Sarum travelled to champions Southbrook on Saturday with 11 first team players unavailable. Sarum fielded only 2 first team regulars and made up the rest with the next generation of Sarum 16 yr olds and reserve team players but the so called second string put in a fantastic display to scare the life out of the reigning champions.
Sarum started the game in great style with terrific energy and were soon bossing the game. Young Jake Rawkins was a constant threat down the left with his pace and trickery while Josh Sanderson down the right was also causing problems. Youth should have gone in front when the excellent Dan Paddington was brought down for a certain penalty but to both sides amazement nothing was given. Marcus Giddings was also brought down but again the ref looked the other way and soon after Giddings burst thru but shot straight at the keeper. Sarum restricted the home side to only one clear chance in the first half but left winger Sam Howe who volunteered to go in goal made a great save. Sarum got to half time level but had played the better football and bossed the game much to the obvious annoyance of the home side.
Southbrook took the lead early in the second half after a strong run and finish and then soon made it two. Sarum were still in the game as Paddington fired in a shot that scraped the post and Jake Rawkins hit a great shot that just flew wide. The home side made all their changes to bring on fresh legs which sealed the game for them. Southbrook got four more late on as Sarum started to tire and the lack of experience and strength showed but the harsh scoreline cannot overshadow a great performance from a lot of players that have not played at this level.
Rawkins.... “ Apart from the scoreline I could not be happier. Every player gave their absolute all and put in a terrific performance. The first half was something I really did not expect and we should have been in front as we were much the better side against a formidable Southbrook. They eventually overpowered us but that was to be expected as we only had twelve players and a stand in keeper. The players that were away had better start looking over their shoulders.
Unfortunately on the way home one of our cars was involved in an accident at Shipton when somebody pulled out on them causing a big collision. Josh Sanderson, Russell Rees and Marcus Giddings were all taken to hospital by ambulance but were later released with minor injuries thankfully. The team and the club wish them all a speedy recovery and see them back in a Sarum shirt soon.
