On a bright but cool March afternoon, Sutton Valence Hockey Club 1st XI travelled to face Old Williamsonians in what turned out to be an unnecessarily confrontational, but ultimately one-sided affair. Sutton Valence proved to be conclusively the stronger side, securing a convincing 4-1 victory.

The game began with Sutton Valence asserting early dominance, transferring the ball across the back and moving possession fluidly through the midfield. Their pressure paid off after just eight minutes when Alex Stamp, ever alert in the D, deftly deflected a well-driven pass past the Old Wills goalkeeper to open the scoring. This early breakthrough set the tone for the half, as Sutton Valence continued to press forward while the home side relied heavily on defensive resilience, the judicious breaking down of play and more than a measure of excessive physicality from certain individuals, which actions were sadly allowed to continue unchecked. The Valence players naturally found this magnanimous interpretation frustrating and despite several promising attacks, the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw more controversy but also more goals. Just four minutes after the restart, Ali Carter showed great composure to convert a penalty stroke, awarded after an Old Wills defender stopped the ball on the goal line with his foot. However, as Sutton Valence pushed for a third, they also had to contend with a confusing disinclination from the officials to facilitate play through continued open and collaborative communication. Valence found their numbers temporarily reduced and this shortfall told, with a penalty stroke awarded to Old Wills in the 55th minute, which they duly converted to make it 2-1.

Despite letting frustration get the better of them, Sutton Valence also defiantly responded in the best way possible- by scoring again. Fred McVarish restored the two-goal cushion in the 61st minute with a fine piece of individual skill, driving into the circle and slotting home. Just four minutes later, the ruthless Andy Turnill added the fourth to seal the result.

The match wasn’t without its flashpoints, as frustrations were allowed to boil over. Nevertheless, Sutton Valence maintained their composure enough to see out the game with a deserved victory. Special mention must go to Ali Carter, who, despite the trying circumstances, led by example with his tireless work in midfield, effective distribution under pressure and clinical execution of the crucial penalty stroke, and was rightly named Man of the Match.

Report By: Lewis Mitchell

*Sutton Valence HC 1st XI Team:*
Goalkeeper: Stewart Young
Defence: Matthew Luksich, James Stanford, Angus McVarish, Chris Back
Midfield: Lewis Mitchell (captain), Fred McVarish, Ali Carter, Tom Millington
Forwards: Alex Stamp, Andy Turnill
Substitutes (all played): Dickie Turnill, Russell Blanchard, Chris Johnson, Brett Angel

Next Match: Blackheath & Elthamians 3 (H) 11:15