The Vipers played Ewhurst Tigers and ran out the 3-2 losers is what was a very tight game. The report from Coach Paul was "An amazing game, a really tricky pitch but we dominated for large parts and played some great football. George was truly immense sweeping up at the back and as always kept us in the game when they had a few clear cut opportunities. Talk at half time though was was Cams shot from the halfway line? Some said it was from West Sussex but whatever it was a sweet strike and William also added it was with the outside of the boot, classy. All scrapped hard and the watching Ewhurst Tigers team will be having sleepless nights knowing we are back next week to play them."

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​The Cobras were in training taken by Simon. He reported that "​The boys had a good session looking at passing and movement off the ball."

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The mid season 2-week spring break allowed 10 hardy souls to get in a sneaky pre-Storm Denis training session. The weather held, the pitch was surprisingly good and those who weren’t in Dubai, had had travel plans disrupted or weren’t in hiding (City) were put through a session focussed on positional play from goal kicks and possession from a kick off. We ended with a 5 a side match where most of what we worked on was forgotten but we had fun.

Hope Willems shoulder is ok and Marcos eye recover although I suspect a black eye is likely. At least its a story he can tell the girls. "Well, I was on a train and this guy was being incredibly rude.... you should see the other boy...."

Enjoy the week and Vipers have a rescheduled fixture against Ewhurst and Cobras are hoping to train......

First up for the Cobras in their trophy hunt found them matched up away at the Brockham Badgers. A tricky pitch awaited both teams with several Cobras players missing through injury and illness. 

Sylvester filling in at right back after impressing the previous week and the returning Angus playing the lone striker role.

The game started at a frantic pace with it clear from the off that Brockham no '7' would be a handful with an impressive turn of pace. Twice in the first five minutes he was allowed too much room to run at the Cobras backline, and the Cobras quickly found themselves 2-0 down.  

This was the wake up call needed and the Cobras upped their game with the ever improving Dan providing some excellent link up play to relieve the pressure on the Cobras back line. A break down the right from Sam and a cross into the box found Angus unmarked and he found the far corner with an excellent finish to make it 1-2.

The game continued at a frenetic pace with the Cobras confidence growing, Ben found himself within range outside the box and finding the top corner with a lovely strike 2-2. Soon after the always dangerous Sam rifled in a third to complete a fantastic comeback 3-2 Cobras. Another lapse in the Cobras back line allowed the Badgers danger man too much time and space and he calmly made it 3-3. 

Thankfully the half time whistle came and time for the traveling supporters to catch their breaths - what a game we had on our hands. More goals were expected after the restart. 

The satnavs were working hard as the various mums and dads of the Vipers cruised - at a very early hour - into the Charlwood car park. A tough & long journey – it made the Lord of the Rings look like a stroll....but all players were present and correct as ‘Fergie’ Fielden led them into an intensive Vipers warm up. Could THIS be the day?....
 
1H: Great opening 10 minutes – Vipers playing mostly in CW half. Vipers keeping their shape and passing to each other. Sam V. playing a blinder with a vice like grip on the right back position – not only crunching tackles but great vision too in stepping in & stopping attack after attack.

CW had their first foray forward after 12 minutes but Harry J. in goal snuffed it out smoothly. Vipers turned the screw – William battling and winning in midfield, Cam striding around like a giant – cleverly putting off the opposition by falling down occasionally as he tackled...but it worked.

Harry S. buzzing brilliantly up and down the wing, Jody surging through the middle, Charlie tracking and tackling back really well but then whipping in crosses aplenty. CW grew more defensive...but they were good – last ditch tackles as we drove forward – it was compelling stuff.

In the last couple of minutes Sebby clearing it forward released Cody who then passed superbly to Jody who shot just wide again... the Vipers were on it. Halftime still 0-0 but the Vipers supporters singing hard....

The final words, however, go to the parents player of the match Sam W and coaches player Oscar.......
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