From Andrew Turner. Pre-Match Port is the way to go! A Gwent Veterans XI hosted a Southampton Veterans touring team who despite giving away a couple of years to the Gwent team (svelte youngsters, to a man!) had the advantage of playing together all season. The day began commendably, with the Southampton team opening their First Aid box to produce a bottle of port and glasses all round. Callow youths that the Gwent XI are, most took to the pitch a little under the influence: two exceptions....Dave Edwards, who sat down and asked for Stilton to accompany his port and Bill Riley who had probably best stick to beer, as will be revealed. The game was an open, end-to end affair, although at a more sedate pace than most would expect from a mens match. Gwent went ahead to an early goal set up by Rich and ably finished off by John Lockington from ooh........inches from the goal line. Johns first goal in five years! Southampton quickly pulled a goal back, but the we went ahead from another unusual goal scorer: Adam Bailey taking a rest from goalkeeping duties finished off some good approach play. His first goal ever. As the game opened up, Gwent scored two further goals through Rich and Steve, with a number of other chances going begging through over-elaborate approach play or under hit passes. Southampton had further strikes including a short corner well saved by Andy and steered to safety by Alan, standing firmly on his prone keeper to ensure the clearance.....the size 9 boot-print bruise being the reason for an extra cushion below me as I write. Thanks Al. The game ended as a 4-all draw however. As alluded to earlier, Bill had a little issue with the glass(es?) of port. I dont believe he has troubled the scoreboard too often this season - and certainly not scored two (count em!) own goals. Twice Southampton pulled goals back in the second half by driving the ball goalwards and twice committed defending as he moved in front of his man, left Bill tucking the ball beautifully into the bottom corner, sadly at the wrong end. Honours even. A sporting and enjoyable game was enjoyed by all. Southampton having previously defeated both Llan & Caerphilly and Whitchurch Veterans were held in check by Gwent. Thank you to all who played, Jon Prince and Geraint York for umpiring and Jayne, Gordon Brown and Bev Medhurst for all the work in providing such excellent post-match food. Squad: A Turner, A Lewis, Richard Eaton, Paul Riley, Adam Bailey, J Lockington, S Carey, David Evans, Simon Medhurst, Nick Godwin, Rob Wilner, David Edwards, Martin Price.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:43:41 +0000
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