17th April 2012
Ditchling vsKeymer & Hassocks
Mowatt Cup Final
Keymer & Hassocks made their 7th Cup Final appearance in 9 years where having lost 4 of the previous 6 (mostly at the run down Hanbury Stadium) albeit it cheated against in 2 of them - expectations were low against a Ditchling side extremely full of themselves having already picked up 2 trophies
Derek Budgen the excellent allocated referee unfortunately had to pull out through injury but his replacement fared little better as he mysteriously pulled up to be replaced by a chap called Rupert
As to the action D looked well up for it although K & H had the first real effort when Toby Raftery shot inches wide after a surging run.Keeper Craig Jackson was tested a couple of times after that but 0-0 at half time seemed about right
After the break Ditchling appeared the fitter side but K & H felt they would not concede until their customary bad luck kicked in and Alex Pearce made a mistake which left the stout gentleman who occupied their centre forward spot a completely open goal which even he could not miss.He then stood with his arms wide apart as if celebrating some grand achievement although perhaps he was gauging the size of the Ditchling cabinet needed for all their throphies.Hopefully the walls of their luxurious pavilion with its spacious changing rooms and own bar will be strong enough to hold it.He went on to distinguish himself by apparently generously offering advice to referee Rupert throughout the second half
K & H rallied towards the end and looked as if they might get something out of the game when the ball was mis-kicked towards the goal by a defender under pressure in the six yard area -had it been at the other end it would surely have gone in but the K & H luck ensured it went straight to the keeper
Overall K & H felt it was a poor game with attacking options limited,particularly for them as Robiie Kift who had a great first half of the season was clearly not fit and a shadow of his former self.Gregor Ross out through injury tried hard to get fit but had to admit defeat the day before whilst club captain Ben Watson was similarly sidelined
Just to rub it in as usual the MOM award did not go to K & H although Alex Pearce was for us the outstanding candidate.Their number 4 who got it had a very easy game against the out of sorts Kift whilst Alex hadmuch more pressure to deal with.Maybe he got the award because he was good at shouting loudly--a lot
Hopefully the all conquering Ditchling will apply to jump the Leagues next season to give more ordinary sides a chance of a trophy
