A supporters view

It was a dank, cold and foggy Sunday morning when we set off from Salisbury up the A34 towards Slough. The fog was patchy all the way up but cleared as we neared "The Office" territory. We duly found or way through the cricket club and in the murk we could make out a clubhouse and astro pitch. AS the teams prepared for the match, warming up slowly, the sky cleared and the sun broke through, closely followed by a 737 from Heathrow. As the teams sheltered off the pitch while it was watered, the four lone Salisbury spectators settled themselves in for the duration. From their perch high on the veranda, basking in the sun, Newcy Brown in hand, they looked forward to the prospect of this type of thing at Salisbury. The whistle blew, and Slough surged forward, all the while being challenged and tackled by Salisbury but to no avail. Slam! One down! Our girls picked themselves up and knuckled down. Again and again they threw back the attacks and for one glorious moment actually looked on top. But then in quick succession the goals rattled in! Still Salisbury battled, calls of encouragement came from all areas of the pitch and heroic feats in front of the goals were performed time and again. Suddenly it was half time and both teams sighed mightily. The talk on the veranda was of courage, commitment, great saves and how many it goals it might have been. At the start of the second half, Salisbury began as if they had not just played their hearts out. They competed all over the park and chased and harried Slough. Slough responded with more attacks and were held at bay again and again. But slowly the inevitable came, more goals, but also more heroics and tremendous saves from defenders and goalie. At the final whistle, tired, leg-weary but still with heads held high, both teams were applauded from the field for a tremendous match of hard work, pace and end to end hockey. So, at the end of great day out for team and supporters, the result was almost immaterial. A goal for would have been nice, but it was not to be for the lack of trying. This was a game played at fast pace, with much skill, determination and teamwork from both sides and played in a fantastic spirit. Mutual respect was given by both clubs and the game was better for it!