| v. Old Harrovians There was an air of excitement in the air as we arrived at the ground: rumours were rife that a new kit was waiting for us. And sure enough Ed had not let us down. After 18 months of careful material selection and research into the aerodynamics of the go-faster stripes on the shorts, we ran onto the pitch looking like something out of a Persil advert, prouder than ever to pull on a Leopards' shirt. (Ed - we'll probably need another one in 2 years time so if you can start planning now.). The new kit seemed to do the trick and at times in the first half our passing was smooth and silky. Mark and Rich were keeping things tight at the back and linking well with the midfield where Ed was having a storming first half. The brothers Stevenson had a couple of near misses including one drive from Henage that shaved the bar. The Harrovians went close too, but Mike was in catlike form. Early in the second half we went 1-0 up after Ben rifled home following good work by Nick. But the lead didn't last long. I went off with a knee injury that reduced us to 10 men and while we were still reorganising the equaliser came. The defensive rock (thinking only of the Greek meaning of my name you understand) was gone and the Harrovians scored another three in 25 minutes - two pretty useful goals and a penalty following a dive that had me reaching for the artistic impression cards. But the Leopards' spirit was apparent again. Some body must have told Paddy that the left back had stolen his mobile and shrugging off his hamstring twinge he started steaming down the right wing. Henage pulled one back with a shot from the edge of the area and several other good chances were created, but unfortunately not taken. So a useful work-out against a very good team and plenty of signs that with a bit more match fitness and a few more games under our belts we could have another good season. How many washes before the kit shrinks? Guesses on a postcard... |