Won 4-1
Scorers: Jon Aikin (2), Leon Webster, Bert Andrews
MoM: Will Pattinson
DoD: not awarded
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
At annual roll call we had all survived the summer. Holcombe scored an early 1st goal, the ball trickling its way through the somewhat mesmerised Friars defence. However this was just the wake up call the home team needed. Effort & skill levels began to improve, not least from Leon Webster, who was ‘scouting’ amongst us. Another debutante in midfield was Jarryd Ramdunnie, a Springbok no less, so his national reputation preceeded him (in professional life he is a rugby coach); he was quite at home in both age, ability & banter.
However it was a trickle-over-the-line goal from goal guzzler Jon Boy Aikin who set off the Friars’ account (& of course his own Fridge Scoreboard). A well placed goal from Webster secured the lead but Trigger once again showed why the Friars need him!
Just before the break a slipped pass from Scribbler Hayward to Aikin saw a rebounded shot hit the back board giving a flattering half-time lead of 3-1. Jon Boy’s goals were described as “anti-skill” by our coach & thus entering the Friars lexicon.
Down to 11 & a half players with Leon off to pre match duties elsewhere & Jonesy’s Glutes (or the lack of gluten at breakfast) playing up plus a missed goal, the second half was young Will Pattinson’s, whose fitness levels in mid field & never-give-up attitude were impressive..
And then Bert Andrews in the 50th minute started on a mazy solo run from half way & just continued weaving his way to claim the last Friars goal with a silky finish. That was the final nail for Holcombe whilst solid efforts from Blackburn, Harris, Sir Geoff & Biggles ensured no goals were conceded. Thanks to Adam & Kevin for umpiring.
PS – We should not forget the passing this summer of Ken Spedding the founder of our original team, who in approx 1997 were called the Canterbury Virgins who became the Vet Bs & then to the present The Mighty Friars. Ken was a solid defender & stalwart skipper who press ganged wisely with a few of us still playing 20 years later! RIP Ken.