After a tough loss against Marlborough, Colts 1 looked to bounce back against arch-rivals and league high-flyers Abingdon.

In a tense first half, Radley took a pummelling from the Abingdon attack, resembling the plucky Rocky desperately hanging on to the ropes against the onslaught of Apollo Creed. Many chances were created and spurned by Abingdon, but Colts 1 were determined to ‘Die Hard’, holding out for large sections of the half thanks to the heroics of the Radley defence and some solid goalkeeping by Sholto Hay (who won joint MOTM/ the ‘Top Gun’ of the game). However, Abingdon’s persistence was able to pay off and after some sloppy defending from Radley, they took the lead midway through the first half.

Despite going behind, Radley look comfortable in possession and there was an occasional glimmer of hope that the rebel alliance of Marcos, Dougie and Tony could strike back against the overpowering Galactic Abingdon Empire. Eventually one of these glimmers led to a scramble in the Abingdon box and Dougie Du Plessis, with all the swagger of Ferris Bueller, slotted away an equaliser. 1-1 at half time.

The second half started very positively with Colts 1 firmly in possession and looking as suave as the Blues Brothers, on a mission from the football gods to produce a symphony of goals. The sustained pressure from Radley lead to a wonderful freekick from Joe Hathaway, which was dispatched by Radley’s own Lethal Weapon, Toby Balding. A disallowed goal and more possession meant that Abingdon started to crack under the pressure from the Colts. Midway through the second half an excellent Mr Miyagi mind trick by Douglas Du Plessis on the Abingdon goalkeeper caused him to give up possession, which Dougie then finished superbly to give Radley a 3-1 lead. Jubilation ensued for Colts 1, as if they had just found the secret of the Lost Ark.

But alas, the Princess Bride fairytale ending was not meant to be for our brave heroes. A period of relentless attacks from the Abingdon attack (which felt like the Never-Ending Story for the Colts 1), eventually led to two well-earned goals – bringing the game to a 3-3 draw.

Lots of optimism for Radley going forward as they approach two very winnable games in the coming weeks vs Wellington and St Edwards.

MOTM: Sholto Hay and Douglas Du Plessis (6 goals in 6 games now)