It’s one thing to conquer Everest, it’s quite another to start your ascent from the bottom of the ocean.
Shinfield lined up today with only ten players, by the end they were a mishmash of walking wounded. It’s times like these that real lessons unfold about players character. It is often asked that if you were going to war, who would you like alongside you in the trenches. To a man, I would be happy to have each of these boys alongside me.
At the end Ben, Luke and Cameron almost had to be carried off the pitch, but right to the last minute they never gave up. Tyson took many blows but was outstanding, particularly in the first half, where time and time again he thwarted the opposition.
The boys went in at half time and were unfortunate to be 2-0 down after one of those handball incidents that just happen, must have been something to do with Friday night training, eh Will.
Into the second half and unfortunate error from an another solid performance from Alex gave Windsor 3-0 lead. To be fair although this was a mountain to climb the boys kept working, digging deep and defending heroically.
But as time went on and the sun shone it was only a matter of time before tired legs and limbs could give no more. Shinfield bravely sought to pull a goal back, but were twice caught on the break to have the score finish 5-0.
So far the results have certainly not gone our way, but there is much to be admired in the teams attitude and work rate, especially this week, so it all bodes well for the season.
So before we conquer Everest, we need to get our heads above the water, and start on a better footing, but we will get there.
Man of the Match – Ashmin
Reported by William Manning