‘Well they look like the same players’, mused Quarry’s ever-puzzled management, collective brows wrinkled as a pickled granny. Not known for their thinkage they are still staring slack-jawed at the squad photo trying to understand what happened.

The first seven upended last weeks outstanding performance of passing and team work at Harwell, to lose 1 – 5 against a very well organised and hungry Abingdon. Abingdon’s star was the impressive Addison with a classy hat-trick. But Quarry lost their shape faster than discount knitwear in the rain, and had it not been for captain consistency Joseph, and the great keeping of Isaac and Milton, Abingdon would have had a party. Quarry always had the ability to score. A trademark thunderbolt free kick from Alex gave the end-man on the wall a fresh side-parting as it scorched goalwards. Fox in the box Jacob got the final touch, as all good strikers should. But chances were too few as move after move died out for want of a pass.

Jo-Dee and Tobi both showed their usual determination and quality on the right, and were good on the ball, as were Isaac and Milton when out on pitch. Man for man the players on each side matched up equally, but Abingdon’s organised defence and swift passing made the difference. ‘Last week that’s what they said about Quarry’, reminisced the managers, over their post match cocoa and tears.

The second game was a breath of fresh air. The passing, skill and commitment from both sides was a joy, and will serve both teams well in years to come. Abingdon edged a flowing first half and went in one up, but outstanding individual goals from Oliver and then Burhan gave Quarry the win. Oliver caught the eye with powerful dribbling. Justin marked his seasons debut with a solid display. Adam was as dynamic as ever, providing the team with powerful running and resolve in defence. George plays football as it was intended – with a big smile and boundless energy. Edward, another dynamo came close to breaking away and scoring several times. Azlan was involved in some great passing and used his wrists of steel to keep out several good Abingdon shots. But the star of the day for Quarry was surely Kane. Like Andrex he is strong and very long. And he cleans up messes at the back. Unlike Andrex he is getting very skillful, more involved every match and not made of paper. And some of his clearances are a danger to birds and planes.

So the question remains – which Quarry teams will turn up next week, and who keeps asking all these kids here anyway.