Wycombe 3s 8 - 3 Harrow 1s
The final game of the season saw the highest scoring game - there was definitely an end of season feel about it, as we played some of our worst and best hockey during the match. Wycombe were on the attack from the off and by the time Paul Stinchcombe opened the scoring, poking home from close range, a Dave Stanley penalty corner strike had already been saved off the line. The second goal didn't take too long to arrive and it was an absolute cracker. Will Needham battled hard to win the ball on the right, crossed, and with a half volley Miles Skevington almost burst the net, thumping it in off the underside of the bar. But all this was far too good so inevitably Harrow got back into it, nicking a goal back before Dave Stanley did strike a penalty corner through to make it 3-1. Shortly before the break Harrow pulled it back again though. The bombardment of aerials proved too good for Tim Weston, who mistrapped, and Harrow skipped round the right hand side where the league's leading scorer extended his lead over Ben Clarke by tapping in.
3-2 at half time and Wycombe's sluggishness cost us as 50-50 balls were not competed for, and brains were not switched on. Weston, having a rest came back on and within 10 seconds Harrow had pulled level to make it 3-3. There then came a creeping realisation that we were in a game, and didn't have any divine right to win. So, we ended the game playing some sublime stuff and banged in five goals within about 20 minutes. Unfortunately it all happened so quickly, and I was quite tired by then, and I'm writing this two weeks late, that I cannot remember much of what went on. But Dave Stanley got two more goals from penalty corners, one of them from a worked move, yet the very disappointing trend of no jug being bought was continued. Ben Clarke also got two as we tore into Harrow and there seemed like there would be no end to the scoring. But when the end did arrive it came with probably the best goal, finished by Paul Warren, but with excellent play by Jerry Smith creating it. Jerry had an excellent 3rd XI debut, as did Dan Andrews who made some great tackles at right back. We look forward to more from them next season.
Overall, a brilliant season from everyone involved and the title was well deserved. See you all for pre-season training next week - I presume you will all stay as committed to the cause as me. Final point, nominations for the captaincy are always gratefully received, don't be shy!