The 3s Enjoy a Good Pre-Season Workout

Dear Diary,

I travelled to Reigate today (it's basically Cheam, but with more trees). Reigate is good for scenic walks, horses, and middle-managers with long commutes. They also have a hockey pitch, which I checked out.

My friend Bender brought someone along with him this week. His name is Brandi, and he's played hockey before I think. Word has it he heard of our knee-injury-recovery support group, and wanted to get involved. He also likes Fruli apparently.
I reckon he'll fit right in.

Also, Mike Brown managed to escape the England Rugby training camp to play right wing for us. He must have had a hard time dodging the blasted press on a World Cup match day, because he insisted we call him 'Chris'. He had a decent debut. Perhaps he's wasting his time with all this egg-chasing nonsense.

I would tell you, diary, about the first half, but I didn't see much of it. I think the blazing September sun burnt my retinas in the opening 35 minutes. I think we scored two goals, one from a Brandi short corner, and one from Goalman (I'm just assuming, because this is what normally happens). Sadly Blossom proved himself to be human by mis-kicking and allowing Reigate to get a goal back.

The second half brought numerous scoring chances. Reigate pulled level, but when Buchols pulled a shot wide from 10 yards out, a small part of me died inside. My Hero List used to consist of Johnny, Buchols and Blossom. Diary, now its just a piece of paper with Johnny's name on it.

We all agreed that the game had been a decent final pre-season workout, just what we needed before our 'home' game against Guildford in Cobham next week (why does Phil Lydon hate us?)

After the game we enjoyed Reigate's lovely clubhouse. There must have been a sale on tartan fabric when the re-furb plans were announced.

Personal development points:

• Try to persuade Goalman to stop running half marathons before hockey matches
• Improve diplomacy to persuade Bender to bring Brandi to more hockey matches, but leave himself at home
• Don't ever play three touch Guinness in Wimbledon

MotM: N/A
DotD: James Root. Yes, it was definitely James Root.

With James Morris, #Garyallen, Lil' Chris and the Fiddler to come back into the squad, we're looking strong for the 15/16 season.

Let's catch up again next week.