Bath away, Prem - 12 Nov 2005

It was a typically picturesque setting at the Recreation ground. The Purley Boys donned their new uniform with black armbands in respect of the late Stan Smith. After observing a moments silence the game got under way. Improved communication and movement were the team objectives, and a positive team effort was evident from the start.

Though Purley controlled most of the possession, initially their movement off the ball wasn't good, and they failed to create many clear cut scoring opportunities. Purley were always ahead but Bath battled well to leave the score 2-2 at quarter time. Progressively through the game Purley sharpened their play and showed increasing control, patience and confidence to score regular team goals. The defence remained strong despite only having 2 regular long sticks with all players helping each other through loud communication, and by half time the Purple and Gold had managed to pull out to a 7-3 lead.

In the 3rd quarter after another fine goal by Nigel Tasko, Bath desperately called for a stick check. After the Refs agreed that there were no problems with the stick the game resumed. Not that Purley minded - with only 11 men they were glad of the rest, and Purley lead 11-4 at the end of the quarter. In the last quarter Purley drew further ahead with continuing fighting spirit and pride finishing 15-4 winners.

We reduced our unforced errors and sloppy play to a minimum and shared the scoring amongst the short sticks, clearly enjoying ourselves. It was a good all round team effort, but special mention must go to Dave Cluney who had a fine game capped with 2 goals, and Dave Arnot who gave a lesson in crease play, and ended with a season high 6 goals. It was a performance that we hope Stan would have been proud of.

Scorers: Dave Arnot 6, Tim Richmond 3, Nigel Tasko 3, Dave Cluney 2, Mike Barrett 1