We turned up at Rochford for what we knew would be a tough game but no one quite new how eventful the whole game would be.

It was clear that Rochford wanted revenge after the loss at Old Boys place earlier in the season, also with them slipping up the week before they needed to make sure of the 3 points and close the gap on us at the top of table.

The early signs were not good for the Old Boys and in the early exchanges Rochford had us pinned down in our own half, playing with confidence and looked like it would only be a case of when they would score, especially with their speedy wingers (Simon was very chuffed!). We just needed to get through this fast start from Rochford and this is exactly what we were able to do, before we started to find holes in their game. It then became clear that once we could break beyond their high line, there was going to be opportunities and space for us after all.

Offence definitely looked like the best forms of defence and George, together with the flying wingers (Adam, Will and Bert) started dragging us forward and it wasn't long before we would take what was probably a surprise lead. The ball was played through to George and then he put the afterburners on, which meant the Rochford defender was chasing shadows and it was left for George to round the keeper for an easy finish. It wasn't long before there was another break from the Old Boys, which resulted in Adam finishing off and we were 2-0 up halfway through the first half.

What happened next, was a crazy period of injury after injury and rotating with the 12 we had, giving a rest to the latest injury. Matt decided that it wasn't good enough to damage only 1 hand from last week, so he made sure of a deep cut in his opposite hand. Whilst he was fixing himself up with plasters and tape, Liam pulled up with a knee injury, so it wasn't long before he also needed to be replaced. Rochford continued to push forward and whilst it was hoped that we could hold out until half time to regroup, they were awarded a short corner which they duly converted. The first half wasn't quite over and Darren decided to go into a 50/50 tackle, picking the wrong opponent player to do this against, the end result being that he was flattened, took a bang to the head and didn't really know where he was!! That was the end of Darren's day, so it would be left to the remaining 11 players of varying fitness levels!! Army did make the request to allow the supporting Simon Richardson to be allowed to play, however the Rochford captain made clear of the rules, and this would be declined. Sorry Simon, they must have seen you play before and be scared!

The halftime team talk, (which I don't recall much at that time if I'm honest!) except for hearing David Jackson making the brave decision (or that Matt was complaining his hand was hurting too much) to play two upfront and to exploit the highline. Again, Rochford made a fast start to the Second half and it wasn't long before the equaliser came to make it 2-2. At this point I think from an outsider watching the game, it would be Rochford that would go on to win the game and having the advantage.

In the meantime, a couple more players decided they wanted to get into the injury act, Army making a save and landing on the ball made an almighty scream of pain (later to find out he had broken a rib) and Will carrying out repairs to his side, after the Rochford surface decided to get into the act. Bravely they both carried on for the rest of the game to make sure that we still had 11 players on the pitch.

Anyway back to the game, although Rochford were keeping the pressure on, we knew that we would get opportunities and to give it time. There was another break, George was through on goal and whilst this time the defender and goalkeeper got there in time, there was a mess of players on the floor and the ball fell nicely to Adam, who slotted the ball into the open goal, unfortunately whilst there was a player on the line, he had lost his stick so nothing could be done to prevent it going in.

The game was not over and again to their credit, Rochford were not down and beaten yet and kept pushing forward and it wasn't long before they drew level once again to make it 3-3. Everyone had totally lost track of time including the umpires, with all the stoppages for injuries and it was a good job there wasn't another game due to be played afterwards. Could we get one last opportunity to get the winner, we had got the ball at the right end and there was a number of short corners, but we just could not find the winning goal. However step up George, who had not finished yet and he found the winner and it is fair to say the celebrations were a little wild. There was only a few minutes left, it looked like we would be able to run the clock down however in true M3s style, unfortunately Simon when clearing the ball, didn’t make contact and the air clearance resulted in a short corner to Rochford. VAR was called for, as to whether it was in the D but was given by the umpire (& Webby on the sideline). Rochford could not convert and made it count, so the Old Boys secured what was an amazing 4-3 win and double over Rochford which is unheard of, meaning the gap to them in second place was now extended to 8 points.

To their credit, Rochford were very gracious in defeat and there was plenty of credit to the Old boys in the win but just being part of an amazing game of hockey, the greatest compliment to both teams.

The only worry is what kind of team we will be able to field next week, but we enjoy this amazing win and worry about this next week.

MOM - George Miller, although every single player literally gave everything

Special Mentions:
Army, who decided that he wasn't happy with one visit to Hospital, I don't think he liked Tim's quiz evening and paramedics came out to attend to him and take him to hospital for the second time to be checked out. Thankfully he is all good and needs time to recover from the broken rib
Pete C, Matt & Darren - Who had to experience getting Army dressed , not an easy or enjoyable task!
Lady Caretaker - Who had to witness Army sitting in just his boxing shorts, sitting outside the changing rooms!
Riz - The one time we were in need of Doctor!