Match 1:
Result: Titans 3 – 6 Indian Gymkhana Tigers
Goalscorers: Randall Hyer; Jatin Patel; Ian Jackson
Match 2:
Result: Titans 55s Cup squad 5 – 3 Witham 55s
Goalscorers: Benjamin Turner (x2); Duncan Trathen; Jatin Patel (x2)
Southgate Titans – From Delhi Belly to Bollywood Bliss
Saturday’s trip to Indian Gymkhana served up more spice than we’d bargained for. The hosts came out hotter than a vindaloo, dishing up four first-half goals before we’d even ordered the Cobras. Randall’s tidy finish gave us a glimmer of flavour, but by half-time we’d been tikka’d apart.
The interval brought some straight talking and a sprinkle of composure. The second half was steadier — we found some rhythm, tightened up, and began to look more like a team again. Jatin converted from a penalty corner and Jacko added another from open play to split the half evenly, but the damage had already been baked into the naan breads. A 6–3 loss, a bruised ego, and a clear reminder that when the pressure’s on we need to stick to our spice blend, not theirs.
Sunday’s 55s Cup tie against Witham was the perfect palate cleanser. Ben unleashed two rockets into the top right and bottom left corners, then set up Duncan who sat the keeper down and tucked the ball home from the penalty spot.
Witham clawed one back via a penalty flick that slipped neatly through the space Bob had just vacated as he dived right — but that was as close as they got. After the break, Jatin helped himself to two more, one from open play and one a sweetly struck penalty corner, sealing a 5–3 win and safe passage to Round Two.
So: Saturday, we got curried. Sunday, we turned up the tandoor. Next week brings a top-of-the-table clash with the louts of Old Loughts — a chance to turn up the heat again.