Ashford Antiques v Staines Masters 21st December 2019

The requested sun dances and some South African magic worked and made sure that we played what we think is the 19th AAs Christmas challenge match, today at an almost sunny Short Lane. For the second year running we played our good friends and neighbours Staines Masters. The AAs had a strong, large squad, with virgin Antiques Kam Roopra and Kelly Roberts making their debuts, along with Ashford umpire David Brant. However, ladies 1's Skipper Jacqui Bashford had to withdraw from the squad last night due to injury, but took over as chief cheer leader and Director of substitutes from the AAs dug out. In front of a large festive crowd, the play swung from either end in the first quarter, with the Antiques marginally on top, but unable to find a way through the tight Staines defence. Staines then threatened more with their mixture of experience and a couple of very capable and fast youngsters. Despite extra AAs pressure just before the break, the game remained goal less after the first half.

The AA's upped the pace in the second half, with Nicky Benedict, Kelly Roberts and Nicky Davis going close, prompted by the skillful Jackie Parsons, Claire Brant, Sue (Bod) Lane and back from injury Annie Neyton. Sharp shooter Gillian Clegg was also looking for any opportunity in the D, whilst midfielders Emma Bashford-Hynes and Lenka Petrakova were defending solidly and also driving the AAs forward. The Antiques pressure eventually resulted in them winning three short corners, the first two were thwarted by the solid Staines defence, but Skipper Lynne Morgan had a super strike with the third, which was only saved at the last minute by a splendid stretching save by the very reliable and agile Staines keeper. Not to be out done, the AAs keeper Jo Lawton was also showing good skills, and stopped what looked like a certain goal, with a fine upright save. As Staines tried to find the winner, the AAs back line of Kam, Hilary Hull and Flippa Messenger stood firm. Another AAs attack near the end of the game saw the Staines keeper flashing the ball accidendently into the the face of their umpire Dave (Hughie) Howell which temporarily felled him and drew a little blood. After a bit of TLC from players of both sides and his wife Staines player Heather, Dave bravely carried on and finished the game. It finished as a 0-0 draw shortly after, but Staines Masters skipper Tracy Walsh declined a penalty shoot out, as they all felt that the AAs deserved to win as they had played some well under veterans age players. As always both teams and spectators retired to the Club house to enjoy an excellent buffet provided by David Hanks and an exciting visit from Santa on his colourfully lit sleigh. The trophy was awarded to the AAs, as were medals and prizes to the respective Players of the Match, Linda McCormack (Staines) and Emma Bashford-Hynes (AA's), whilst Julian Clegg (AA's) won the spectator of the day for his natty, Santa hat and jumper.

It was great to see current and former AHC players Veronica Higgins, Sarah Taylor and Janet Mock amongst the big crowd which included Jane English, Carol Stedman, Shirley Winson, Heather Grocott, Shirley Gale, Val Harman, Val Baldwin, Gill Waite, Ali Donelan, Lucie Stevens, Marianne McClelland, Carolyn Dale, Kirsty Hull, Ali Boxell and Freddie Chudleigh (& Reece).