SHWFC members have seen or experienced most things in their time with the Club and with Walking Football in general As this year draws to a close we’ve just 2 sessions left to enjoy the fun and friendship that embodies this Club and the spirit of sportsmanship that grows stronger with each week, month and year It’s a long way since February 2015 when a small, curious band of players rolled up to see just what it was all about The Mayor of St Helens and former Everton legend Duncan McKenzie were rolled out to help the launch the game in the town We hope to mark that 10 Year Anniversary in February
Monday morning’s ritual Ruskin Sports Village session launched our latest endeavours in splendid fashion with a cast of thousands (well 40 players and numerous support staff) assembled under kinder skies than we have enjoyed for weeks We had a visit from our first Lady Member, Anita Ashcroft, who is continuing her recovery from illness We hope she can return soon, perhaps as early as February Best Wishes from all your friends at SHWFC
Pitches set up, cones laid out, a single line (that will be the day) stretched to exhaustion El Presidente warmed and stretched the group whilst Football Manager Andy Man dished out bibs with reckless abandon
The teams were processed and prepared for the fray as follows;
Pink - Enoch, McSpeed, Aldo, Phil the Cat, Haggis, Triallist and Liz
Black - Robin, Julie, Steve Honeyman, Tom Stretch, Cockney Rebel, Les Hewitt and Donal
Sky - Les Meldrew, Kirsty, Tom Derby, Roger, Lord Rainford, debutant Steve Wallis (cracking game lad) and Mika
Yellow - Chris Gilmore, Ashy, Barry Wizz, Willo, Eamon, Jeff Betty and Tomo
Purple - Phil the Moss, Little John, Jim, Michelle Monday, Glen, Sheila and Citeh Geoff
Orange - Phil the Power, Andy Man, PaulF, Harry the Hatchet, Eileen, Tony W and Snakehips
Referee, after a vigorous rub down with an old Shoot magazine, was El Presidente who wandered around in a state of confusion, no change there then!
Jeff Betty was press-ganged into playing action (what again?) joining Yellow to swell their numbers and hand them any dubious refereeing decisions they might require for the game
against Sky Andy Man acted as Referee/Enforcer for the Pink v Black game played at the far end of Ruskin’s meadowland
The opening segment of Orange v Purple was played under the watchful gaze of El Presidente The first goal was a calamitous back pass picked off by Glen to fire home 1-0 Purple ahead Some players expected a foul to be awarded for area encroachment but the Official was satisfied the ball had been tucked away before momentum carried Glen into Harry’s den Orange rallied with Eileen and Andy Man steadying the ship Phil the Power claimed an equaliser shooting home when no other options were really on for him
The game now back on an even keel with Purple creating possibly the better chances but Orange certainly in contention Harry produced a series of saves to keep his team in the contest Purple regained the lead with some good inter-passing Phil Moss left alone to fire home, after a great pass from Jim Orange failing to play simple passes when deep in their own defensive areas
But undaunted Orange found a way back to score a good team goal with PaulF squaring to Andy Man who made no mistake 2-2 The first segment ended with Purple still on top but unable to beat Harry or hit the target
El Presidente moved next to the second period of play in Pink v Black The first period had ended nil - nil Pink slightly better with their movement, but well managed by the Black rearguard Chances fell at both ends but were either blocked, well-saved or drilled wide Some excellent teamwork kept the score line blank Pink showing slightly more mobility but Black sticking to the task McSpeed finally fired Pink ahead after 11 minutes of the second period Better organisation providing the clear chance that wasn’t wasted 1-0 to Pink The game was easy to referee with players fully responsive of the recent rule changes McSpeed almost diverted a pass goalwards but was thwarted by some sharp keeping Donal fired a decent chance goalward but it lacked the accuracy to find the net Play ended with just that single McSpeed effort separating the sides
The final third was largely a repeat of the previous play, Pink slightly on top due to their team mobility, attacking and defending with greater numbers Black more dependent on individuals to carry their threat Tom Stretch, Steve Honeyman and Julie were out-numbered by Phil the Cat, McSpeed, Aldo and Enoch with Liz, Triallist and Les Hewitt plus Cockney Rebel anchoring the defences Haggis continued to provide a great outlet his improving link-up passing
The final goal was scored by Phil the Cat with 6 minutes gone 2-0 to Pink but despite having chances and 8 minutes left Black did not seem able to find a way through That was the end score with Pink prevailing Black always in the game but not as clinical as Pink
The other match with Yellow finishing 4-3 winners over Sky Mika, Lord Rainford and a debut goal for Steve Wallis, but a hat trick by Eamon and goal by Tomo secured the narrow victory
The lack of Referee for two thirds of the Orange and Purple game clearly made no difference as the 2-2 opening passage could not be further added to despite numerous chances for both sides Everyone seemed pleased at the conclusion, if only with the score in
Our Monday morning experiment with teams facing much longer game times than before has been a resounding success Gonzalo who suggested the bold step is to be applauded for his idea In truth the test was a tweak of other suggestions and we trust that whenever someone has a serious idea that could benefit our sessions they’ll mention it to any member of the Executive
After the recent cake drought, normal service was resumed with a great selection of offerings for the post match Slipper Salon sit down
There was an excellent initiative provided by Phil the Power and Citeh Geoff, with a group of 15/16 chatting openly about Prostrate Healthcare The topic is very relevant for many members, whether wittingly or not is another subject Men shouldn’t be embarrassed to request information or straightforward testing As we heard 52,000 men die in UK each year from Prostrate Cancer, it’s a very real threat to those of tender years As a Cancer survivor Citeh Geoff is proof that early intervention really does save lives!
Helpful information can be found at prostratecancer.Uk.org
We are hopeful that we can arrange a special charity event, with invited Clubs, with collections and donations to fund further research possibly in Spring next year Stayed tuned for more details
After a tricky couple of mid-weeks it was great to witness a rise in enthusiasm and numbers that marked Wednesday’s Sutton SoccerDome session 32 members turned out to ply their trade whether in cosy carpet slippers or hardy hobnail boots
The Innards, resplendent in their coloured satin smoking jackets, lined up as follows;
Blue - Andy Man, Midweek Michelle, Les H, Grav and Lord Rainford
Red - Citeh Geoff, Triallist, Spiro, Joe the Ghost and Les Meldrew
Sadly no photographs were commissioned to verify the players or the satin smoking jackets but our intrepid Cub Reporter (M’Lord’s Valet) wouldn’t mislead us surely?
The first goal took almost 30 minutes to hit the headlines with Joe the Ghost finding his range to turn the ball into the far corner of the net Red 1-0 The Blue reply was almost instant with Grav on target 1-1 Red mounted some intense pressure to hem Blue deep in their half but the break stemmed any further goals The second stanza was much more open but chances were scarce, with keepers showing great form to shut down attacking play
Red regained the lead when Citeh Geoff, looking distinctly uncomfortable in his Red shirt, fired h,e following a corner The final 10 minutes, included a great keeping display from Spiro (so much better when not running) until Grav pounced to fire in a deserved leveller Play ended with the score 2-2 both sides pushing for the victory but equally relieved to earn a share of the spoils It was fine display of Walking Football, enjoyed by all involved
The AstroTurf steppes was the perfect setting for the Outward Bounders, mild conditions cooling as the hour went by but perfect for Walk8ng Football
Two teams of six were;
Black - Cockney Rebel, Haggis, Eileen, Gonzalo, Gaz and Mark Dav
Orange - Deggs, Martin Mc, Tom Stretch, Darron, Roger and Chris 4G
The rump of players formed two teams of five to face off
Yellow - Benno, Subbuteo Dave, Chris 10P, Little John and Graham
Blue - Deano, Phil the Power, Ian Hilton, Peter T and Jim
El Presidente took charge of the Blue and Yellow, on paper a very even match up A superb ball rolled through by Deano handed Peter Teeling the chance to fire the opening goal with barely a minute on the clock gone Chris 10P wriggled some space, just enough to pick a spot in the corner of the Blue net for 1-1 A very eventful opening couple of minutes Blue were solid and organised, Yellow slightly reliant on individuals rather than the collective strength Deano took full advantage of his 3 touches to control, drive to a forward position then drive an unstoppable shot into the corner He next picked off a poor pass (schoolboy mistake yet again) to place the ball into a space left at the near post 3-1 and still just 5 minutes in to the game Blue found a fourth goal with a horrendous back pass Three mistakes, three goals conceded Normally a fourth goal coughed up would suggest that there might be a need to address the line-ups But in truth possession was fairly even, both sides were capable of posing threats to their opponents, Blue were simply more clinical and took better care of the ball when in possession Ian Hilton missed a great chance for 5-1 when in one on one with the keeper Barely a minute later he atoned for that error with Blues fifth, looking to sweep in a great cross, his attempt missed his right foot only to cannon off his left foot into the net 5-1 Peter Teeling produced a fine save to preserve the lead At this point El Presidente changed Ian Hilton and Subbuteo Dave Markland to try to even up the sides The changes didn’t materially alter the game, but did eliminate some of the suicidal lapses that had taken such a hold on the score line
The second half switch of Referees coincided with a change in fortunes in both games
Black trailed Orange albeit narrowly by 4 goals to 3 at the break The second period with Jeff Betty promoted to the Six a side game, started brightly with both sides looking to exert their game on their opponents Black levelled when Cockney Rebel poached from the dredge of the area following a free kick for a pass back 4 -4 Gaz then fired Black ahead 5-4 fortunes reversed but still plenty of time remaining Haggis picked his spot following some great passing 6-4 now Black in control Orange struggling to hang on
A feature of the match was the demonstrations of outstanding sportsmanship During a long period lacking goals both sides played some great football The final 5 minutes had an extra edge as Orange hit back, Darron found by Martin Mc 6-5 Could Orange strike again to save the game Gonzalo claimed another Black goal to push his side to 7-5 Haggis just missed a chance to extend the lead then Gonzalo hit the post Black finishing strongly Orange stormed back thanks to a Martin Mc goal 7-6 and time almost up Mark Dav hit a rebound off Tom Parr for 8-6 Seconds to go and Tom stretching every sinnue claimed a goal 8-7 And that was how it ended Terrific contest all agreed
Meanwhile Yellow completed an amazing come back, winning the second half 9-3 Chris 10P with 4, Ian 2, Graham 2 and Benno for Yellow whilst Deano 2 and Peter T for Blue
Overall Yellow 10 v Blue 8 Some game, some comeback Another great show
The talk of the Boot Room was the much anticipated Annual SHWFC members Night Out Happily the beer was in good shape, buffet ordered and plain sailing into the big show
Have a great night one and all
It’s All In The Game* - The Four Tops 1970 UK number 5 (originally recorded by Tommy Edwards in 1958) forgettable version was 1963 Cliff Richard hit UK number 2
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