With the weather hitting the dizzy heights of double figures for the first time on a Saturday this year, M1 were able to enjoy pre-warm up Cricket in relative warmth. One can only assume this led to more challenging batting and bowling conditions than normal though based on Sheff’s exploits.

With the knowledge that a win could take Sutton into 3rd position in the league but with their University opponents only 2 points behind and 3-2 winners in the reverse fixture, a tense battle was expected and ensued in the 1st half. It was the away team that deservedly took the lead 20 minutes into the 1st half from a well taken penalty corner flick in the bottom left corner. The most notable 50-50 battle that Sutton did win in the first half by beating a University player to the ball was unfortunately marred by the fact that Goose and Sheff decided to both do it at the same time causing an almighty collision. Thankfully both players were able to crawl away mostly unscathed. There were no further goals in the first half so the away team took a fairly comfortable 1-0 lead into the break.

The half time team talk focused on how it might be a good idea to actually put into action the tactics that coach Sam had told us to do at training on Thursday. This led to the most dominant 20 minute spell of the season so far for M1 with a 5 goal blitz to leave the opponents stunned. It all began with the opening goal which began from the second half pushback, possession being retained well with nice interchanges between Murray, Goose, and Sam Day eventually releasing Miles Sonofmarget down the wing, he then performed some sumptuous skills and pulled the ball back across the goal where it was calmly lifted over the keeper by Ollie “make sure you write a match report this week because I did lots of good things” Wright to level the score at 1-1. 4 minutes later the next goal arrived with a similar feel with good ball retention leading to Miles again doing great work on the right before pulling the ball inside to Brisco who took the ball across his body and coolly slotted the ball in the bottom corner with a diving one handed reverse finish. 2-1.

Goal 3 came from an aerial into space which was well retrieved by Floyd, laid back to Goose who launched a drag flick into the D which was turned goalwards by Sam H and bobbled over the keeper’s outstretched leg and into the back of the net. 3-1.

Next up it was time for a provider to turn scorer - after a delightful robbery of possession by skipper Gutteridge on the opposition’s 23, he fed Miles who took the ball on to his reverse and launched a stunner into the top corner - legend has it the keeper is still rooted to the spot now. Miles is also hopeful that this video could replace the one that went viral v Lboro last year instead now.

Goal 5 was maybe the pick of the bunch in terms of teamwork. Transfer from Tom Day to Mags, a perfect 45 degree ball to Ollie who launched a rocket of a hit across goal and Floyd deflected the bouncing ball into the net with aplomb.

The remainder of the game was more even though Birmingham did go on to score 2 further goals including an “I can’t believe it’s not back stick” finish and another well taken penalty corner routine to leave the scoreline 5-3 at the full time whistle.

A huge effort by the team to get the win with everyone making important contributions. Player of match was closely contested with Brisco, Ollie, Miles and unpaid coach FJ all on equal votes, but with Murray casting the all important vote it was Miles against his Alma Mater who ultimately took the non-existent trophy home.

Sutton now sit 3rd on 29 points with Lboro Students on 36 and Stratford on 38 both still in the driving seat for the promotion spots with 6 games remaining. However, with a game away at leaders Stratford next Saturday for M1, a win can keep the pressure on and would maintain Sutton’s unbeaten status in 2025 with an impressive 4 wins and 2 draws to date. As always, all support greatly appreciated.