RCdeB
RCdeB and the CS 11 teams photo
At 16:15 we boarded our buses for what must have been a 10 minute journey as, with traffic we still walked through the "ENTRY ONLY FOR ATHLETES & OFFICIALS" at the SSA football stadium at 17:00.
Half way through changing, the lights all went out but soon we emerged blinking to find they had switched on the floodlights and were playing our tune. Of course we immediately "sprinted" onto the pitch to warm up with a bit of dancing. The rumours of a grass pitch turned out to be unfounded and we were presented with yet another excellent pitch.
Then began the ceremonial shaking of hands and introductions to all the dignitaries both local and our very own, Dame Sue West who was wonderfully graceful and majestic.
Only about 45 minutes later Patrick kicked off at 18:00 and promptly left the field. We started with some excellent passing and pressing up field only to lose possession a few minutes later and they lobbed the ball just managing to pass Steve, their 1st goal was perhaps inevitable. Back to plan A, keep the back 4 line in defence, seemed to work as that was the only goal we conceded! Fortunately we had some top skills at the other end and pulled level thanks to Chris Hough.
Half time at 18:50 saw us treated to some ceremonial sword dancing and some fine oboe playing reminiscent of the evening show on a matinee day in my former life!
The second half started a little after 19:00 and the defence plan worked a treat, partly thanks to Simon in goal, partly due to their shooting being a little over the top but largely due to Steve's solid defending at the back. At the final whistle 19:45 it was a 1-1 draw. An excellent result, however as they had already inscribed the trophies with winners and losers there had to be a penalty shoot out!
RCdeB 1st Penalty
CS 11 1st Penalty
RCdeB 2nd Penalty
CS 11 2nd Penalty
RCdeB 3rd Penalty
CS 11 3rd Penalty
RCdeB 4th Penalty
CS 11 4th Penalty
RCdeB 5th Penalty
RESULT 1-1!
(Chris Hough 1)
Penalties: RCdeB ✘✔✘✘✘ - CS11 ✔✘✔✘
Steve ✔ Man of the Match - penalty added to stalwart defending.
From our touchline reporter…
Steve: Piers, you're giving your team too much to do
Pete W: Chris Hough has problems with his eyes
Pete W: they're not as short as I hoped they'd be
Piers: more like that Claudio, except on target
Pete K: at the moment Pete is playing himself
Alex: who's head was that?
Annabel: I've never seen anyone run so fast (re Chris L)
Announcer: minute 47, goal from Racing de Club
Annabel: well done Piers you're doing your toilet exercises (re stretching)
Mac: Steve is the best player...considering his tummy
Mark: good dummy Foster, that'll fool them
Alex W: don't worry the butterfly is off the pitch
Chris L: (during celebration dance) wish we had that much energy on the pitch
Another fun game with great contributions from everyone but the excitement was all too much at the end as they played our song again, the whole team took to the floor and proceded to show the locals our own traditional Dad dancing. As Chris L said "wish we had had that much energy on the pitch"!
Pitch invasion
After the match there were speeches and we were ceremoniously presented with our runners-up trophies.
Having changed and had cold showers, we jumped back into the buses and were escorted to the Police Officers' Mess where we were generously hosted by the Chief Secretary.
A message from the Chief Secretary:
❝ On behalf of CS and the team I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for all the arrangemen that was indeed spectacular and memorable. Thank you for the opportunity to meet play and interact with such an awesome team reminding us all 'Play for Health' ....play for life...and yes work and play
Please convey this message to the Club members and hope we will meet again some day.
Thank you Bahbah ❞
"Hoi Kiw" - RCdeB khasi anthem in full!
