The Expedition

Once upon a time, Saturday to be exact, the adventurers set off from their fortress to journey through the mountains to the faraway (hockey) fields of Peebles. Through valleys and over rivers they ventured, until at last, in the bright sunlight they found a pleasant looking place to stop for a rest. But what commotion was this, just as the adventurers settled to their storytelling and festivities, their leader Catie declares that a battle is to take place, and their foes are already amassing.

The adventurers were very happy that a battle was to take place, because as luck would have it, each had packed their armour and weapon just in case such an opportunity should occur. One very brave adventurer called Rozy had brought extra armour, and declared that she would surrender herself to the final line of defence.

Weapons drawn and the battle commenced. It became apparent that this would be a very tough battle for the brave adventurers, with speedy and skilful opponents and two observers (thank you very much to the umpires!) suggesting that their weapons were not to be used against other weapons but to make contact only with the small hard ball that was being fought over.

At this point, the narrator admits that she is unsure of the order of events that followed, but that they were very exciting, and that this is to be blamed for the muddle.

At some point a short corner was awarded. More armour was donned, but a tricky deflection led to a lovely goal. At another point, a play from a long corner fought its way in and ended up in the goal. Another goal was scored when the ball crossed the line into the goal (the narrator is struggling now…) and two other goals happened in much the same way. It should be said, that very sadly for the brave adventurers, all of these events seem to happen at the goal they were battling to defend.

Suddenly, there was a very good idea, and all the adventurers stopped for a drink and sweeties. Much discussion ensued, and the adventurers all agreed that this was a little tricky, but that it was a nice day, and they had journeyed through valleys and past mountains and that perhaps they should recommence battle.

With great determination, the adventurers set out to continue their battle, and they fought and passed and dinked the ball over sticks. They went out wide and down the middle, they won some corners, they outwitted with speed and fluke. But despite this magnificent effort, twice again the ball crossed the line, and twice again it was sadly not in the adventurers favour.

Defeated but with the promise of lovely views on the way home, the adventurers left the field, and set off to plan their next expedition.

Many thanks to Stuart for umpiring.