Surrey Old Boys Hockey Club

On Sunday 9th May, the SOBS joined together with the students and other Surrey University Hockey Almuni for their annual games to take home the final silverware of the season.

Bright sunshine, beer, and a shocking hangover for most set the tone for the first match - Oldboys 2's V's Student Men 2's. 
The Oldboys 2's under the captaincy of Special fielded a strong team including some 1's players as lateness thinned the ranks.  This team secured a 1st half victory laying waste to the still drunk student opposition.  Dropping Jimbo for being too good, the Oldboys stepped out to the 2nd half and faced a more determined and sober opposition. 
The 2nd half was more balanced, with the students winning the half, but the outstanding goal difference remained in the Oldboys favour.
Oldboys 2's 6 - Students 2's 4 (unconfirmed)

The ladies game was a much more even affair, notwithstanding the shortage of old (but looking young ;-)) girls to face the students.
The old girls held the upper hand throughout the match, facing down an opposition described by Hutch as 'so much better than they used to be'.  In the end the experience and skill of the oldgirls brought them to Victory.
Oldgirls 3 - Student Ladies 1

The entry of the SOBS into the competition a couple of years ago changed the format, creating a 3 way mini tournament pitting each team against each other for a half at a time.  In light of their age, the Oldboys 1’s met the SOBS 1’s in the first game.
The game was a fast and flowing affair with end to end play.  The Oldboys where missing some of their usual retired national league players, and lacked pace.  The SOBS where frustrated by some excellent tackling, and a few unfortunate umpiring decisions.  The game ended as a draw.
SOBHC 1’s 1 – Oldboys 1

The SOBS where forced to remain on the pitch and face a determined Student 1sXI looking for victory following several years of defeat.  The game was spirited, but very balanced.  The students benefited from players normally absent from their Saturday fixtures, but had helped to take them to league victory in their BUSA fixtures.  In the end, youth and determination decided the game in the students favour, and kicked the SOBS out and into the bar.
SOBHC 1’s 2 – Student 1’s 3

The final game pitted youth against experience, or in reality old men against a confident and effective side.
The Students took the lead early, and gave the Oldboys a run around with two quick goals. Yet Oldboys replied with a couple of goals including a pinball special from Jimmer to bring themselves level.  The game was decided by a final goal, met by cheers and jeers from the student support.
Oldboys 2 – Students 1’s 3

During the presentation, Steve Russell passed the trophy to the students and congratulated them on their victory.  Steve said “The best team won, but I look forward to taking it back next year”.  Steve also thanked Gems for organising the event and promised the date for the next event will be on a bank holiday.
The usual post game drinking was strangely absent this year, perhaps Colours Ball and an Oldboys social the night before had a lot to do with it?

All students and Alumni wishing to keep in touch with the Oldboys, play with us as an oldboy or girl, or join the SOBS, can add their details to the Hockey Almuni mailing list hosted here: http://www.sobshc.co.uk/alumni

This list will broadcast the date for the event next year!