CRFC Hares 7 v Old Reigatians 0

The 2nd pre season friendly was upon us – what a lovely day for it too. But perhaps too nice for Kev Warner – he was fishing about for some piz buin upon his arrival to cream the bonce – know how you feel Kev.

All the Hares met on the steps and wasted no time in heading down to the pitch. The sacred red strip was donned and The Hares got loose. The gaffer calls a quick team huddle and we welcome a couple of new faces. Now who needs the Laudrup’s, De Boer’s or Neville’s, when you can have the Hemming’s! Welcome aboard to the brothers - Nick and Chris.

Speaking of Nick, I couldn’t quite make out whether he had a couple of Coral Snakes wrapped around his shins or two of my nan’s winter scarfs – but those socks were some way to introduce yourself to a new team.

The main thing I recall from the team talk is the self-appointment of Gaz Junior as Assistant Manager. That well timed “yep” certainly caught my attention as I was drifting in to dream land listening to the gaffer (sorry gaffer!). Starting 11 is confirmed and away we go.

The Hares controlled proceeding’s from the start. Some lovely, crisp passing setting the tone early.

I think the first chance fell to Napper. Some cracking play down the left from Warner and Camp, setting Jonny A away. A pin point cross taking the defender and goalkeeper out and Napper opens up his account for the Roya…. MY GOODNESS ME! HOW HAS HE PUT THAT WIDE? Ronnie Rosenthal eat your heart out, Napper has missed a sitter.

Reigatians were out played in the early stages but still mustered a quick counter attack. A Royals game wouldn’t be complete without Jonny A having a pop at his Midfield and Defence. True to himself he gives us a rollicking for what was an early lapse in concentration.

We win a corner and G Soanes whips in an absolute peach of a ball. Eyes closed or not, a bullet header from Jonny H gives The Hares a 1-0 lead.

Keen to make up for his early miss, Napper then makes an absolute nuisance of himself. The ball falls to Ali and he unleashes a belter of a shot which is far too hot for the keeper to handle, Napper is quickest to react and wriggles clear. Chopped down by the centre half he wins us a clear penalty. I quickly check if the big man wants it (as he won it) but he gives me the green light to take it. 2-0 to the Hares.

Now our attack will get a lot of credit for this game but take nothing away from the defence. Gav, Gaz, Kev and Chris H not only giving a re-assuring defensive display but taking responsibility for building some attacks too. Played lads.

Nick and Pete come on and whilst changes may disrupt the flow at times, it did nothing of the sort for The Hares. Both players slotting seamlessly in to the game with cracking runs. Some calm & collected possession play from Pete in particular.

I can’t go in to detail for all 7 goals (mainly because it’s 7:48pm and I don’t want to miss the CL final) but important to recognise some other highlights.

Napper proves to be that constant menace to the Reigatians Centre Half’s and rightfully opens up his account for The Royals with a calm finish. Nick H also proving why he can pull off Coral Snake socks with 2 great goals. One a lovely finish in the top corner. On another day he could have grabbed himself a debut hattrick for Royals.

Speaking of which, Napper well and truly put the early miss to bed with goals 2 and 3 to complete a clinical and well deserved hattrick. Super stuff on his first start for the club. Not forgetting some cracking assists for both Jon’s.

Now on to the great debate. Thanks to Kev putting his hand up to go in goal, the gaffer gets some pitch time. He has the ball on the half way line and I kid you not, puts Jonny A through on goal with a 30 yard pass which takes out about 3 Reigatians at once! Think World Cup 2002, Brazil v England Quarter Final. Did Ronaldinho mean to lob Seaman? Did C Price pull off one of the best through balls I’ve ever seen? C Price says yes….. but unfortunately for him the other 13 of us say no. Majority rules gaffer! 

A cracking performance. Yes, The Hares are bound to come up against tougher opposition but you can only beat what’s put in front of you. Unfortunately I can’t recognise all positive contributions – but the likes of Gaz, Gareth and Ali were industrious throughout, never stopped. Some really positive link up play from the new players and to recognise it again, a really solid foundation from the defence for the midfielders and forwards to be so positive on the front foot. On to the next.

Legend has it the gaffer is still looking for the match balls…..