Pippins trounced again by a cultured display by Potters

A 10am push back meant two things...
1) No GKs would be available for either team due to school commitments
2) Fion Llewellyn was never going to make the start time in order to umpire - she didn't disappoint :)

A minor admin error by Brock Miller midweek also ensured Alfie Russell arrived at Nunnery Wood instead of UOW (The initial Pitchero message requesting a 9:30am meet at Nunnery Wood for 10am start at UOW... Doh!)

But the sun was shining and the crowd of parents, armed with coffee cups descended on UOW for another Pippins v Potters battle and it was the Potters who came out strongest, pinning back the Pippins in their own half for the first 10 minutes. Pippins Left Back, Bea Morgan, was busy to the point of being consumed by the onslaught from Will Redway-Thomas, the Goodman brothers and Ava Thornley who rampaged down the centre and the right wing causing mayhem (mainly through Ava's shin-pad-testing tackles) while 'Birthday Boy' Andrew Bowkett and debutant Hal Blakeney were kept busy clearing the Pippins defensive lines.

Then, very much against the run of play, the Pippins caught the Potters napping with a quick counter attack on their right side. Their first venture into Potters territory lead to a wonderfully struck goal by Emma Baker - Potters were clearly down and out for the count. What a sucker punch ! "Game over" shouted Hadders, stupidly from his kicking back role !

There followed a period of play where the teams appeared fairy evenly matched. Pippins strong down their left while Potters played mainly down their right - with all the action on the dugout side parents were getting great value for their money. Caitlin Davis, Polly Fisher-Edwards, Bryony Gillgrass were getting a grip in midfield for Pippins and were probing away at the Potters defence. Jacob Dorman was in fine form for the Potters clearing up around the hapless Rob Goodman (also kicking back but sensibly refusing to get his feet anywhere near the ball, while badger sticks were a-swinging)

Before long Potters drew level with a goal from Will Redway-Thomas before Ava Thornley gave them the lead just a minute later with an undercut slapshot which flew past Hadders nose on it way to the net. 2-1 at half time.

Potters were then totally dominant in the second half, displaying superior passing, moving, positioning, first touch and communication. Ava Thornley scored her second, Zac Goodman and Brother Fin added goals 4 and 5 before Jack Barnes stepped up from defence to get in on the action and secure the sixth and final goal two minutes before full time. 6-1 win to Potters.

At the end of the match, Julie Fielden organised both teams far better than either manager, in getting the players to do as they were asked in order to get updated team photos. Andrew Bowkett was then encircled for a loud and occasionally in tune rendition of Happy Birthday. He was clearly underwhelmed and had absolutely no trouble in holding back all signs of emotion - a future man of steel, both at centre back and amongst his otherwise soft-centred peers.

To top off their fine win, just 3 of the Potters managed to devour an entire team-sized portion of sausage and chips in the Wheatsheaf. The Goodmans and Will Redway-Thomas tucking away helpings which would satisfy the unhealthiest of appetites ! - At one point they even threatened Tom Cosh's all time record of 10 sausages in one sitting. Fin Goodman was allegedly seen leaving the pub with 3 sausages in each pocket, on his way to watch Dad play 2nd XI.

For the Pippins it is back to the drawing board and back to some basics........and to "SET THE TONE !!!" as per Junior Head Coach Steve Williams instructions.

Well played Potters. Pippins ?....... A great effort despite the scoreline and great to see you all still smiling at the end and blaming Hadders for everything. See you for another encounter after Christmas, Potters !