Making it more complicate was the fact that the 'junior' team started much stronger and took the lead with a great strike from the top of the circle. Cries of "Come on Grange" were heard in both desperation and glee. How was a spectator to know which team was which?
Fortunately the 6s (let's call them by their proper names from now on) got into gear and won a series of corners. Having no success with the first couple of strikes we switched to the option back to McNally. This hit a foot on the line and resulted in a flick which the skipper duly converted to level the scores.
Another corner followed shortly after and the same option ended up with Dunbar turning the ball in from the back post. We were feeling a bit more comfortable now and a goal from White before half-time gave us a feeling of superiority at half-time.
Quick question, complete this saying, "Pride comes before a…"? Yep, you got it. The 7s came back strongly in the second half and scored to make it 3-2 and all to play for.
This was pretty much the point when Foulds took off his disguise and decided he didn't mind being spotted by the 3XI captain who was umpiring. Who cares if he ends up playing in Central 1, there was a match to win!
Tom's pace and skill proved too much for the defence as he cut through them like the proverbial knife through low-fat butter substitute. Taking on players then laying off the ball led to a corner which McNally scrambled over the line to restore our two goal lead.
This was quickly followed by our fifth, which was a very unfortunate own-goal (yes Monty, it was an own-goal and you're not getting it!) and Foulds helped himself to the sixth. McNally's (first ever!) hat-trick rounded off our scoring for the day and put the game beyond doubt.
Unfortunately the 7s didn't agree with that and came right back into it, scoring two goals shortly before the end. All credit to them for their effort. Got to admit I was happy to hear the final whistle!
The was a game played in good spirit with lots of talent on display in both teams. A credit to our club.