HARPENDEN III: 1
LETCHWORTH III: 4
02.02.2008

Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s 1809 novel “Elective Affinities” is structured around an extended metaphor based on the scientific theory of the same name. The theory posits that some chemicals are naturally drawn to one another, and that in certain conditions the process is strong enough to change the form of the substances involved. Had Herr Goethe been at the Brache last Saturday morning, he would have seen this thesis proved on the hockey pitch, as Harpenden 3s came into contact with a superior Letchworth side, and had their hitherto post-Christmas winning habit drawn out of them, to be replaced by well deserved defeat.

The table topping visitors were always going to prove a difficult proposition for Pete Evans’ side, and basically posed problems from the push back, with all 10 outfield players comfortable on the ball, and moving it around at speed. Harpenden were simply not used to the requirement of defending from the front, and were soon under early pressure, from which three probably avoidable goals resulted.

Having found themselves 3-0 down in the first quarter it is to their credit that the home side didn’t fold completely and indeed began to compete on more equal terms with the visitors as they became accustomed to the speed and level of the play. James Bird and the returning Dave Munton gave excellent performances at full back in this regard, Bird in particular putting in some challenges, which if not exactly “memorable” will not be quickly forgotten by those on the receiving end. In attack Ryan “Ginola” Ely showed some neat touches, and Andy Barradell had an excellent game in midfield.

Half time came and went, and the second period turned out to be a much more closely matched affair. The visitors scored first, converting a short corner with a powerfully emphatic finish, but Harpenden came into the game more and more. Excellent work between Andy Lunn and Ely down the right produced a dangerous ball into the D, and the home side won a short corner of their own. Tom Preest’s initial strike was cleared off the line, but Ely followed up and scored with a precise shot.

Ely’s strike, while nothing more than conciliatory in terms of the result, allowed the threes to take some pride from a difficult game, secure in the knowledge that there are unlikely to be many more tougher assignments between now and the end of the season.

Finally, on a personal note I would just like to use this space to make a public apology to all those umpires whose decisions I may have questioned over the years. This newly found “humility” stems from my debut experience with the cards last Saturday, from which I can only confirm that the task it both difficult and thankless. May I apologise to Steve Piercy and his boys in relation for my nothing less than random whistling during the 5th XI’s successful tussle with Cheshunt.

Report by Tom Preest.

Team: Matt Beggs, James Bird, Neil Liles, Geoff Gould, David Munton, Pete Evans, Andy Barradell, Joe Pagan, Andy Lunn, Ryan Ely, Stuart Berry, Tom Preest

Scorers
1) Ryan Ely