First the score line does not represent a fair evaluation of the game. Nothing can be taken away from the 6s who all played brilliantly and half way through the game looked like they might take the 3 points. The last BDHC 5ths v 6ths derby day of the season had the 5ths as the away team, dressing in the gold away kit. Both teams fielding strong 11s. The 6s with a new keeper, and the 5s with a new CB pairing due to Captain Jeremy Phipps and Sweeper Steve Knipe both being unavailable, all led to a new joint captaincy for the day between cool heads, Steve ‘Muddy’ Waters and Mark Hotchkin. The game started with the 5ths pushing the 6s back. An even game unfurled with both teams reasonably balanced in the first 20 minutes. Both sides having chances, the experienced CB pairing of Simon Wilmot and Phil Tokens struggling to keep 6s Centre Forward Finn Carmody quiet. The deadlock was broken on 26 minutes with the 5s putting in an effort tumbled over the line. 2 more followed in quick succession. The 5ths went into halftime with a 3-0 lead but they knew they weren’t out the woods yet. The second half started with an explosive start from the 6s, with Rich Barden dribbling through the heart of the 5ths, skipping past keeper Musgrove as if he wasn’t there and shooting towards the empty net with a reverse stick shot, only for LB Morley to appear and put in what would have been a superb goal line stop apart from the fact it hit his foot, a penalty flick followed expertly converted by Sam Johnson. 3-1. This signalled a turning point with the 6s pushing the 5s back for the next 10 minutes, scoring 1 more in the process. Some rather desperate defending prevented them from drawing equal. Luckily the 5ths soon regained shape and composure and with 15 minutes remaining they struck just when the 6s were tiring most, Richard Gray being found on the edge of the box to hammer home not once but twice giving him his hattrick. Simon Wilmot also getting on the scoresheet form a short corner. The game ended 7-2 to the 5ths but with a few more subs on both sides the result could have been entirely different.
Scorers: Richard Gray x3, Steve Waters, Paul Byrne, Magnus Windsor, Simon Wilmot

Squad: Terry Musgrove GK, Steve Waters C, Simon Wilmot, Phil Tokens, Zach Morley, Michael Sedgwick, Paul Byrne, Mark Hotchkin, Magnus Windsor, Robert Stevens, Richard Gray.