Men's 3rd XI vs Richmond Griffin - A Preseason Triumph

Date: 14th September 

Venue: Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground

On a day when the weather was almost as pleasant as the hockey, Barnes 3XI dazzled on the prime pitch at Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground, delivering a commanding 6-1 defeat to the Richmond Griffins. The picturesque setting, enjoyed after watching Richmond 1XI perform with panache on the same turf, served as a stark contrast to the plight of the Barnes 2XI who toiled away on the less glamorous pitch across the way.

Barnes 3XI had a slightly different look and feel this week. Between the posts, Will Terry took on his second game of the day with unwavering determination. The defensive trio—affectionately dubbed the "oldest backline in hockey history"—included Sméagol, Coxy, and Cubbs. They were joined by the fresh-faced Calvin Berry, making his debut, bringing a touch of youthful exuberance to the otherwise venerable defense.

In midfield, debutants Ian and Josh stepped up, with Josh sporting Harvey Terry’s spare number 26 shirt. Ian’s contribution was momentarily interrupted by a minor finger injury, but rest assured, it’s nothing that a week of recovery won’t fix - and his goal wasn't bad either.

Up front, the attacking trio of Ben Hughes, Nicolas Rubin (aka Rubes), and the returning Tyrone Pugh were a force to be reckoned with. They were ably supported by Paul Roddam and the promising young Alec Whitty, also making his first appearance for the team. The forwards clicked early, and the scoreboard quickly lit up with goals from Alex, Rubes, and Ian.

Barnes were not just good—they were fantastically compact and meticulously organized. The midfield's discipline and the forward line’s cunning left the Griffins chasing shadows, as the home side exploited every gap with clinical precision. By halftime, Barnes had secured a comfortable 3-0 lead, and by the final whistle, the score had swelled to a tennis-score-esque 6-1.

The post-match scene was less glamorous. The Richmond bar, with its eerily empty nightclub ambiance and eye-watering drink prices, felt more like an after-hours scene than a sports club hangout. And, to top it off, the showers were cold. Disaster.

Despite the impressive scoreline, the match was more about honing skills, passing accuracy, and fitness rather than ruthless victory. The team embraced the preseason ethos of enjoyment and camaraderie with enthusiasm. All in all, it was a successful outing for Barnes 3XI. They played with skill, spirit, and a touch of class—qualities that will surely serve them well as the season progresses.