On a beautiful autumn day set in the spectacular grounds of Stowe school Buckingham 3’s were 2nd in the table looking for top spot.
We organised the team missing our stalwart centre back Ian O’Dell. Like any great chef checking they had all the ingredients Andy P checked what he had experience? Brian was there, Pace ? Yes - Hin was there , Youth - yes we had a couple of players not quite 50 , a full team with the Baxter garnish just in time.
As the game got underway Buckingham started strongly moving the ball across the pitch accurately and at pace. Our midfield of James, Hin an Paul ran tirelessly to closed down their options well marshalled by Andy P. The new look defence of Charlie , Drew & Alex minimised the shots on Pete’s goal, which he kept out. As the game progressed we slowly got into the game and had a few chances of the own. 0-0 half time.
The second half started more brightly moving the ball along the back and great distribution out, Charlie’s 3 iron particularly effective. With the ball in midfield we had some battering tackles from Paul, weaving runs from James and mouth watering interplay between Drew, Hin and John . More opportunities up for Paul D , Brian and Andy T. Team spirit epitomised by Dave Sutcliffe who drove an hour to be available if someone got injured! Patched by some of Deb Walker's magic tape (we all want some now), Dave couldn’t resist any longer and gave a well deserved break to also injured Drew and Charlie.
After winning a few short corners we saw an attack with the ball coming to Andy P who drilled it to Andy T with back to goal got a deft flick, 1-0.
In the last 15 the game got stretched as tired legs on both sides opened up opportunities Pete anticipating well to clear as they broke through and Alex robust as they tried their luck on the right turning defence into attack.
First win of the season - well done all.