CRFC 1 v Old Tiffinians 3
5 months is a long time…..
Neil has turned in to Gandolf, Jonny A starred in peaky blinders (what a haircut that was) and we’ve recruited Dave Beasant in goal – nice trim Graham.
Joking aside, the HEADLINE NEWS is the out of shape and rather rotund Claygate Royals were marching in to Surbiton Town once again!
WE’RE BACK BOYS!
22 of us in the match day squad and we congregated on the steps before taking the sacred walk down the mud path. In true Royals style the pre-match rambling was not about tactics or formation – it was mainly seeking clarification if the bar was open post-match…….. this is what we’ve all been really waiting for….. sod the footy!
Seems Jonny H was particularly keen to sink a few before heading back to the in-laws.
Down we trot and the banter was in full flow during warm up.
The gaffer names the first starting 11 and a quick team huddle to encourage sets us on our way. We made a bright start, trying to play a bit of football – but the nerves were showing and we couldn’t quite settle in to our stride.
Can’t remember exactly when it was but a long ball was launched and it seemed to “catch the wind”, it eluded our big centre half, bounced inside the area and Graham was left stranded with a lovely lobbed finish. Nice goal Tiffs.
Staying true to good old Mikey P’s training rondo’s we were determined to play our football but unfortunately got caught out again. A quick interception from Tiffs and another tidy finish saw them 2 up.
But The Royals haven’t waited 5 months for a pasting, so we go again. A free kick is won and I’m standing over it ready to shower myself in glory. Now the early bird might get the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Big Dunc pulls rank and tells me to jog on. Thank god he did. A 25 YARD THUNDERBOLT goes riffling in to the side netting - The Royals are back in it!
We then create a couple of good openings but can’t quite get the finish. Unlucky Matt C.
Dunc rolls his ankle, Graham goes left wing and Jonny A goes in goal. Another good move sees a ball in to the area and a nice header lets Tiffs go in 3-1 to the good.
Half time lads!
We switch to the second 11 and away we go again.
JON A IS THROUGH STRAIGHT AWAY…….PENALTY REF??? IT’S GIVEN!!!
But wait, Jonny “Di Canio” shows true sporting fair play by reversing the decision – it seems one too many paella’s made him trip over his own feet. Reputation intact, The Royals play on.
Now I didn’t see much of the second half, Jonny Mac was too busy distracting me by telling me about his new hobby…. Yoga!
But what I did see was a solid display in the majority. A beautiful last ditch tackle by Ali saving a sure fire goal, some great play out wide from Elliott and solid performance from the back 3- played Gaz, Dan and Andy. We were probing but credit to Tiffs I thought they showed some good shape and kept us at bay fairly well. 2 great chances went begging for Elliott and Paul R and although we perhaps shaded the 2nd half I think overall Tiffs deserved the win.
3-1 as the final score and the elbow taps end what was an enjoyable run out.
A special mention to the debut lads. I thought Napper, Ali, Gaz, Rochey and Pascal were a credit to the shirt and did themselves proud. Played lads.
We trot up the path and drown our sorrows.
I’ve caught the short straw and ended up next to Jonny Mac again…. Bloody yoga.
A good effort lads, the confidence and fitness will come back in no time, then we’ll show what we’re really about.
The main thing is, the mighty CRFC..... ARE BACK!