Old Man’s Outing – and no one noticed

A wet and miserable prospect greeted our arrival at Sutton Leisure AstroTurf for the last hurrah of 2020. Rain and strong wind might have dampened the enthusiasm of the assembled troops but St Helens WFC lads are made of stern stuff. We were joined by a couple of spectators for at least part of the game, in the end the weather proved too much unless you were deeply involved in the action of course!

The Black team (sporting their rainproof apparel) were The 3 Clarks, Dave Grazer, Gaz and Will plus Mike F, John H, Martin B, Mick M, Phil and Deggsy

Oranges and Lemons (rough, tough Northern chaps don’t need rainwear) were Andy, Martin W, Peter, Jeff, Joe, Len, Tony, Les and Chris

With the sun (sic) at their backs Black started brightly moving the ball around and causing the Colours rear-guard some disquiet. However, the relentless goal machine that is Chris Fitzpatrick soon found the target in some fashion. Having tasted ‘blood’ he quickly doubled his tally with a smart shot under Mike F. But the Blacks then enjoyed a period of success pinning the Colours defenders in their own area for much of the remaining first half. Goals by Phil 2 and Mick M levelled the contest but another goal by Chris and then Joe popped up with a Colours goal to give them a half time advantage 4-3

The interval coincided with a period of relative calm weather, the spectators stripped off to their skins to enjoy the second stanza, and what a treat they were about to witness.

Steve Pitt’s patient approach was starting to wear a little thin with the constant griping of the Blacks. The Colours took a firmer control on proceedings with Chris grabbing his 4th goal of the night. Undaunted the Blacks pressed for parity and the ever-willing Will calmly slotted a goal to raise the tension a notch. At this point Referee Pitt produced a blue card as Deggsy finally pushed his luck a little too far. 2 minutes on the side lines eased any pressure the Colours had felt and when Chris set up Tony to calmly drill home the goal his general play deserved; the game was finally up for the Blacks. So, 6-4 the final outcome, Colours (Oranges and Lemons) taking the honours on a night when walking football was the real winner.

Great play on the night and special mention to Martin B, Mick M and Phil for the Blacks. The Colours relied on the graft of Les, Andy and Jeff with new boy Len, Peter and of course the goal threat of Chris to see them home.

The seasons greetings were exchanged

All retired to the tailgate soirée at the Chairman’s vehicle, where best wishes were extended to all players and their families

We will return in 2021