Predicting Priory (sorry, I mean North West) outcomes has always been tricky, especially in the Summer. And objective 1 has usually been to turn out a full team – with objective 2 being to give everyone a well-matched and enjoyable game.
Give full credit then to Beckenham for turning out a side, when they must have been bitterly disappointed that their top 3 were unavailable for a critical relegation battle.
Knole, on the other hand were still smarting from the previous week’s drubbing at the hands of promotion and title rivals Bexley. Knole had recalled Peter from his foreign flying careers (in Dubai and Scotland) – just as they were taxiing down the runway. Super-sub Ben had sped in from Surrey duty and slightly-injured James Hall was standing by to push his poor paw to the limit if pressed.
Real-time posting of the result was in place, so the NWK website could come alive – and in the hope that the results from elsewhere came through to ease the home team’s worries.
All of the Knole players were ‘up for it’ – the news that Beckenham were light at the top did little to reduce the adrenaline flow. Apart from at 1st string, where Knole’s youngest, Pete found the burgeoning talents of Alisdair a handful early on. Pete was a little too relaxed and his idea of rallying in the first game played right into Alisdair’s hands. A slight doubt crept in for the supporters, but Pete managed to up his game sufficiently to overpower a tiring Alisdair – who nevertheless had done enough to impress those who hadn’t seen him play since the first half of the season.
Alisdair sends Pete to the front wall
Unfortunately for Beckenham and for the enjoyment of all, the rest of the Knole team were keen on winning every possible rally, even after David had brushed off Ian and Mike had slotted in the league-winning points against James.
The moment when James prepared to hit the league-winning tin against Mike. Niall looks on in awe.
James was able to rest and Pete could tick one thing off his bucket list - #2 being the result of his interview earlier - we wish him well with whichever flight path he takes.
