So a bare 11, not literally, travelled along the gravel track to Spalding, noticing the abundance of cabbages and grey skies. Neil has to be commended for forgetting the away shirts by the front door (why is he not writing this) and taking us to the Spalding bowls club, one for the social calendar

So Ely warmed up with vigour, the line and box well rehearsed over many a season...
The Spalding line up of 22 or so, was more intimidating ..

The game started with Ely on the front foot, taking the game to Spalding.
Ely scored first with a well worked move from Reynolds to Lee and Reece slotting it neatly away.
Ely had several further chances with Reece sommersaulting a reverse stick shot and Reay missing a volley across the goal. The Ely attack of Cooper, Wesley, Reay, Lee and Laffar pressed hard for more .. it was not to be

In the last 10 mins of the first half, Ely tired and were on the defensive. Great work from large boned James, Tom and Reynolds Jnr kept out the numerous Spalding attacks. Ely had wave after wave of short corners to defend, which gave James ample time to show his enthusiasm ... sadly the umpire spotted.
The equaliser came towards the end of the first half, were Reynolds Snr in no mans land blocked the sight of keeper Dodsworth (through his monacled one eye) but a well struck shot beat him.
Half time, one a piece, a confident captain discussed opportunities, optimism abound.

The second half started with a subless Ely being heavily pressed and the rain started ...
Constant pressure inevitably resulted in Spalding taking the lead. A quick pass into the D was shot and deflected passed a set Dodsworth. From here the tempo increased and the fouls started to flow. Reay to be commended for a great check of an offensive, thats how its done lads ... Ely did respond, in a well worked goal, a solo run from Laffar pulling the defence out of position with a neat finish from Lee, 2 a piece with 5 mins to go.

The last 5 mins were cruel in the rain and Ely were defeated in the final minutes with a break away that Dodsworth saved and had the option of clearing into a floored played, he declined and paid the price.
So final score 2-3 but a well fought match where a bare 11, took on 16 and nearly ground out a result. Much to praise and on another day ...
MoM: Tom Rees
DoD: Hugh James