Its raining Men*

The Weather Gods had a change of heart just prior to play commencing at this morning's Walking Football session at Ruskin Drive. For the first time in history, according to those devas of song the Weathergirls, its raining Men almost came true. But as we all know the Chairman and Treasurer paid a princely sum and in stead of the forecast deluge we played for an hour in pleasant dry conditions.

We welcomed 2 newcomers to the ranks with Bryan Clark (no relation to Grazer or Gareth) and Nigel Smith taking to the AstroTurf after completing the formalities of registration and induction. Coach Davies was missing for the first time this season so the Chairman took the warm up session to reintroduce his own brand of torture to the "gentle stretches."

There was a momentary lapse of good sense when instead of selecting 3 teams of 6, popular demand decreed we went with 2 teams of 9! So instead of time and space being in ready supply we crammed all players onto 1 pitch. In truth there was at times spells of disappointing chaos as players struggled to find the time and space to be as effective as their usual play has been. Another fine mess! The Chairman grumbled and had to edit his recoding of proceedings due to his frustration at being so tactful and democratic.

The teams for the record were:

Reds; Andy, Les, Tony, Tom, Jeff, Joe, Wayne, Steve F and Bryan

Blues; Geoff, Mick, Mike A, Phil, Steve R, Alex, Martin W, David T and Nigel

Reds were the first to exert control with the slightly better formation and communication. In contrast Blues were too often caught outnumbered in defence and not finding their colleagues in the midfield exchanges. Steve Forshaw found the net with a smart finish that Tony shortly afterwards doubled with an angled drive. Geoff had 2 shots blocked and then smartly saved, Nigel tested Wayne's recently stretched abductors with a decent effort that Wayne scrambled to clear. Phil probed throughout but couldn't find a decisive finish. Mick struck the post with one effort but it was Reds that stretched their advantage with Joe ghosting in to grab a third goal. In typical fashion there was a moment of controversy that marked the Reds fourth and final goal. Joe pounced on a through ball from Andy to scoop the ball towards the goal. Alex parried the ball but could not prevent the ball looping over his head and into the net. VAR advised Referee Fedyk that the goal should stand 4-0 to Reds and the end of the contest was nigh. Phil did grab a consolation as time ran out. 4-1 to Reds, slightly flattering but a result rarely in doubt.

The session ending with smiles all round. Well played everyone.

Its raining men* The Weathergirls, the record chosen by Homer Simpson as the finest record of all time!