1-1 draw in in conditions that even Torville and Dean would have found challenging

So the men’s 4s welcomed Letchworth to a freezer box of a pitch which at times resembled the final scene from The Shining as a snow covered landscape was only missing a frozen Jack Nicolson to complete the landscape.

All players present and correct in plenty of time, including Zach Christodoulou who turned up early for the third week in a row! As the snow fell the game began and Shefford more than held their own during the first ten minutes with the game switching from end to end at a fair pace. Shefford though taking the lead with a well struck shot from Grant Maxted after a series of flowing passes from the Shefford young guns.
Letchworth hit back minutes later when a fluffed clearance fell right in the lap of the Letchworth striker who equalised with a tidy finish to beat Steer. The remainder of the first half was a well balanced affair with both sides causing problems for the other but neither have quite that killer finish. Debutant Tom Johanu getting stuck in with some firm tackles and Ben Stone again putting in solid performance to bolster the Shefford midfield along with Alistair Wood who worked hard on the right wing. Watching youth coach Jade Gravell offering continued support from the side-lines including the inspirational phrase ‘keep running Dan, that’ll help lose that turkey belly!’.

The second half was much the same as the first with both teams matching each other. Ryan Devlin pushed the attacks forward from defence and looked incredibly composed upon the ball with the exception of the comedy tumble that left him sprawled face down on astro looking like a toddler trying to master new shoes. James Steer marshalled his defence well as a few Letchworth attacks caused problems in the Shefford D. Lewis Barden also impressed in the final ten minutes with a solid stint at right back.

The game finishing a respectable 1-1 in conditions that even Torville and Dean would have found challenging.

The game also being James Steer's last 4s game for the foreseeable future as he embarks on his Uni career. James has been a regular player over the last few years and stuck at it through some tough times for the 4s, however the double penalty flick save at Luton last year and his performances with a back four often of the good, the bad and the ugly deserve recognition.

So another season over, thanks to all who have played for us this year. In particular to Gully and Darran France who have provided lifts, insults, shampoo , goals and a wealth of experience to a team of youngsters. Sam Giddings whose knees will one day be donated for scientific research as they just keep on going! To the countless debutants of the season, Grant Maxted, Robbie Richmond, Paul Barden, Lewis Barden, Jack Prothero, Jacques Wilden, Ed Murray-Clark, Ben Stone, Lex Jackson and Connor Haywood to name but a few.

And finally to all the senior players who helped us out when needed, to all the umpires who explained the rules to us when we didn’t have a clue what was going on, Tessa Chiswelll who ensured we were fed every week and to Steven Ashdown and Hannah Bartram who kept us ticking behind the scenes.