Lim, Lee, Wentink, Busser, Poot, Neuteboom, Van de Merwe (65. Pieket Weeserik), Jansma (25. Aarnoudse, 60. Flierman), Van Zadelhoff, Heerkens, Saarloos (35. Huisman)

Everyone who has ever visited Et Zwarten Kros Festival knows: sometimes you eat the mud, and sometimes the mud eats you. Yes it was one of those Saturdays, when after a week of relentless rain 22 dauntless soldiers had to go to battle through the mire of SJI.

Kick-off was at 5pm, after which we immediately saw the Dutch creating some good chances. However, the Swiss were able to create an equal amount of chances themselves and managed to get the first one of the day on the scoreboard. An unlucky goal, as the Swiss cross was deflected by Gijs' stretched leg ending up just inside our post: 0-1. A few minutes later, the second one of the match was scored. A razor sharp Dutch counter through the center of the swamp was miraculously converted by Jasper, with a 25-meter flyer into the upper left-hand corner, leaving nothing behind but mere devastation: 1-1.

An interesting match unfolded, whereby both parties created an equal amount of chances. But then, fate struck for the Dutch. Stephan, who had been tirelessly ruling the center of the midfield, injured himself in an attempt to blast one home from 20 meters and had to leave the pitch. A sad retreat and we wish him a speedy recovery. After this, our play weakened slightly and the Swiss were able to grab the upperhand in the match. Some fine saves from Tommy kept the score level for a while, but eventually he as well had to surrender to the surging Swiss pressure: 1-2. First half brought one more goal for the Swiss. HT: 1-3.

The second half showed a similar picture, in which the Swiss had the majority of possession, the majority of chances and the majority of goals. However, it would be too easy to conclude that the Dutch didn't play a role in the game anymore. Both our youngsters and veterans alike were battling for every meter of ground and it was great to see that we were able to create a significant number of chances as well. The crowning glory was a magnificent goal by Ard, founded on sheer perseverance. Full time came with a score of 2-6 on the scoreboard.

All in all it was a good game for the Dutch. Well done to the Swiss, the ref and the linesmen for keeping it a fair game. Next week the Dutch will face another strong team: SCC.