ALL SQUARE AT ARMTHORPE AS OLLERTONS KING SCORES AGAIN

ARMTHORPE 1 OLLERTON TOWN 1
NCEFL 1 @ CHURCH ST
23 FEBRUARY 2019 --- 3PM

ARMTHORPE V OLLERTON TOWN

Honours were even at the end of ninety minutes of football but Gavin King showed the prowess that has made him the leagues top scorer by pouncing to give the visitors the lead in the first half against the run of play before Armthorpe equalised straight after the half time break through Joshua Dodd.
Armthorpe pushed on for a winner that wouldn't come even after the visitors were reduced to ten men by the dismissal of Brandon Shaw mid-way through the second half.
After weeks away from travelling north due to the Northern Rail dispute and recent journeys to the South Midlands league proving somewhat frustrating today would see a short journey to a ground that had been on the 'to do' list for too long.  Coming from mining stock and a mining town its always interesting to visit some of the former colliery villages around Yorkshire for football or cricket and today would be no exception.

MAIN STAND BUT YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THE MAST/FLOODLIGHT IN DONT YOU

Short hop over the border to Sheffield with a change to arrive in Doncaster station, whisper it quietly but I got a seat on a XCountry service, with departure from the adjacent bus station to Armthorpe more or less immediately.  Just short of the village Doncaster Knights Rugby Union ground was starting to get busy for their fixture and on approaching the ultimate destination we passed the site of the former colliery, Markham Main.  Closed with 50 years of reserves in 1996 after 76 years of service the village did not give the impression of some of the former struggling locations around South Yorkshire after the axe fell on this proud and fruitful industry.
Departing on the busy Doncaster Road just four miles from Doncaster itself there seemed to be a selection of two shopping areas and having sampled Cooplands before wondering back in I managed a quick pastry from Greggs all in the aim of being fair to both companies you understand!

LOOK AT THEM BEAUTIES ALTHOUGH I DONT FANCY CHANGING THE BULBS

Armthorpe seemed to have moved on better than most former mining areas from the devastation of losing its main source of jobs mind you the massive Wheatsheaf pub was still proudly displaying a banner 'summer pub of the season 2013'.  Directly over the road is the Markham Main miners
memorial garden and having failed to gain entry via its locked front gates I disappeared down to the community centre which sat to the side, thankfully it was at that point the side gate, open, came into view.  The obligatory half cut pit wheel could be inspected more closely with a plaque to the 87 miners lost in the colliery during its history, including a 15 year old in its earlier years and in memory of all the men and women who had worked there.  Outside to the road side there is also a nice touch with a further sign highlighting the garden.  As an additional note the village was the birthplace of former England international Kevin Keegan not sure how many re visits he makes back to his homeland.
Having already been asked by two different car drivers where the ground was I was a aware of a small roadway just before the Morrison's and indeed was able to find the home of Armthorpe Fc fairly easily.

FIRST HALF SWAYING

The season started with a need to do some of the local grounds that had evaded me or just been put off constantly as not being fancied too much and there has been some surprises along the way with pleasant visits and todays trip to Armthorpe Fc can be added to that list a tidy ground, smart in presentation, with a collection of volunteers, alongside a programme, public address system and bar/snack bar the club seemed to have it all sorted.
Immediately on entry the business end offers up to the left the changing rooms while to the right the referees room and the secretary's office and beyond the smart bar area which was well run and was thankfully doing chip cobs and it would of course have been rude not to sample a couple during the afternoon.  The stars of the show are the old style, pit yard, type floodlights displaying non-league grandeur.  Behind the far goal is a covered terrace area but right up by the entrance is a half pitch side bench seated stand with snuggled up to its side a massive phone mast with floodlights mixed in within the structure.  The whole ground has a wide walkway and it was a pleasure to have four sides to walk around again and the overall tidiness of the place was a credit to the club with most things being in their place not strewn around the ground.

REFEREE PONTIN LOOKS TO MAKE RABBIT EAR SHADOWS ON THE FLOOR

These two have little to play for in stakes of promotion or relegation but it would be Armthorpe who got off to a dominant start and it was danger man Chris Simpkins who tested the visiting keeper Joe McCormack with two early efforts, he then turned supplier for Dodd to fire just wide. Ollerton did get an effort in Aaron Sennett-Neilson saw his shot blocked but then more or less immediately Simpkins was just off target at the other end.

CELEBRATION FOR GOAL NUMBER 28 FOR GAV KING [LEFT]

As so often happens don't take your chances and the other team do and with NCEL 1 top scorer King on show for Ollerton give him a chance from 8 yards and you have a good guess where it will end up as he notched goal number 28 for the season just after the half hour mark.
Half time brought the riposte of the day when snack bar wag approached the counter and asked "have you got any sausage rolls" when the reply came back to the negative our customer further light heartedly asked "what sort of canteen do you call this"?  Cue snack bar lady's response "a canteen without sausage rolls"!

SIMPKINS SETS OFF FOR ARMTHORPE

Reinvigorated by a half time team talk Armthopre who had seemed to have the stuffing taken out of them by the Ollerton goal came out with a new vigour and were level within two minutes with a sweet edge of the box strike from Dodd after the initial attack was cleared towards him.
Mid way through the half Shaw was a little unlucky in bringing down an Armthorpe player who ran right across the front of him 30 yards out and although you have seen referee's issue yellow here Mr Pontin selected red.

SHAW IS SHOWN THE EXIT

Lewis Price struck a post for the visitors but it was now all Armthorpe with Luke Williams becoming the conduit for all things dangerous to the Ollerton defence and when he went down under a challenge from Ben Bowring he was adamant it was a spot kick.  Referee Pontin didn't agree and he was supported by Reece Conroy who informed the Armthorpe player he should stay on his feet.  The pressure was mounting and the visitors appeared to be lucky in the closing stages when keeper McCormack came out and while going for an aerial ball absolutely flattened Armthorpe sub Darren Mansaram but again their was nothing doing in the eyes of the official and so we arrived at the final whistle with a goal and a point apiece.
A swift departure back to the dark cave that is Doncaster Bus Station with a quick change for the Northern service to steel city a further platform hop saw base station arrived in a remarkable one and a quarter hours later after departing Armthopre.  A pleasant visit on a sunny spring like day and always be ready to be surprised by your own perceptions, this is a nice little set up.

COLNEY DERBY CLASH WON BY HEATH

LONDON COLNEY 0 COLNEY HEATH 2
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS PREMIER LEAGUE @COTLANDSWICK
16 FEBRUARY 2019 --- 3PM

COLNEY HEATH CELEBRATE THEIR SECOND GOAL THROUGH DANIEL FITZGERALD [8]

Goals either side of the half time interval from Sam Doolan and Daniel Fitzgerald were enough to seal derby day victory for Colney Heath who along with a local charity who kindly received the gate receipts donated by the home side also proved to be winners on the day.
For the third week in four it was time to head off to The South Midlands League for a new ground and in determination to seek out a further insight to some of the clubs within it.  Todays journey would rely, as ever, on some sharp connections and after departing base station at 1040 changes at Leicester and Luton Airport Parkway found arrival at St Albans City just shy of 1pm.  Sadly there was no time to look around the streets and the Metroline service 84 was on route to London Colney straight away.  Within around ten minutes we crossed the North Orbital Road something that just a short goal kick away would take you to todays visitors Colney Heath.  Passing the ground to alight at the old part of the village and just short of the bustling M25 and of course the training facilities of Arsenal and Watford of the Premier League.

THE UNIQUE TELFORDS BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER COLNE

Crossing over the road bridge that spans the River Colne and departing the middle doors of the Transport for London service brought a unique feeling to this journey.  Sitting astride the water is the accommodating Bull and Green Dragon establishments sadly no time to make acquaintances for the reason for departure was to photograph the unique seven arch spanned bridge which apparently gives it a strength belied by a lack of thorough foundation.  Crossing over the footbridge to the north side of the river the coat of arms is proudly on display on the village green and a sign warning about blocking the 'ford' which is still open to cross the river should you wish, this was the old route before the bridge which now bears the name of Telford was built.

LONDON COAL TAX MARKER

Climbing back up to the road side a unique small white marker post with City of London coat of arms upon it has sadly seen better days but is part of over 200 that encircle London.  London Colney was one of the crossing points into London that from the 1860s saw a London Coal Tax payable to the London Corporation and the marker was a reminder to all transporters. 
At this point it became like a Radio 4 programme 'Ramblings with Claire Balding', something I often enjoy very early on a Saturday morning, where said presenter travels around the country and gets into conversations about interesting and obscure facts about her chosen destination.  Cometh the time cometh Ken who cautiously approached "can I ask what you are taking a photo of"?  Well of course you can, I equally cautiously, having researched my visit told him what I believed I had just snapped and Ken was happy to confirm being a local historian, village protector and promoter of all things London Colney.  It was a pleasure to discuss many things including the bridge, the posts and learn about some of the history of the area I might get Claire to give him a call he would make a good programme on the village.

GOOD SIZED STAND AT COTLANDSWICK

Sadly after fifteen minutes it was time to move as the clock was pressing towards 2pm, back along the main street and calling in at Simmons 'baking since 1838', I guess they need a day off now come on, to sample a cheese, potato and onion pasty along with a rocky road all of which was highly recommended from a smart looking establishment.
London Colney Fc had made a philanthropic gesture of donating all gate receipts and any additional raffle monies to two local charities from todays game and when the other, a local school, generously gave up their half to the other it was Breast Cancer Now Charity who gained £900 from this wonderful offer.

KEN CHARLERY [R] FORMER PETERBOROUGH BIRMINGHAM AND BARNET PLAYER NOW LONDON COLNEY MANAGER

The ground can be entered by the North Orbital Road or on foot by the leisure centre and the set up has a feel of a ground within a park that is separate and now enclosed a bit like Harpenden only more spacious. 
Having paid £7 for entry there was no programme and the offer of an online one sadly seems to be increasingly the order of the day which is a real shame its always good to take something away from a visit, it would appear an online version did not materialise for todays encounter.
A quick descriptor entering via the Leisure centre to the immediate right are the changing rooms and clubhouse facilities the latter which had a well worn feel to it.  Down the left hand touchline an impressive joined up Atcost stand with just short of 200 seats and by the top side of it a very small shelter for covered standing which was beaten by a slightly larger affair behind the far goals, although hats off there was enough foresight to place it to one side of the nets not directly behind like so many clubs.  The far touchline has behind it the entrance road and a selection of rugby union pitches the dug outs straddle the half way line and back towards the top goal a vantage point is offered by a grass banking.
Having obtained the teams early with thanks to Kim there was also time to catch up with Mathew from Radio Veralum, shortened version of Verulamium former Roman city close by to St Albans, the local community radio station who were covering the game today.

CHRIS BLUNDEN HITS THE BAR FOR COLNEY HEATH FROM THE PENALTY SPOT

To the proceedings then and the first half was a poor affair probably not aided by a bobbly pitch and indeed over the last few weeks there had been a spoiling in the quality stakes with 4g pitches to the fore. 
The first half was full of mistakes while the effort was there and this was probably backed upon 25 minutes when Dan Westmore was fouled in the box Chris Blunden struck the spot kick against the bar.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

The fear off a 0-0 was on the cards but thankfully on the stroke of half time the deadlock was broken when Doolan guided in a well placed header past Jack Metcalf in the London goal.
In fairness the second half livened up with some added feistiness to keep all observers alert.  Within a minute of the restart Spencer Clarke-Mardel saw his effort cleared off the line by the home sides Mickey Shuttlewood.  Just two minutes later though the lead was doubled and the result effectively settled when Fitzgerald saw his first shot blocked he made no mistake with the sweetest of finishes from the edge of the box with his second effort.

LONDON COLNEY HEADER SCRAPES THE BAR

It was all Colney Heath now with Blunden having his shot turned around by the home keeper before Gregg Shaw was denied by Shuttlewood with another goal line clearance.  The home side didn't seem able to muster much of a response and a few frustrations boiled over but were kept in hand by referee Nick Fuller.  In the closing minute a hat trick of goal line clearances was completed by Shuttlewood as the visitors were denied a third goal, but over the ninety minutes the Colney Heath ran out the worthy winners.
An immediate departure onto a just arriving 84 saw tight connections at St Albans, Luton Airport Parkway followed by thirty minutes of time lapse at Leicester and remarkably base station was achieved at 7.40pm.
As ever an interesting day out on the hop supported by meeting the engaging Ken in the village prior to the match come on Claire Balding ramblings around London Colney I can hear it now!

CRAWLEY GREEN DEFEATED BY FOURTH PLACE BIGGLESWADE UNITED

CRAWLEY GREEN 0 BIGGLESWADE UNITED 3
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE BRACHE
9 FEBRUARY 2019 --- 3PM

EARLY CRAWLEY GREEN V BIGGLESWADE UNITED ACTION

A brace from David Parkinson helped Biggleswade United consolidate their fourth place in the Premier League as a handful of clubs chase down top spot, Crawley Green just outside that zone started off at a fair old pace and in the opening twenty minutes should have been ahead but when the early challenge fell away it was the visitors who commanded the remainder of the game.
After a week of the wet stuff and heavy winds in the north The Brache home of Luton Town for their training and now for their second season Crawley Green came back into play following some research three weeks ago.  Just a couple of weeks back the 'dirty clarets' had been viewed at Harpenden, this blog is just a couple back if you wish to take a look, and today would be just my second encounter with The South Midlands League.

BIGGLESWADE CLEAR THROUGH JOE GAUGE WITH VAUXHALL HQ IN THE BACKGROUND

The nature of the capital bound trains from base station means that with a brief change in Leicester Luton Parkway Station can be reached in just under two hours so an 1140 departure was comfortable with seats gained on both journeys this is becoming a favourite time and journey!  Parkway sits just to the south of Luton and although I fancied a look at the town it all seemed to much of a rush and the decision was made to meander along to the ground which is a mere ten minutes walk from the station platform.  Exiting and passing the Parkway retail shopping area the slight incline brings you to the head office of Vauxhall an impressive tall building with flags flying high.  Turning into Park St and the entrance to The Brache is reached within a few hundred yards.

PARKWAY IN THE BACKGROUND AS UNITED CLEAR AGAIN FROM EARLY PRESSURE

The whole site was the former home of Vauxhall Motors FC and Luton Vauxhall and of course was the works sports site with numerous facilities and a bowling green which remains but in a derelict state.  Around three years ago the site was secured by Luton Town who now train there and thankfully Crawley Green, which by the way is a suburb of Luton, along with The Hatters worked out a deal to bring the senior non league side back into the town from their decade plus ground share at Barton Rovers.

UNIQUE STAND AT THE BRACHE WITH BAILEY HILL WATER TOWER ON THE HILL

A pleasant welcome by the lady and gentleman on the entrance allowed admission and programme to be gathered for £7, the latter is a thick booklet with some informative pieces however most is a season long wrap round but the insert contains most of the current facts you would require. 
Arriving early I was allowed to approach by the smart modern cabin changing rooms and up the narrow steps too the 3g playing surface.  Immediately to the left is a small standing cover behind the goal is uncovered with a two step terrace towards the corner is The Pavilion and The Hub the latter which would house eats and drinks ably manned by once again more pleasantry this time from
Vicky.  This operates as a self service facility a bit like going to a supermarket café you pays Vicky and collect a cup and away you go to the water boiler it all worked fairly well clearly the locals had been well trained although there was no hot food a selection of rolls was on offer, I just opted for copious amounts of healthy Mars bars.  Back outside and continuing the circuit this far side has behind the boundary caged pitches and behind the far goal excellently manicured grass pitches and once again a small step terrace backed off by a hedge.  Coming back to the entrance touchline the star is a very smart wooden stand which was well maintained behind this The Bunker for the grounds mans and we are back at the changing rooms.  Days of old are certainly revealed by the side of The Pavilion a sweeping set of steps brings you up to this higher level from the entrance road and other examples of this are around the site revealing I guess the glory days of a major company supplying recreational facilities much like The NCB in the mining days of old up north.

THE FLATS OFF STRATHMORE OFFER ANOTHER BACKDROP TO THE GAME

Some trips have you in anticipation and disappoint, some prove to be wow inducing, some you set off on with the sole idea of just visiting and some your not quite sure but it will be a game.  Todays was probably the latter but it proved for me a wow I really enjoyed the history of the site, the friendly welcome and while some countryside based grounds have interesting back drops to add to the flavour The Brache offered a selection of backdrops all around to keep the hopper entertained.  The Vauxhall offices badged up were viewable behind the Luton end goal as were the two high rise blocks of flats off Strathmore Avenue.  Behind the hub is Parkway shopping precinct, station and the airport which constantly entertains Ryanair, easyJet [happy corporate spelling] planes on a five minute basis flying directly over the pitch.  Behind the far goal the busy A1081 adds to the noise factor and then the rising streets behind the stand are topped off with Bailey Hill Water Tower aloft their highest point, so plenty to keep your attention if the action on the pitch is a little quiet.

SOME EARLY LYING DOWN ON THE CARPET

Onto the proceedings then and Biggleswade visit in fourth place a couple behind their fellow league neighbours who have no prefix or suffix and have had a successful FA Vase season, indeed the town has a ridiculous, for its size, three senior football clubs.  Crawley Green are back home and in their second season back enjoying a position just outside the top set but looking to step on with manager Chris Devane at the helm, who I must thank for his response to my match and direction enquiries on the morning of the game.
If the opening salvo was anything to go by Crawley Green would upset the second place club when Matt Clark cleared off the line from Jake Alderson, it was then the turn of United keeper Ollie Leslie to come to the fore turning away efforts from Aaron Morgan and Phil Draycott.  You had to develop the thought that the home side were going to take the lead and then quickly extend it however the chances had come and gone and slowly but surely Biggleswade got into the game and the inevitable happened on 33 minutes they took the lead with probably their first chance.  Debut keeper Daniel Gould stopped from Sam Holmes but as the ball broke free Parkinson was on hand to squeeze it home.

DAVID PARKINSON [LEFT] CELEBRATES HIS OPENING GOAL

The second period saw an increasing dominance of proceedings from United and they extended their lead on 59 minutes when Parkinson cut in on off the left and curled the ball in at the far corner with Gould probably beaten as the ball bounced fractionally in front of him as he was going down.  Crawley Green were thankful to Gould soon after when he denied Holmes and then Joe Gauge to keep it at 2-0.

EARLY CRAWLEY GREEN ACTION

With three minutes remaining then goal of the game started from the back when keeper Leslie lofted a wide ball out to Kane Farrell who skipped past the Clarets player over the half way line a one two with Parkinson saw him whip in a low cross for Holmes to despatch with confidence into the Crawley Green goal.  A sweet flowing move aided by the 3g surface and some distant defending from the home side but a lovely goal all the same.  In the final minute Gould again kept the score line down when he saved from livewire Holmes.
With a good half an hour to get back to Parkway a quick check of the scores in The Hub was the call of the day before bidding farewell to a very enjoyable visit to a friendly club situated in interesting surroundings. 
Returning the same way with a brief change in Leicester the 5.25pm soon had me back at base at just short of 7.30pm with seats gained again this had been a weirdly wonderful day on public transport, for a change.

JOSH'S AT THE DOUBLE ARE TOO MUCH FOR CAVALIERS

FC CAVALIERS 1 WOLLATON 2
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE PREMIER @ FOREST ZONE
2 FEBRUARY 2019 --- 3PM

FC CAVALIERS [GREEN] V WOLLATON


Second half goals from Josh Stevenson and Josh Lewis gave Wollaton a victory following a bit of quality from David Kolapo just before half time that had given Cavaliers an interval lead. 
Sticking to their task the visitors would take their second half chances to deny the home side any return from their slick first half skills.
After a week of hard frosts and towards the weekend a varying amount of snow was deposited erratically around the country all local games to the blog in The NCEFL and  CMFL were called off so the search for a 3g lead to a few far flung travels but after a text to FC Cavaliers manager Martin Hickey the decision was made for a re-visit.  Thanks go to Martin for his prompt response to confirm there was no problems with snow etc on their 3g pitch and around mid day the Comet was launched to a first change at Ripley and then onwards to Victoria terminus in Nottingham.  Along the way any lying snow soon disappeared and the outlying pitches at the Forest had a few games on them such was the change in conditions in the city compared to the rural areas.

MR CLOUGH MEMORIES OF THE FOREST GLORY DAYS

The club was covered last season, December 2017, so I will not go back into the history as nothing much has changed, with admission paid, sadly there was no programme, but as ever a friendly
welcome awaits and it was nice to have a brief chat with Mr Hickey.

CAVS MANAGER MARTIN HICKEY PREPARES FOR A COLD AFTERNOON

Wollaton are on the up at present with an excellent 7-1 win last weekend and under the guidance of new manager Jamie Chaplin the club are moving along nicely although they still sit below Cavaliers who always seem to have a collection of quality players to make good use of the 3g playing surface.  Thankfully Wollaton's Chairman Bill Fishwick was in attendance and it was excellent re-acquaint
myself with him, he along with his small band of helpers make his club well worth a visit too on the NSL circuit.

FIRST HALF CAVALIERS IN CONTROL

The entrance to the ground guides you along a staircase that takes you to pitch side and along the way the wall has been painted with Mr Clough and one of his famous quotes "I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business - but I was in the top one".  The proceeding ladies game had gone to penalties so having enjoyed the shoot out excitement we kicked off around seven minutes down.
The first half was devoid of too much in the chance category with Cavaliers playing some silky stuff on the carpet but at times a little bit over elaborate something I believe the 3g lulls you into, whereas on a grass pitch the ball would be in the penalty box a lot quicker.

DAVID KOLAPO [RIGHT] CELEBRATES WITH HIS TEAM MATES THE OPENER

Just before half time as the game looked to be heading to a goal less opening 45 minutes the undoubted skill of Kolapo came to the fore, back from his Newark Flowserve adventure,
he cut in off the left and fired home a sharp low shot past the Wollaton number one Donny Brown which proved just enough when referee Lewis Quayle blew for half time shortly after.

LOOK AT THE BALANCE

Wollaton came back out from their interval with a new determination and pushed back Cavaliers who seemed now to be struggling to hold any possession like they had produced in the first period.  Two goals in a ten minute period proved the home sides un-doing on 55 minutes after Cav's keeper
Maison Riley had turned round a visitors effort for a corner the resultant quadrant kick was converted by Stevenson from close range.  This was no more than the front man deserved after leading an excellent line all afternoon he proved a constant handful for the home defence.  The winning goal had a touch of fortune to it when Leiws hit an edge of the box shot that Riley palmed up into the air only for the ball to fall agonisingly back over his head into the goal, but it would prove enough to secure three points.

JOSH STEVENSON GREAT CONTRIBUTION FOR WOLLATON THIS AFTERNOON

The temperature rose with ten minutes to go, on the pitch anyway, when Tom Slade was cautioned for a foul on Kolapo and with Cav's Andrew Danylyszya running into the mix he was also shown a yellow by referee Quayle.  The home side showed some late urgency and now proceeded to get the ball for more quickly into the box and went oh so close in the third minute of stoppage time when a low curling free kick off the right by Bayliegh Reid was a fraction away from Kolapo who just missed getting the decisive touch that would have probably forced a draw.

SECOND HALF APPEARANCE FOR ABDDY COLE

An entertaining game watched by a small gathering on an increasingly cold day as ever hopefully I can re-visit and maybe on a nice warm day today though it was thanks to both clubs for their efforts.
Ten minute walk back to Victoria terminus saw departure to Derby on The Red Arrow and the sporting weekend would continue in ram town with a aquamarine special out to The Clarence Wiggins Sports Centre for Derby Trailblazer v Essex Leopard in the National Basketball League.  First time this season catching up with the blazers and a sharp victory 102-93 only in the third quarter did they look in doubt when Essex took the lead after scoring heavily otherwise it was a home victory that looked a good call for most of the evening.
As the frost continued overnight and with a lack of Sunday round ball entertainment the opening game of The Rugby League Championship allowed for the weekend festival of sport to continue at The Olympic Legacy Park for Sheffield Eagles versus Swinton Lions a wonderful opening day victory for the home side 64-10, I reckon this is the first time I have seen the side win at their new home, this was a wonderful experience for the long suffering Eagles fans.  The only downside is the new ground, featured last season, has seen a decline in facilities with half of the temporary stand now taken away, no operational scoreboard, no cover to shield from the wet stuff and still a small selection of Portaloos only.  Its a real shame but although its a difficult cash flow problem for the club they had an offer induced crowd of well over a thousand in attendance today but some of the facilities on available need looking at urgently if they are to get the feel of rugby league as given at other Championship level clubs.
A weekend that offered up some entertaining spot thoroughly enjoyable games at all three venues and thankful for 3g at two and indoor at the other.