A fine performance to finish the summer vets' season. After a three-week delay due to England's surprising run in the football World Cup, a full quota of Clarets lined up against Puritans, a team with vast amounts of experience (including at least one former Olympian), but perhaps not as much leg speed anymore. The full quota of five players can often cause chaos, but in a miraculous change it was as smooth as a glass of Scotland's finest whisky.

Four times the Clarets took the lead, three times we were pegged back. Goals came from short corners, a penalty stroke, field play and deflections - a great all-round performance (no I can't remember who scored them all!). Celebratory beers enjoyed by all back in the clubhouse.

Special thanks to the Cheam diaspora now at other clubs - Derek Wright, Ian Sharpe, Mark Frost; and the summer invited players - Carlos, Colin and John, who strengthened the squad all summer, and to Neil for managing the team. Now to get those part-time summer players into more regular matches during the winter season...