1 VS 1 8-9 pens
Paul Cox (pen) 41 Mins		Kieran Chalmers 25 Mins

Boxing Day Success As Cricketers Dig In For Super Win

JC scores the winning pen and gets flattened

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It Was Backs To The Walls For Most Of The Game But Woodsys Boys Dug In For An Unlikely Draw And Eventually Come Out Winners On Pens 9-8. The Footballers Dominated The Game But Could Only Get Past The Impressive Northy From The Spot.

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On a perfect morning to play football our lads were no where to be seen as the footballers turned up for their pre match warm up. Eventually the cricketers one by one arrived but the news wasn't good as Phil Swainston's first words were 'I've got an achilles problem Chiv' and with one shirt still hanging on the peg - we realise someones missing - WHO - only skipper Bargey who'd overslept. Woodsy then had to make last minute changes to his starting line up as ex Southern Leaguer Kev White hurried home for a sh-t and try and find some boots !!! After a minutes silence for Tony - Woody - Terry and Herbie, good old Chris Tona got the game under way.

Playing up the slope the Cricketers slowly began to entertain. Froggie went ass over tit in the mud whilst the White brothers both fell over pedalling backwards. Chances were few and far between and though the footballers played pretty possession football the cricketers back four held firm. With Terry Cox begining to show his Wessex Premier League skills especially from corner kicks - the cricketers looked in trouble but Northy was in Schmeichel mode making the 6 yard box his own.

Mr fit Phil Swainston tweeked his achilles and Jonjo's unc Dom O'Brien tweeked his back - both had to come off as Woodsy was forced into early changes. Ben Smith was sent up front whilst Froggie came off for a fag to be replaced by Tibbles. Luke Blackwell moved into the back four where Huxley was having a good game with his Jose Fonte head band on. Terry Cox blasted a good chance over from a free kick but then the cricketers started to get more possession with Bargey running the game in midfield.

On 25 minutes the Jones Lane public watched in disbelief as the cricketers took the lead. A smart move from the back fed the ball out to Julian Chalmers on the left. He pushed the ball upto son Kieran who sped into the area and finished cooly into the right hand corner of the net 1-0. The impressive Huxter was replaced by dad in law Martin Grant (fantastic achievement as the guy had a heart attack a few years ago) and Steve (combat) Millar (Zacs dad) replaced Smith up front.

The cricketers continued to do well with Zac finding space on the wing and Punchey and Blackwell putting in some crunching tackles at the back. Martin Grant rolled back the years with some neat touches whilst Combat produced some good lay offs up front. (Shame dad and son were not on the same wace length as they were too good for Zac) But then with five minutes to half time - the footballers drew level. One crunch to many from Blackwell and penalty. Paul Cox beating Northy 1-1. Woodsy showed his stricked management style by bringing off a disgruntled Chalky and Punchey but the guys held firm - half-time 1-1

No oranges just a quick pep talk by Woodsy and onwards we went. Great to see several cricket members out supporting the lads. It must have impressed the football that we can have past players, current, future and families all come together.

Now playing downhill things should get easier !!! The football sent on Chairman Rob Parsons for 25 minutes. In his day no one could catch him. Madgewick the fishmonger use to run Hythe Phoenix in the 80's - very good side. He use to play 4-5-1 - hit the ball over the top Robbie was away.

The footballers continued to dominate the game with half a dozen chances in quick succession but again the couldn't get past Northy. Huxter, Smith and Blackwell all put in last ditch tackles to defy scoring opportunities and Bargey worked his socks off box to box trying to create chances. On 55 mins Punchey almost broke through but the ball ran away down the slope. Froggie got a momento from Wayne Oakley down the back of the leg but in truth the more sinicle tackles came from the cricketers. Froggie bringing Terry Cox down more than once and cruncher Blackwell impressing Northy with his win at all cost attitude.

Ben Smith went back on - this time at the back replacing the impressive Blackwell. The ruthful Woodsy took off Kev White as he was begining to make his mark in midfield. The Chalmers combo was back in operation down the flank. On 65 minutes the biggest cheer of the game as Robbie Parsons was applauded off. The next 25 minutes belonged to the footballers but the cricketers weren't to be beaten and the ref Tona blew his whistle - 1-1 and to penalties.

Six penalties each then sudden death. Woodsy went for youth as the first 12 penalties all went in (6 each side) with ease. Even Zac put his away after dad confidently said - 'Zac never scores from pens'. At 8-8 the footballers put a kick onto the post and it was left to Julian Chalmers to win it for the cricketers. Great morning £150 raised to support the bench but most of all a good day for the Sports Club.

Thanks to Paul and Wayne for arranging today, Pippa for doing the bar on Boxing Day and especially to Chris Tona for refereeing without any linesman.

 

So Coach Woods has bragging rights for 12 months - if were invited back next year. Woodsys last duties as coach is to comment on his teams fine peformance :

Tony North – Fantastic game for Northy, plenty of work to do and didn’t concede in open play. 9/10

Luke Mills – Pace from Punchy meant he worked hard to start off with at left back. Missed a chance for a late winner from a great position 7/10

Ian White – Solid as a rock in defence, several crucial clearances to help reduce Northy’s work load. 8/10

Luke Blackwell – Showed his strength as a Rugby Player and worked hard with Chalky in defence. It was his foul that lead to the penalty. 6/10 *Harsh Woodsy*

Dom O’Brien – managed to keep the footballers fairy quite at left back. Two spells where he had to work hard – 8/10

Tom Huxley – Huxter played the majority of the game at right back and was solid. 8/10

Martin Grant – Showed that he still has good control of a football and set up several good runs for Zac. 8/10

Richie Froggett – Where do you start? Managed to slip after 2 minutes so claims the comedy award for the match and had to come off after 10 minutes. Seemed to forget who he was playing for with several loose passes and then threatened the manager at the end. 4/10 - chiv disagrees

Tom Barge – Played the entire game and looked rock solid in mid field. Covered well and worked forward. 9/10

Phil Swainston – Struggled with an Achilles injury so only played the first 25mins. Played well and managed to keep the left side quiet when he was on. 8/10

Julian Chalmers – Played the entire first half and game good support on the right wing. Worked hard to cover in defence as well. 8/10

Zac Millar – Plenty of work for Zac to do on the Left and then the right hand side. Came up against some very good players and held his own. 8/10

Steve Millar – Made plenty of runs to look for opportunities and was happy to give Zac plenty of encouragement. 8/10

Kev White – came on for Chalky in the first half and played well at centre back. Brought forward in the second half and worked well with Bargey. 8/10

Ben Smith – started as a striker then became a centre back, seemed to do better in the second role. 7/10

Kieran Chalmers – Star Player was what chiv billed him as and he lived up to that. Scored Hythe’s goal and was noticed by the opposition for his play. 10/10

Tom Porter – Played on the wings and gave good support to the forwards. Had plenty to track back for in defence as well. 8/10

Tom Richards – No showed after asking to play on Christmas Day. 0/10