A tough defeat today in the searing heart with a scoreline that did not do justice to Ramsbury. For the first 30 minutes Bassett were completely on the back foot with Darvs missing a golden opportunity to head in after a superb cross by Zac and Ali and Adam both going close. But it was Bassett that scored with a 25 yard screamer into the top corner giving Geoff in goal no chance and then again by the centre forward for once staying onside and lobbing Geoff from 15 yards to make it 2-0. Ramsbury kept their composure and should have reduced the deficit with excellent work in midfield by Pricey and Tom and Adam and Ali up front working really hard but failing to convert against a resilient Bassett defence.

Pricey came off injured after some hefty challenges and the team adjusted well with Stoner into the middle with Tom and Adam dropping to right back and George came on to play up front. Again, Ramsbury pressed hard and were the better team, but Bassett broke away again and the speed of the front three just edged Chris and Dan to nick another goal and end the half 3-0. A real shame as had Chris won everything in the air and Dan everything on the ground with Stoner and Welsh Lee playing really well as fullbacks.

The second half needed a Ramsbury goal and although Bassett were pressed back into their half for the first 10 minutes they scored their fourth with a rare slip up at the back and by being ruthless with their finishing – something that Ramsbury can learn a lesson from as we did not convert our chances! The game was a stalemate for the next 20 minutes or so as both teams struggled in the heat and Ramsbury made two more subs with Jon coming on for Stoner and then Sean on for Zac. The combination of Jon and Sean’s ages is 109 years which is older than Gandalf the Grey and a is great advert for SAGA and walking football! Even their immense experience could not prevent Bassett scoring another two goals to make the score 6-0 and things got a bit more frustrating and heated with George picking up a booking alongside two Bassett players for trivial stuff. This was a shame as it was not that type of game and it was more a combination of the heat, fatigue and frustration and to be honest as Ramsbury played the better football and the 6-0 final score line did not reflect a very competitive game.

Man of the Match was probably Chris or Dan in defence who missed very little at the back with Darvs getting the shirt of shame for his blatant miss in the first half…..who will get to wear it even though he scuttled off after the match. You cannot escape Darvs!!!!!

A chastening experience for Ramsbury, but it is now behind us and we will be stronger for it. The team spirit is amazing, as is the friends and family support, and we have won one and lost one – lets win the next one!

Cheers

Jon