UHC M6 v Old Loughtonians – 07/12/24 – Luxborough Lane – East Region, Div 7 South East (but played as friendly)

Despite the testing weather, the Men’s 6th XI made a late afternoon trip to Old Loughtonians for their final game before Christmas. Having conceded the league fixture, the game was played as a friendly to ensure that some old (and young) legs had a good run out before over-indulging over the next few weeks.

Fielding a mixture of youth and ‘experience’, this always looked like a tough game in difficult conditions, and within the first two minutes the visitors found themselves 2-0 down through a well worked opener and a fortunate “test match edge” that snuck in past the keeper. This however roused the boys in blue and gold, and some resolute defensive work from veterans Phil Banks and Michael Jones, and exceptional work from (joint) Man of the Match Alex Curley and Riley Ward on the flanks saw Upminster put up great resistance as the team worked hard to counter everything coming their way and provide an outlet to attack at every opportunity. This excellent performance meant that in the remaining 33 minutes of the first half the home side added only one more to their tally, despite multiple attempts!!

An adjustment was made at half time, and Upminster started the second period looking very much a side that weren’t going into the night quietly. Pressing attacks saw eventual Defender of the Match Michael Jones make sweeping inroads from his position, releasing Thomas Nutt and Riley Ward time after time. A goal came in good time though, when the ball was moved out wide to Nutt who moved it on to George Scott who saw the opening and set up (the other Joint) Man of the Match Ryan Davison-Pearce for the first of Upminster’s goals!!

More pressure followed from both sides, and despite the home side adding to their tally it was a well spirited and entertaining half with Davison-Pearce finding the back of the net for the second time following more good work from Jones and Scott. Despite the inclement conditions, the final score of 7-2 in favour of the hosts did not diminish the battling spirit of the visiting side, nor the good nature of the game from everyone involved. Upminster fielded a young side against some very talented opposition and gave an excellent account of themselves!!