Rejoicing in a good win from last time, the 5s were confident going up against the 10th placed team at a cold home ground on this clear day. With only a slightly dented team due to members playing up or being unavailable, we received some help from Neil P, and an already battled Ru jumping in whenever he could. Things felt like they could go out way with the opposition playing into the waning sun. The back 4 started slightly differently with the welcome return of Dave, and Darren from a brief hiatus.

It started fairly evenly initially but there were some fast forwards and some handy midfielders from the opposition and something seemed amiss, but what was it? We'd not seem someone tomahawk like that in division 8 all season that had full use of their joints and could actually run. This led to a goal and we were 1-0 down. Luckily we had "The Lob" in play this week and we equalised although we were soon 2-1 down despite valiant play by Fergus. Early PCs were defended strongly by Ashford and no goals came that way.

Now the penny dropped. This did not seem like the same team we played up at Dartford a few months back, few faces were familiar and the average age noticeably lower.

Galvanised by some fresh legs just before half time, another lob was blocked but knocked in by Ru to equalise. Strong penalty corner defense minutes before half time maintained the 2-2 scoreline, but some desperate mêlées in the opposing D couldn't be capitalised on. Half time was full of respectful debate and a switch to a 4-5-1 formation to strengthen the midfield when attacking and give one more to drop into the gap in front of defence. We were feeling the pace and strangely elevated skill at this stage.

Everyone took their positions and there were some moments that Ashford took the initiative with strong midfield skills by newcomer Thomas and Malcolm getting us into the last quarter. Despite the ball getting into the D, feet couldn't quite get around to knock the ball into the goal. Burnt Ash then had their turn and at times what felt like an onslaught, provoked strong saves and aggressive play by Fergus kept us in the game. A 10 minute spate in the middle of the half conceded two more goals, despite Ferg bravely facing down forwards who had beaten midfield and defence alike. Another tomahawk appeared reminiscent of a 1st or 2nd team player....

Rallying around Ashford blocked, tackled, disrupted and broke, fighting to mark each player per attack and being largely successful. More PCs saw youthful bravery from Finn and Nathan running out and a close call with one ball shepherded out by a post man. An Ashford goal seemed about as forthcoming as a well loved tax strategy ; the ball played across the opposition goal and a back swing by Rooney gave us a 2nd chance but with no one on the back post, it was to no avail.

So despite our chances but ending defensively, the game finished in the dark at 4-2 and we felt short-changed. Strong performances all round and good to see young players like Tom and Sam battle hard against a stronger than previous opposition. We can take our losses but this one felt different, at least initially.