Exeter uni F 6 v 1 Taunton CS A

TCS A travelled to league leaders and undefeated Exeter Uni F. Taunton also carried an undefeated record into the match but a sense of apprehension was evident within the team. As has become tradition, the colours of the opposition were worn with pride by reigning player of the year Bill 'The Hammer' Horner as a beautiful green and white scarf part shielded the East Devon jacket but did nothing for the profoundly pink socks.

As TCS stood on in awe of the warm-up/training session conducted by the Uni side in the build up to the game, it was evident that the game would be played at an extremely high pace. The uni bars must also have been empty, as 16 young, energetic and painfully skilful players had found themselves at a loss for anything better to do on a Saturday afternoon. Julian 'Reg' Brown was wincing at the prospect of chasing shadows all game so the defensive line was bolstered by returning Pete Wintrip and the game began at furious pace.

With Sam Woodland ploughing a lone furrow up front it was difficult to generate any rest for the TCS defence who battled fiercely to keep the score-line level for 20 minutes. Eventually the sustained pressure told and Exeter found a route through to goal with a very strong period of passing play spreading the ball from flank to flank. The excellent efforts of Alex Bartram couldn't stop a second goal deflecting in shortly after leaving the visiting side trailing 2 -0 at the break.

Special points to mention in the first half included a talented run from Martina Bradley who managed to beat 4 players on a burst into the Exeter D; A strong attacking move from P45 Daly who found space behind the Uni defensive line; Woody stoically taking the fight to the Uni central pair, single handed at times; Reg Brown taking extended periods off of the pitch due to 'old age dramas'; a colossal outburst from Stevie G throwing some Bruce Banner style rage in the direction of Martina towards the end of the half and not to forget the ever popular shout of 'come on East!!!' from the side-line as The Hammer once again forgot who he plays for.

A positive team talk at half time reflected the hard work and discipline demonstrated by all players on the field. The main aim for the match remained - hit them on break, stay tight at the back and ensure they concede during the half.

Luckily the Uni side spent the 10 minutes recharging the young batteries and were remarkably fresh attacking quicker than they had throughout the first half. By 5 minutes in Reg was in tears and Civil had reverted to a flat back 5 to try to weather the storm. Hitting on the break was starting to show positive results as civil gained a couple of short corners, one narrowly avoiding the post following a glancing touch from P45 Daly.

With this forward momentum and an advancing Stevie G rolling back the years and marauding forward from the back, TCS were left slightly exposed at the back and Exeter began to exploit this. A touch under the onrushing Mike Whitman put the score at 3-0 and a hammered shot from the top of the D made it 4 with the added insult of the shot clipping the proud hanging testicles of Mike 'squeaky' Whitman on route to the net.

Whitman redeemed himself shortly after charging down an advancing attacker and clearing the ball followed by a truly outstanding goal-line save at shoulder height from Dan Adams drawing stunned silence from all on the pitch and a gentle applause from the legion of Exeter substitutes. A fifth goal followed shortly however as Dan was again defending the line fearlessly - this time too close for the reaction save and it hit the back of the net.

Exeter's final goal came 10 minutes from time as Squeaky Whitman understandably followed a pass that never came and the attacker found the open near post to notch up 6. The aims still remained and TCS were playing the best passing hockey they had played all year. Finally, 2 minutes before the end Pete Wintrip won the ball in the centre of the field and found stand in skipper Carter in space on the edge of the D. Turning towards goal he saw Woody in a small pocket of space in front of goal and, remembering the sage-like words of wisdom from Bill 'The Hammer', dabbed the ball in bouncing. A predicted mis-trap from the Exeter defender and the cat-like reactions of Woody meant the 419 minute clean sheet was over and with the loudest cheer of the game TCS had a deserved consolation for all their hard work and determination.

No doubt the strongest team were victorious but TCS left knowing they had given a very good account of themselves and could take a great deal of pride from the game. Man of the match was close between the tireless efforts of Woody up front and the fearless defensive work of Dan Adams with Dan eventually taking it. DOTD wasn't deserved by anybody in this game so by default Curtis took it again.

Player ratings

Mike 'Squeaky' Whitman - committed to the very end - putting his balls on the line for the team. - 9
Stevie G - Determined in defence and attack; rage brought back fully . - 10
Julian 'Reg' Brown - When on the field, tackling like a pro and organising well. - 8
'Formerly angry' Dan Adams - Outstanding game in all aspects. - 11
Alex SAS Bartram - Confident in defence and some very timely tackles. - 9
Big Ev Tarr - Second half was the best we've seen from him - strong and reliable. - 9
Jason 'Cardy' Harris - Controlled the midfield for short spells - good link up play. - 9
Pete Wintrip - Returning to the side, first game of the season - he's been missed. - 10
Bill 'The Hammer' Horner - Worked tirelessly on the wing and provided good service forward. - 9
Curtis 'Martina' Bradley - Tried game long to get a foothold in the middle and disrupted well. - 9
Jack P45 Daly - Strived to find space and possession on the wing - pressed all game. - 9
Sam 'Woody' Woodland - Worked amazingly well through the toughest game to date - great finish. - 11
Andy 'Skipper' Carter - Poorer first half - found a more defensive role in 2nd half and set the goal. - 8