Walcountian Blues away, Friendly - 19 Sep 2009

It was bright sunny day at the Blues, great playing conditions, and with a number of other matches being played also a great atmosphere. In typical pre-season friendly form both teams were markedly below strength; Purley were missing their complete attack line (AWOL), 'keeper (honeymoon!), and captain (swollen eye from a bee sting), and the Blues were missing at least 3 key personnel and their 1st choice 'keeper.

For Purley this match saw the first appearances for Dave Copple in defence, and Dave "Gordie" Bennett, Purley's new LDO (that's coach to you and me). Naturally, being on a team with so many Daves already (and none of them actually called Dave) the first order of the day was to give the new LDO a nickname – Gordon Bennett, or Gordie for short (non UK readers might want to Google that reference).

At the start of the first quarter Purley moved the ball quickly and efficiently around the pitch, which led to a 2-0 lead. However the Blues responded leaving the first quarter at 3 a piece in what was becoming a very competitive game.

The Blues came out strong in the second quarter, forcing stand-in Purley 'keeper Riaz to make some big saves. The Blues continued to pass around the Purley defence which paid off with 4 goals, before a solo move behind goal allowed Dave Cluney to feed Dan Afoke on the crease, bringing the halt time score to 4-7.

The Blues dominated the start of the third quarter taking a lead of 4-10 lead, but the Purley team pulled together under Dave Cluney's leadership, and goals from Rob Clark and DC reduced the deficit to 7-10 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter it was down to Purley to take the game to the Blues, but despite a hard effort on the field from Purley, and goals from Bennett, Clark and Cluney it was not enough. Final score 10-15.

Despite the result, the relatively inexperienced Purley team had much to take from this encounter with the Blues, who are tipped as a serious contender for honours this season. It was a game which saw many of the less experienced players get some quality game time (and they all stepped up to the mark), allowed Dave "Gordie" Bennett to settle into the team, and brought a superb Captain like performance from DC. Special mention to Riaz from Maidstone for stepping into the pipes last minute for Purley and having a fantastic game.

Goals: Dave Cluney 4, Dave "Gordie" Bennett 3, Rob Clark 2, Dan Afoke 1
Ref: Blues x2

Photos by Steve Cluney.