BBHC (H): 08 March 2008

BBHC, eh? Hmm, a bit of an iffy one, this. There's what might be termed history here, mainly involving their disobliging views on the Bulldogs' lack of ability on their official website which - with hindsight - they probably might better have kept off the internet; a free swinging forward who regarded the whistle as an optional distraction and a prone, defenceless goalkeeper as rather handy target practice; and, of course, their magician - watch him turn a single healthy collarbone into 5 unequal pieces with just one late challenge.

But they had made the effort to come all the way down, round the M25, up again and over to Sweet Fortress Teddington today, so good on them. As luck would have it, we ended up 9 against 9. The prospect of so much running around aroused mixed emotions among the assembled 'Dogs: James E didn't see the problem. And so to the first half. Buoyed by recent decent performances, we competed gamely. Having safely defended 3 short corners, we won one of our own. And unveiled our new tactic: no more whoops-yours-oh crap, they're on the break- cor, that was close. No sirree. Instead, it was hit-stop-steady-BOOM, from Ian G. With a bit too much BOOM for their defence, as that rare but satisfying sound of crisp Bulldog shot hitting backboard echoed round the ground. 1-0 'Dogs. BBHC were good, though, and produced some nice stuff of their own, but Avni's silky skills and Nigel's Bulldog spirit coped admirably. This was promising - for the 2nd week in a row, we reached half time unbreached: HALF TIME: 'Dogs 1 BBHC 0.

Now one of the best things about these particular 'Dogs is we can learn new tricks. Our tactic of taking the field in the 2nd half without our captain, Peter 'Ninefingers' [...clue to his absence, gentle reader] Taylor may have confused us, but apparently sowed even greater perplexity among our opponents. Fortunately, we had the reassuring and welcome presence of Neil A - this week's on-loan Desperado ringer - in his place. And do you know what? Before you could say "make up your minds, you recently arrived 4th XI players, are you going to join us or not?", we went and scored again. Some nice stuff down the right from Barry and James E set up Ian G for his second goal. BBHC upped the tempo, but Max (surely growing younger by the week) and James G were going great guns in midfield. By now BBHC heads were beginning to drop a bit, while the canine snouts were pointed firmly and moistly forwards. Ian G found himself alone in front of goal with only their goalkeeper to beat. Scarcely had our cries of "Jug avoidance" and their cries of "good save" been uttered before Ian buried the rebound for his hat trick. And though BBHC fought on gallantly, they could find no way through, as the GBB found time for a couple of smart stops and interceptions, followed by the usual rather imaginative and catchy stick solos played, as ever, on the goalframe (Jimmy: your wife almost certainly won't get that one, either, so bring her along to a game to see for herself). And though they had further short corners, from various spots along the goal line, from both sides of goal, we kept our kennel pristine. FINAL SCORE: Bulldogs 3 BBHC 0

A good game played by 2 committed sides. Excellent, unobtrusive umpiring from Jimmy and their bloke also helped to keep the game flowing. The final score may have flattered us a bit but we've been unflattered by final scores more than once in recent weeks, so we'll take it. Thanks again BBHC for making the long journey over and for being particularly good sports and company in the clubhouse afterwards. Much appreciated, fellers: see you next season.

Winston of the Week: A tough one: we played really well as a team - big thanks again to Neil for helping us out in the 2nd half. But a hat trick is a hat trick, so the winner (albeit by a very short snout from a sublime performance from Avni) is Ian G.