Sports Round Up: City’s Defence Mix-up Gives Badshot Lea the Winning Goal

Published on: 19 Apr, 2021
Updated on: 20 Apr, 2021

City on the attack Photo Paul Burgman

By Julian Cooper

Over the past week or so, there is a real feeling that sports clubs are waking from their long-imposed slumber and finally starting to get competitive fixtures up and running.

Last week, we reported on Guildford City in the FA Vase and their exit to Walton, but this loss didn’t mean it was an end to their season. On Saturday at The Spectrum, City played their first game in the inaugural tournament, The Fripp Smith Trophy, against Badshot Lea.

After a couple of early chances for the home side, the opening goal that was the eventual winner was scored in the seventh minute by Badshot Lea. A mix-up in defence gave Jake Hawker the chance to lift the ball over goalkeeper Stuart Norman from outside the area and into the net.

Playing for Badshot Lea was England schoolboy international Dean Rule, who himself had a great chance to extend the lead only to be foiled by an excellent covering tackle from Guildford’s David Burton.

The remainder of the match was keenly contested with a couple of good chances falling to Guildford City’s Cyril Ocansey that he was unable to convert. But It was not City’s day and the final score was Guildford City (0) 0, Badshot Lea (1) 1.

Woodbridge Road Cricket Ground Photo Mandy Millyard

Down at Woodbridge Road Guildford Cricket Club welcomed the Surrey 2nd XI for a friendly match against Hampshire’s 2nd XI last week. W G Jacks top-scored for Surrey with 79 runs.

For the opposition, C T Steel along with T E Albert both made centuries in the game that helped Hampshire 2nd XI to win convincingly by an innings and 47 runs.

During 2020, there weren’t any games played so I’m sure both teams were glad to get a match under their belts before the start of the Second XI championships this weekend.

From April 26 till 29, Surrey Second XI play their second fixture in the Second XI Championship at Woodbridge Road against Yorkshire. Sadly, the match is not open to spectators due to pandemic restrictions. But I shall try to cover the match for the Guildford Dragon.

Wood Street Cricket Club, Toby Oaks, Backside Common Photo Julian Cooper

Amateur cricket clubs have started up again around the area, some inviting boys and girls to come down and get involved. Long ago, Wood Street Cricket Club used to play on the triangular village green, the local pub being used as the clubhouse, but since 1991 the club can be found at Toby Oaks, Backside Common.

This is tucked away on the edge of the village, a beautiful green island oasis among the trees. They have nets set up and meet there on Friday evenings, 5.30pm for a 6pm start. And they are very welcoming, particularly for boys and girls.