MATCH REPORT

SUTTON TAKE TITLE!!!

Long Sutton went into their penultimate game against a Bourne Deeping side who were the only team capable of preventing them from winning the league. With both teams already promoted Sutton started off nervy and neither were playing the good hockey which has seen them guarantee their move to division 3NW. As the first half progressed Sutton began to get a foot hold in the game and showed glimpses of some quality hockey, with Players Player of Year Jeremy 'I carry 2 bottles into the shower' Watt and Andy 'Smiley' Shore seeing more of the ball ably supported by midfield dynamo Dan 'wheres the goal at?' Batten and Mr Utility Stefan 'The Hobbit' Fox. It was from a defense splitting pass that Ben 'Weight Watchers' Shore settled the nerves with a close range rocket which the keeper could only palm into his net. Soon after Shore became provider to Nick 'Mr Calm' Bailey who from an acute angle caught the keeper napping by putting the ball through his legs.

Sutton went into half time knowing that the game was far from over and following a rousing team talk from the Disco Dancing Captain, Matt Holmes the team began the second half by upping the tempo. With the defense of Adam 'Tinky' Taylor, Michael 'Manuel' Donaghy, Holmes and Michael 'Dr Dre' Carter not giving anything away the midfield and forward line were soon able to pass and move with freedom. Man of the match and Captains Player of Season Fox continued to probe down the left playing in his seventh different position of the season. Following an interception at the back Watt was able to find his midfield counter part A. Shore who sent a sublime long ball to his brother Ben. The elder Shore cut inside his man and picked out Bailey at the top of the 'D'. With one touch to set himself Bailey then sent a bullet of a shot into the top left hand corner to earn his 40th and the teams 100th goal of the season. At 3 nil up Sutton were coasting but following a rare mistake at the back, Bourne were awarded a penalty flick, which was duly buried. Sutton picked themselves and within minutes got a fourth with Bailey completing hat-trick. Soon after Sutton were awarded their own flick, which after some serious consultation between the Shore brothers, Ben stepped up to claim his second. With only minutes to go Shore completed his own hat trick and with it the title for this spirited Sutton side. Following the exhuberent celebrations at the final whistle Captain Holmes commented 'well.... what can I say. We set out for promotion at the start of the season which we have achieved but winning the league is the icing on the cake. The youngsters in the team have improved immensely this season and worked for each other on and off the pitch. As a captain and a player it's been an honour to be part of this great team. Bring on Div 3!!!'

Report by Nick Bailey.