Act 1

In the early fray, Lewes found themselves a score behind ere the conflict scarce began.

’Twas the familiar foe that marred the Rooks’ onset: the vexing corner. A swift corner did weave its path unto the net’s nether. An own strike, perchance? Obscure to discern from our perch, yet ’twas another hapless commencement.

Yet, though Lewes conceded posthaste, they swiftly reclaimed their calm. Whelpdale and Lumbombo-Kalala both did press with attempts upon the keeper.

Arthur Penney was felled in the square, yet the judge of the match spied no foul, choosing rather to prolong his extensive parleys with Dulwich’s rearguards.

And anon, the finest opportunity to level the fray: a move of delight, laid square to Whelpdale within the area, yet he sent the volley skyward.

The Rooks held sway, yet their bite lacked. Dreher’s delivery skirted all within the square, Sablier compelled a save from the keeper’s boots, but the sought-after score was elusive still.

Instead, Dulwich thrust themselves yet further. A Nathan Harvey save had repelled them mere moments past, but another swift cross into the square was his downfall. Whether it passed direct from the keeper’s gauntlet or touched by Danny Mills’ crown, ’twas tangled to see, but the hosts undeservingly doubled advantaged come the intermission.

Act 2

The latter half did prove more insipid than an artisan’s flattest brew.

Whelpdale did squander a golden chance to narrow the score anon after the interlude, his unbound nod sailing high o’er the beam. After some passage of time, a bolt from a narrow quarter was easily gathered.

Yet ’twas naught akin to the dominion of the first part, and the dwellers of the home ground did muster fair opportunities themselves.

The changelings did make their mark. Pritchard brought order to the midfield’s fray; Ogunwamide brought threat upon the flank, and nigh scored with a twining strike towards the far stick; Tamplin brought his wonted vigor and dread.

But ’twas all to no avail, and amidst a series of dallying ploys by the home faction, the contest did dwindle.

Now must the Rooks find their mettle anew. A voyage to Norway’s shores lies ahead.

Cast: Harvey, Ming, Elliott, Vint, Oguntayo, Penney, Sablier, Dreher, Gondoh, Lumbombo-Kalala, Whelpdale

Understudies: Wood, Pritchard, Ogunwamide, Tamplin, Olukoga

Gentlemen of the game: Luke Dreher betwixed opponents with guile and cunning