After last week’s disappointing result, Oundle returned to home astro to face mid table Warwick 3s.

The big name players such as strong and stable Peter Allett, old Dan Phillips, schoffel model George Martin and Vice Captain Adrian Millan returned to the line up deciding that they did want to play today.

Special mention to Pete Ellis and Tim for umpiring today, mainly because it was raining and Ellis said he enjoyed reading the match reports.

Another special mention to Allan Simpson who was drafted in last minute to replace Tristan Ashby who thinking he’s still captain, decided that he’d rather be in Dublin drinking Guinness.

Oundle started with pushback and immediately went on the attack, barely a minute had gone before Oundle won their first short corner. An injection to castle no 1, a no nonsense straight strike from the returning George Martin found the backboard and Oundle were 1-0 up.

Oundle didn’t stop there, with an incredibly high press, Warwick were unable to get out of their own half. Just as the clock went into its 10th minute Oundle won their 2nd short corner. Another short, another George Martin straight strike, this one was carefully stopped on the line by maverick winger Pete ‘Willow’ Wilson. Willow then proceeded to fire the ball in off the keeper to double Oundles advantage. Putting his goal stealing in training to good use.

The 2 quick fire Oundle goals set the capacity crowd of Phil Rowbotham and Neil Salvi in absolute raptures.

Despite Oundles early dominance, Warwick were not without a threat on the counter attack. Warwick won a short corner but shot straight at Youngy.

With all of Oundle, bar Youngy firmly entrenched in the Warwick half, it was only a matter of time before Oundle scored again. Which they did, another short corner striker by George Martin, in off the keeper’s right post hitting the top of the backboard. Warwick were unhappy with the goal believing the ball to have been too high.

Meanwhile, Oundle just couldn’t believe that they’d scored 3 from 3 short corners.

Not too long after, a stroke of luck for Warwick, when against the run of play, a deflection fell kindly to their forward who was able to squeeze the ball in.

The 2nd half didn’t start well for Oundle, when Ollie Bogg received the first green card of the match I believe for a cumulative effort of back sticks. But Warwick were unable to take advantage.

With Warwick frustrations growing, one player finally said something, arguing with Ellis about a decision, after a while a green card was shown to the player who continued to make his case and the card was upgraded to a yellow.

Like Warwick, Oundle were unable to take advantage of the man extra and when it was time for the disgruntled Warwick player to return to the pitch he refused. Warwicks only sub was injured and despite the pleas from his team he did not move from the bench, leaving his team to fight on a man down.

Oundle had numerous chances through the half, Dalley unlucky not to score from a 1 on 1. Phillips now playing right back, was seeing plenty of the ball and even felt comfortable enough to pass the ball to Youngy.

The roar of Neil and Phil was deafening, a lot louder than stadiums like the Etihad and Stamford Bridge thats for sure. Neil starting ‘WE WANT 4 MORE’ but goals or half time pies no one knows.

Oundle were playing a short sharp passing game, and it was from this that Oundle made the opening for their 4th goal. Martin found his strike partner John Pickstone who was left 1 on 1 with the goalie, showing a calmness and composure that no one thought possible, Pickstone sent the keeper to the floor before flicking the ball over the sprawled keepers head.

Oundles 5th goal was added shortly after, a Warwick short corner was intercepted at the top of the D by Virgil Van Jimmy, who proceeded to run at the Warwick defence, playing a 1-2 with Martin, he ended with a tight angle to shoot from. But goal a game Dalley was in the middle looking for his customary goal. Jimmy looked at Dalley and thought ‘nah’ and shot himself adding Oundles 5th.

Credit should go to the injured Warwick player who came back on and attempted to struggle on but to no avail. Warwick were able to create a couple of chances but nothing clear cut. Youngy and the Oundle defence keeping them out.

The final whistle went for a 5-1 win for Oundle, the perfect answer after last weeks heavy defeat. Oundle remain in 5th place in the table. Next weeks penultimate game of the year sees Oundle take on Atherstone Adders 2s.

HWTL