CRFC Hares 5 v CRFC Hounds 0

As local derbies go, this one was slightly unusual.

This was the first meeting of the two Claygate power houses but the usual animosity that can be found at similar derby games, Milan, Merseyside, North London, Reading v Oxford, was nowhere to be seen at Surbiton Town. Both teams got changed together and we even swapped tactics. Mark Emmins what our approach was going to be, we told him we were going to kick him! Apart from that, the atmosphere was very un-derby like.

One other unusual thing was our ground. Surbiton Town had obviously had a wonderful lockdown and was actually covered in grass. There were still potholes, knotweeds, lumps and bumps everywhere of course, but no sand…anywhere!

We all warmed up needing a constant in our lives, something usual, something that we can all rely on, an old normal…..Oh look, Rob Young and Garry Morgan are late…thank God!

With the equilibrium restored, the game kicked off.

Hares were the obvious favourites and settled in straight away. The midfield trio of Peter, Ali and Gareth Soanes were linking up well and passing the ball around beautifully. Chris Napper and Jon Allen were taking it in turns to come short or pull out and make a run into the channels.

The Hounds were also off to a good start though. Rob and Pascal were immense in midfield and stopping everything that the Hares could throw at them. When they were bypassed, the back three of Chris Hemmings, Andy and Dan were proving to be an unmovable force and threw themselves in the way of whatever came at them.

This set the pattern for the first half, Hares attacking in numbers and Hounds breaking the play up and trying to attack on the break. John Mac, rolling back the years at right wing back and Elliott Dix looking his usual manic self on the left, were setting up most of the Hounds play and trying to feed the ball to Gary Brooke and Serge up top. I don’t think Gary lost a battle all match and it was his persistence that caused the first opening for the Hounds. A throw on the left was worked into the box, where Serge had a pop at goal. Unfortunately for him, Mike Day had his positioning spot on and saved well.

Gary Brooke then found himself through on goal but was flagged offside. “I’m not quick enough to ever be offside” protested the big man, but this fell on deaf ears.

At the other end, the Hares were still pushing on and looking to break the deadlock, but yet more great defending, matched with some fine marshalling of the goal by Graham Buller, saw their efforts to be in vain.

Unfortunately, there were two injuries in the first half. Gav hobbled off first after pulling a muscle and Elliott also had to come off. Normally Elliott will be the one dishing out injuries, but in the spirit of the game, he decided not to go after the Hares players but to launch himself head first into the ball from close range and then threw himself onto the ground, head first! With slightly puffy eyes, and a sore bonce, Elliott was substituted.

The half was coming to a close and all was finely balanced, when in the final minute, Napper whipped in a cross from the right.  Mike B, Grizzly Adams beard and much younger eyesight, saw what was happening. Like an Eagle about to get his prey, he pounced onto the cross to steer the ball into the net from the edge of the 6 yard box. 1-0! This proved to be the last kick of the half and the two teams left the pitch in very different moods. Hares buoyant and carrying Mike B aloft on their shoulders and Hounds slightly annoyed that the only time he’d actually got near the ball, he somehow managed to mishit his shot into the net. J

Great half from both teams though and after some more substitutions and a rousing team talk, both came out for the second half…..

Still no sign of Mikey P for The Hounds in the 2nd half. The newly appointed Hounds Assistant Manager clearly happy to watch the entire game from afar on the touchline.

Anyway, back to the action.

After a rip roaring 1st half, the fans - all 2 of them - were ready for more and The Royals didn’t disappoint. Much like the previous 45 minutes, the half started off in the same pattern. Finally, The Hares did create an opening. Some lovely ball carrying by Pete sets Jonny A away. The Hares take a quick look right expecting Pinocchio Payten to have his flag raised but MY GOODNESS ME - JONNY IS ONSIDE!!! He slips a lovely ball through to Mike B and a first-time ball in to Napper makes it 2-0 with a bullet header, a lovely goal that.

This didn’t deter The Hounds and they just kept battling. Credit to C Price who was marshalling the front 2 very well – It’s probably the spriteliest we’ve ever seen the gaffer. I think it was Ian H that said me Pricey knows what Creasey’s finishing is like from 5 yards and didn’t want to risk losing another £180 match ball in the brambles 400 yards away. Who knows.

After much battling through the midfield The Hounds had a couple of opening’s. I’d say with a better run of the ball they could have had made the most of them but unfortunately the final bit of the play eluded the boys in blue.

After 70 odd minutes or so The Hares started to put the pressure on.

Napper gets put through on goal but good ol’ Jonny Mac was up to his old tricks again. “The Father of Modern Day Yogurt” seemed to cover his bit of the pitch with a nice bit of Muller Light which sent Napper slipping all over the place in search of the through ball. Letting go is the hardest asana Chris and as always, Rawlinson was quick on the scene to let his pal know it!

Not long after Napper is in the mix again. Some good play by Matty T down the right and he puts a dangerous ball in to the box. The ball is bouncing about and The Hounds try everything to clear but it’s Napper who reacts quickest and slides in the Hares 3rd. That’s 5 goals in his first 3 Royals games – a super start to his Claygate career for the big man.

Goals 4 and 5 came soon after. Gaz showing some great composure after a slight melee in The Hounds penalty area from a corner, nice finish Gaz. Then Pete capping what was a very calm, collected display with a rocket of a finish, leaving Beasant with no chance.

Now losing a half 4-0 seems to discredit The Hounds but it was nothing of the sort. Perhaps fitness played a part but the boys were a credit to each other and refused to settle for nothing less than 100% till the final whistle. Neil and Eric being fine examples in the middle of the park.

We’ve decided to name a Man of The Match. Well done to Pascal..! A great display, combining cracking distribution with some steely tackles and interceptions. Well done mate…. you get to do a bleep test at training to show everyone what you’re made of.

BLOOD. SWEAT. AND BEERS. Welcome to the inaugural Claygate Royals Vets Hares vs Hounds pre-season friendly.

For me the result is irrelevant. What a game to be a part of. Some inspiring individual commitment (not you Rob :D) shown by many of The Hounds along with some composed and collected displays by many of The Hares. Above all else, a game played in the right spirit with bundles of respect on display.

The start of the season is just around the corner and if this game is anything to go by – both Vets teams are looking to do the village proud this year.

Mike P & Mike B