A Day of Remembrance

As Armistice day came and went, we are remembering those who made the brave journey up to High Barnet on Monday to play the first of two games that week, away against Enfield in some cup that no one knows how we entered. 

We must pay respect to the 7 soldiers who made the grand journey, carrying their club and flag to great heights, leading by example and making a valiant effort before the match even began. They seemed to be confident however, with 2 of the youngest smashing 5 guys on the trek up the northern line. Arriving at the pool on time and seeing themselves outnumbered 2 to 1, however, set their sights back a little bit. Poppies on trunks, hands on the wall, it was time to kickoff.

The first battle was a turgid affair, with the opposition’s Captain making light work of Private Finch in the centre, and taking an early lead for the home side. One of their Lieutenants quickly doubled their lead and the small Narwhal squadron started to feel like they were in for a long night. Enfields captain continued fighting and took their 3rd casualty only 2 minutes in. It could not have started much worse. A gleam of hope however, as Corporal Demari kept winning skirmishes and offered up chances, of which the cry-on of Trooper Young capitalised and took the diminished Narwhals’ first.The tides looked as if they were turning. The first battle ended with Enfield up 3-1, only for everyone to realise that the Narwhals had a handicap - a predetermined lead of 4 meaning realistically they were winning by 2 still. A nice piece of news to combat the dismal circumstances. 

A brief scare before the second battle started, as Corporal Demari was called over by an official - it looked certain that a sanctioning was in order but the twist reveal of a pair of nail clippers coming out instead of a card was met with a large collective sigh of relief, time to head back into battle.

The second battle began similarly to the first, with Private Finch losing a skirmish to their Captain. A quick blow was dealt after with Enfield capitalising effectively. It wasn’t long however until the Narwhals kicked up the pace, with Corporal Demari winning a skirmish and a resulting penalty. Captain Shute punishing Enfield for their lack of discipline. Enfield did take another shortly after but momentum was firmly on the Narwhal side. The second battle was far less emphatic as the first as the Narwhal side began to tire, but hold on they did. Their defensive manoeuvres held out the Enfield side who were pressing but could find no holes in the Narwhal’s. Specialist Adam saved a significant amount of attacks in particular. 

The third battle was far more eventful, with blows being traded, both Captain Shute and Captain Gamble capitalising on Enfield errors kept the Narwhals advantage before one of their Privates was court-martialed removed from the premises. The Narwhals advantage was clearly frustrating the Enfield side who started making errors in attack, letting the tired Narwhal side off. The third battle ended with another Enfield attack breaking down the defence though, leaving them only 1 behind.

The Final battle was chaotic, with Enfield’s discipline being optional as they made error on error. Corporal Demair made sure he was winning his skirmishes but the Narwhals were unable to properly capitalise due to their inability to move this late on. Enfield eventually found their equaliser but it could only last for so long, Captain Shute pitting them behind as consistently as they tried to find their way through in the closing stages. With 2 minutes left and the scores tied, Enfield had one final push - winning a skirmish with Captain Shute. The defensive manoeuvres were tested thoroughly although they could not find a way through the resoluteness of the Narwhals. With 30 seconds left, Enfield made their final mistake, losing a skirmish on halfway and being punished by eventually conceding one final penalty. Captain Shute put it in and secured the win for the depleted and hurting Narwhal side. 

Final score, 10-7 to Enfield on the night, but with their 4 point advantage going into the game Narwhals went home the victors. Chips, sausages, sandwiches and more chips were in order to celebrate a hard-thought win in hostile conditions.

Despite 7 soldiers being reported as attending, statistical analysis described both Corporal Dickinson and Corporal Demari being in Lisbon in the evening - how the latter is the case we’re still unsure. Man of the Match went to Trooper Young as he put in a resolute defensive performance and started the Narwhal comeback. The key moment however was for Demari as he won the final skirmish to give the Narwhals their late lead. The only fluff that one can remember was also claimed by Demari however, as his scare after the first battle was something that will make him not only embarrassed, but hopefully invest into a manicure sometime soon. 

Battles are coming full on though for this Narwhal side in the upcoming weeks however, with plenty of reports coming out of them i am sure.

Until next time, Forza Narwhali