Cheam 3s end up going wandering...

By Chris Blackmore

After doing the double over Wanderers last season, Cheam’s 3rd XI ended the day with an unfortunate 0-2 loss to that very same team. In a game that was scrappier than Scooby Doo’s nephew, a few lapses of judgement meant that we left Nonsuch without any points.

The performance itself was not a bad display, and the 3s can take positives from this encounter. The defence was pretty resolute at the back and managed to soak up a lot of pressure, with Wanderers constantly marauding forward like the Urughai at Helm’s Deep. Blossom managed to once again prove why he is a God amongst mortals, producing save after save that would make any grown man weep. Also special mentions should go to Taylor and Root, who at times looked like they were a better defensive team than OJ’s lawyers… However we unfortunately didn’t get off scot-free. Much like that famous battle in Middle Earth, it only takes one moment to have you defence blown wide open. Two of those left us facing an uphill struggle which we didn’t overcome.

The 3s found themselves in an awkward situation, not quite gelling as we went forward, with some players looking rustier than the lock on Joseph Fritzl’s cellar door. I’ll be the first to acknowledge that early season cobwebs can take a while to shake off, but compiling this with the fact that we are a relatively new team, the game ended with the 3s not having a single shot on-target. This was not for a lack of want, nor effort. However communication is vital, and it was made clear that we need to learn each other’s rhythm in order to capitalise on our attacking opportunities.

On to our MOM, which was shared between Root, Blossom, and Ted. All very dependable at the back, and after the exodus over the summer it was great to see Mr. Szuman back in Cheam colours.

Back to training and some hard work will kick out these minor kinks. The drive is there and the commitment is great to see. High expectations remain and I am already eagerly awaiting next weekend’s fixture against Old Georgians.
In the words of YAZZ: Hold on, because the only way is up!