The sun was shining on Saturday as Durham City M1s prepared to make their Yorkshire and North East Premier League Debut. This good weather was excellent news for James "Shez" Sherrington - who seems very keen on regaining his dick of the season title - by revealing that he regrips his stick every week depending on the weather conditions. The man never ceases to surprise with his weirdness.

DCHC M1s had clearly broken too many mirrors over the summer as the squad has been riddled with injuries. Veterans Mason and JB both have broken bones, Ben Baker's index digit seems to have been stuck somewhere it shouldn't have gone and is now infected - rendering his famous wang ineffective, and Stephen "Ill be able to come to every training this year and play all the matches" wasn't available. Nevertheless - a strong squad was name. International imports from Johannesburg Jared Campbell and Matt "Greasy" Grobbelaar were ready to make their Durham City debuts. Matt Dench managed to fix his car and had no concerts / weddings / cricket matches stopping him making his Durham City debut, and finally James Plyming was declared available before he leaves the North East to start filming of the live action remake of "How to Train your Dragon" set for release in 2025. It wouldn't be Plyming if he didn't sleep in though so he arrived traditionally late for the match. Most of the team talk consisted of clarification of nicknames for the teams army of Matts (27% of the team are called Matthew).

Push back. Durham started superbly in what was a high quality game of hockey. Plenty of position, Matt "Dobbo" Dobison bossing procedings from his new position in defensive midfield. Durham's early pressure was rewarded with a goal. On the 15th minute Matt "the guy writing this report" Kettley showed theirs still a bit of pace left in his ageing legs - bursting past the opposition centre back and dinking the ball over the keeper. This was definately going in - but just to make sure Tom "goal stealer" Steel banged it into the net from 1.5cm out. We were off. Leeds fought back however - showing the quality level in this league - with some decent passages of play. This forced an unbelievable save out of Durham's massive keeper Blair - using his stick tip the ball over the right hand top corner of the goal.

At some point Duncan fell over slowly and comically which this author feels compelled to mention.

Leeds did then grab a goal to level proceedings - after some good play down their right hand side. Durham remained composed however and regained the league shortly after - Dobbo fizzed a ball into the D, Kettley deflecting it goalwards - once again going in - and once again just to make sure it went in Tom Steel was on hand to score from 3cm out. 2-1.

Half time team talk - we knew Leeds would fight back - and knew we had to match this and keep our intensity high.

Durham found the second half tougher - with Leeds enjoying more of ball and Durham forced back. Tom Bulmer and Dr Will battled away at the back. Rob had eaten a full roast dinner at half time so was fueled and bustling in the middle of the park. Unfortunately Leeds pressure and territory did result in goals - 2 of them - for Leeds - and all of a sudden the match was flipped on its head Durham now trailing 3-2.

Some tactical tweaks however and Durham hit back - Matt Dobbo (Matt D1) aerialing towards Matt K, who managed to retrieve the ball, gave it to Matt G, who then gave it back to Matt K who tapped into an open goal. Matt Dench (MD2) celebrated.

The final act of heroism was Chris Hepworth clearing the ball off the line with a Tom Daley style dive - sprawled full lenth he hooked the ball away with his reverse stick - incredible scenes - an act that rightly won him man of the match. Durham battled away well and the game ended 3-3. The thousands of fans clapped both teams who had both played their part in a great game of hockey.

MoM - as above Chris Hepworth

DoD - Plyming for being late

Duncans fall, Shez #gripgate, and Dench's high pitched voice all honourable mentions