The festive break (and minimal training) was evident in this game against a well-matched Heaton Mersey. I won’t say that a Christmas break was the reason for us not finishing off a game that we looked destined to win, but some of the boys seem to resemble Pigs in Blankets in the final quarter! Mind you, Cameron’s new ‘brilliant white’ boots illuminated the warm-up, which was a good thing, as the boys’ drills were far from convincing. “A scrappy start to the New Year” commented Heather Barlow.
It was on a cold and clear morning that we arrived, anticipating a close game. An 8-6 home victory back in November against Heaton Mersey suggested we would be in for another close game and so a 1-2 score line at half time, in our favour, showed that there was very little between the teams. Miles Plant scored both goals, with assists from Eddie Liles and James Smith.
The game came to life in the third quarter; maybe as the boys worked out the more running that they did, the warmer they’d become. Miles bagged two more and Eddie one, with further assists from Fin and James S, plus one from Finn. At 1-4 to us, our ever-enthusiastic touchline support felt that the game was well within our grasps. But given that most of us could barely feel our pinkies, it’s no surprise that this dominance slipped through our fingertips. Heaton Mersey clawed two quick goals back and the quarter finished at 3-5.
With a strong squad in attendance, Coach John keep all the boys in the game. Ellis Booy, Noah Barlow and James Smith were ably supported in midfield by Sammy Chalmers, James Peel, Jack Latham and Sam Simms. Freddie Jenkins did well to not let his eyeballs freeze over, standing around in goal on a bitter morning. Robbie Wilson was his usual combative self in defence, whilst Jake Fell and Toby Halls kept their discipline, despite telling Coach John they’d had ‘no sleep’ at Scout Camp the night before!
The final quarter gave Miles his fifth goal – his most telling contribution in an under 12 game so far, with many slotted in from tight angles (and he hit the post twice!). But Heaton Mersey never let their heads drop and from three down with 10 minutes to play, they managed three unanswered goals to tie the game at the final whistle.
It was probably a fair result, but it should maybe have been more for us than a shared point.

MOM: Miles Plant.

Match reporter: Stu Booy