being applied and sustained for much of the first half. There was some good end to end play and despite some early missed chances SV looked better on the first touch and moving the ball forward. After a few fruitless ventures into the oppo's D the breakthrough came from a cheekily slotted loose ball from Julian Mills a few metres left of the P spot.
Dave 'The Save' Turner was again on top form denying every New Becks intruder during free play, only to concede one of only a handful of short corners to leave the game sitting at 1-1 as the half time whistle was blown.
Despite the score it was clear that the game was SV's to win and with the formation working well it was just a case of chasing hard for the loose balls and shutting down the oppo early on their swiftly taken 16s.
The second half saw the same well worked movement of the ball, and solid defense with rapid clearance through the mid field where new signing Harrison Sharpe was fitting in very well.
Discipline was good until Nick Hall's repeated back chat finally saw him pulled up by the umpire only to perform a rapid apology so sincere it was immediately accepted and he was off the hook.
A short time later Zak Blanchard blotted his copybook with a green card for a seemingly acceptable tackle. Even if culpable, he soon made up for it with great goal, finishing a well worked attack putting SV 2-1 ahead. The boys in red maintained the pressure for the rest of the game leading to another well worked goal burried at the back post by Alex Stanford.
A truly great team effort from the front to the back and anchored by the almost impenetrable Dave the Save.

Goals:
Julian Mills
Zak Blanchard
Alex Stanford

Team:
David Turner (GK)
Rod Harcourt (C)
Julian Mills
Zak Blanchard
Bob Sagrott
Alex Stanford
Harrison Sharpe
Nick Hall
Darren Thompson
Andy Bye
Cullen Elson
Stuart EdmeD

Match Report by: Rod Harcourt
Next match: Canterbury Friars (H) 19/10/24