Old Blacks Boxing Day Challenge Team

Back from left: Paul Ramsden, Dave Wright, Peter Cranage, Alan Taylor, Billy Maxwell, Paul Upton (Manager), Craig Taylor, John Wishart
Front from left: Pat McCarthy, Phillip Woodford, Kenny Langford, Alan Upton, Frank Riley (Captain), Mark Houldsworth

Lammack Juniors Boxing Day Challenge Team

Following enforced rule changes from the Lammack Juniors contingent the game went ahead on a chilly Boxing Day morning with both sides fielding an over 35’s team - plus “special guests”!

Jonathon “Sconner” Taylor stepped in at the last minute to referee proceedings following the appointed official contracting a “mystery illness”.

As usual the game was played in the right spirit with plenty of banter, and with some choice tackles at times, no doubt due to the “fuzzy” heads from the previous days activities.

From the first whistle Blacks passed the ball around well with LJFC struggling to get hold of the ball, but as the half progressed, and confidence began to grow, the game became much more of an equal affair.

Then a slick move down the right, resulted in a cross causing some confusion in the LJFC box, and the ball fell to Houldsworth who was able to tap in from about 6 inches – 1 – 0 to the Blacks.

Traditionally larger squads are used on these annual occasions, with the excuse that “it gives lads the chance to get a game” being used. What this really means is that we need a big squad as nobody can manage a full game following all the beer and food, so this in turn leads to many changes during the game.
These changes seemed to cause Blacks more problems than LJFC, and even though Blacks did squander many second half chances, LJFC created many of their own and forced some fine saves from Taylor (A).

The half time whistle went with the score 1 – 0 to the Blacks, and drinks were taken whilst Frank Riley had his “half time fag”.

The second half began much the same with little to choose between the side Then the ball broke to Langford in the middle of the park, who then carried it all of 3 or 4 yards, then, deciding that his legs could carry him no further, he unleashed a shot from all of 30 yds which slowly but surely rolled towards the waiting LJFC keeper, who then, following his brew and a fag, bent down to collect the ball in his arms. Then DISASTER!! The ball managed to find the one and only divot on the beautifully manicured pitch, and bounced over his arms and rolled painfully over the line – 2-0 Blacks.

The game was then effectively over, and the remaining minutes were played out with the Blacks trying to retain the ball, whilst LJFC chased a conciliation goal. That was not to come and at the final whistle Blacks were 2-0 winners.

Following the game we all retired to the bar and enjoyed pie, beans and a pint whilst LJFC mulled over what could have been.

Old Blacks Chairman Alan Upton received the trophy from LJFC Chairman Nigel Dixon for yet another year – better luck next time Nig!!