Master II vs Wembly Downs

27 August 2011 Written by HRSC

Hamersley 0, Wembley Downs 3

Stung by conceding a 2-2 draw in the first half of the season, high-flying Wembley Downs came to Carine to bury Hamersley, not to praise them. The weather could not be a compared to a summer's day, with rough winds accompanying the winter of Hamersley's discontent. Masters 2, a bunch of ageing Lotharios, more lovely and more temperate than their opponents, won the toss, and kicked with the wind.

The teams went measure for measure for 25 minutes. The first chance fell to Hamersley, with a through ball from Mark Chamberpot finding Hamlet chasing a 50-50 with their goalkeeper, but our hero dallied just a little long, and the chance was gone. Then, alas, the cruellest cut of all! An Englishman posing as a Scot, in fine form these last weeks, rose high but the header crept in our own goal, past our giant of a goalkeeper.

Then a Hamersley corner saw the Falstaffian figure of Davy flick on to good effect, but no ultimate result. Wembley had claims for a penalty (Foul, foul! Spot, spot!) denied, but scored again just before half time, with a fine goal from their left winger cutting in. The Australian with the Scottish name was in charge, and rallied his men with such stuff as dreams are made on. Though putting Nigel up front might have been madness, yet there was method in it.

In the second half, Hamersley had a series of corners and free kicks full of sound and fury, that unfortunately came to nothing. MacDuff fell about theatrically, but might have protested too much. Pete Curran was as cunning as a locksmith at left back, and Gys was fleet of foot on the right side. The Morris Man showed dash and daring, and Charles was redoubtable and head-strong. Jas, in goal, did forget that discretion is the better part of valour, completely missing a through ball, that allowed their centre forward an open goal from a narrow angle, which he duly missed.

A few minutes later, another through ball saw Wembley redeem themselves with a deserved third goal. A late chance for Nigel from a Russ cross ball into the box, was foiled by their most excellent goalkeeper. After the game, Campbell reminded everyone that all losses are restored and sorrows end, and that our remedies oft in ourselves do lie. A win, perchance to dream.