M1s join the promotion party!

Cheam M1s travelled to Surbiton to once again take on their "Academy" side, just a couple of weeks after enduring a 7-2 loss against them to bring to an end a 6 month unbeaten run.

This game was all set to be a spicy affair on the water-based turf, as a win for either team would have meant they became Division champions. It was spicier still after the controversies of the "Academy" player selections from the previous encounter. Surbiton turned out with a completely different side - not surprising, as their higher teams all had games this time, so there was less scope to bring in their ringers. Nevertheless, one or two of them still kindly stepped in to help their side in their quest for the Division title.

Special mention at this stage must go to William Lindsay for taking an unorthodox approach to pre-match hydration, after getting watercannoned at point blank range by the pitch watering jets. It was a beautiful moment, not least because a number of his Cheammates had seen how close he was to the jets while stretching, but had taken the collective (and, in hindsight, wonderful) decision to keep schtum.

The match itself was non-stop action, with Surbiton having the best of the first half, and Cheam being on top for the second. This was a much tighter game and great hockey was played all round. Both goals were scored in the first half, both from penalty corners, both showing why these two sides are battling at the top of the table.

The 1-1 draw was extremely hard earned. But the point was crucial - it confirmed Cheam Men's 1st XI's promotion to the top Division in Surrey next season! A win in their final game against Purley Walcountians on 11th April will mean that they also win the Division Championship. The 1s' objective - promotion - has been secured, the hunt for the crowning glory of the Chamionship is now on!

MASSIVE THANKS must go to the immense Cheam support who turned out for the game, cheered and heckled as appropriate. It says a lot for our club that we took over Surbiton HC for the day, making it like a home game for the 1s by filling the stands and taking over the clubhouse after. True Cheam spirit!

Player ratings below -

Andrew Oldale - 10/10 - immense effort from Stumples in goal, making tremendous saves when called upon to get some vengeance. Could do nothing for the Surbiton goal.

Richard Eggleton - 10/10 - Playing at left back, Mad Dog dominated his opponent and showed some uncharacteristic attacking flair. If our shorts had pockets, he had his man in his.

Koen Overeynder - 9/10 - Commanding performance from our Dutchie, intercepting balls galore, reading the play and not giving the oppo a sniff. 1 point deducted for his 'Mareials' which certainly kept us on our toes. In a new first, remained on the pitch for 70 minutes.

Rob Gopinath - 9/10 - An awesome performance from Bollywood at the back, superb marshalling of the defensive unit. 1 point deducted for conceding a shortie with 25 seconds of the game to play. Otherwise flawless.

William Lindsay - 11/10 - Possibly our roving right back's best performance this season. Fearlessly charged down so many short corners it was unbelieveable, making the "Academy" drag flicking ringer look distinctly schoolboy. Includes an awesome chargedown to bail out Bollywood with the last corner defence of the game. Stunning playmaking skills on the ball meant he easily won the prestigious Man of the Match award. Would have been awarded 12/10, but deducted 1 point for wearing the wrong playing socks for our biggest game so far, thus ruining the team photo.

Simon Higgins - 10/10 - Huge performance from the skipper, played with his heart on his sleeve and marshalled Surbiton's most dangerous player into obscurity. Bossed the midfield and, along with Shags and Hans, ensured the midfield was a Cheam owned one. Brought his girlfriend to the Clubhouse later and studiously ignored her for the rest of the evening.

Omar Shibli - 10/10 - Scored the goal with a now trademark dive. Contributed nothing else. Hero. Glorious facial hair was groomed perfectly for the occasion.

David Hand - 11/10 - Dominating performance at the tip of the diamond, Hans will mainly be remembered for his classic on-field sledging, which cannot be repeated here, but gets him +1 point. Claimed to have played on with an injured finger in the second half. No sympathy followed.

Will Gault - 10/10 - "He may only be a little fella, but he's got a heart as big as Texas" - a dominant performance from our youngest player, who is quickly cementing his place in the side and ensuring his brother, who goes off to Uni next year, will not be missed.

James Gault - 9/10 - Recovered from a first half "Owie" to have a great game. -1 point for going off with said "Owie" in the first place. Man up, son, man up.

Steve Shepherd - 10/10 - When it matters, the Shepwolf delivers. Strong performance in attack that ensured the Surbiton defence had no let-up and were given no quarter. Excellent provision of shower gel for post-match hygiene.

Seb Jennings - 10/10 - Tireless, hardworking, fearless. Seb clearly had a good time on Friday night and his new "loved up" status clearly translates into form on the pitch. Dragged the short that led to the goal. Really very much in love.

Tim Pearson - 10/10 - Brought his A-game, lived up to his "float like a butterfly, sting like a buttercup" reputation with a fearless display.

Andrew Muir Wood - 10/10 - Historically more of an "off-the-ball" man, the Muirhamster certainly did not disappoint, with his now customary zero goals haul. Relentless running, covered miles on the pitch to ensure Surbiton's defence could not relax for a second.