Saints 2 - 2 Chichester Priory Park

Sussex Vets League

The scene was set, the clash of the top of the table against the mid table giant killers. We arrived by camel train after spending the night watching educational videos provided by Miss Marmiduke's son in law, unfortunately he could not join us as his TAG prevented him from leaving the safe bosom of his mothers house after 9 PM. The team had learnt many things... doing it twice is always better than once and getting behind is not always bad news.

There was an air of anticipation, especially when TBag, MarkT and Henry arrived. Doom and gloom was replaced by confidence...the team talk was simple... once you have the ball, give it away immediately, without hesitation, to somebody better than you in the same coloured shirt. The tactic seemed to work and after a very competitive 20 minute minute period, Henry slipped the first one in, to the delight of Miss Bimshaw, who promptly fainted. But luck was on our side, as our newest supporter Miss Hilary Miggins, a retired naval nurse and newly appointed team medical assistant, was there to lend a helping hand, initially raising her legs above sea level before administering muscle rub cream and anti-perspirant spray, in the absence of smelling salts.

The half time whistle was blown and the boys rushed to the opposition's goal as Miss Miggins had prepared a sit down meal. Formalities behind us, we proceeded onto the main course. Felix, unfortunately had an ugly choking incident when he swallowed instead of chewing, the boys put him in the recovery position and continued the feast. The mid match conversation revolved around the merits of the new club shirts and the penchant we now have for slip on foot-wear. Henry was disappointed that Miss Marmiduke hadn't prepared her usual desert, and we were left to finish off a delightful meal with her canoe shaped brandy snaps.

The game commenced and as in the first half, was a tight as a mouse's ear, with no quarter given or taken. Our mid-field and defence held on desperately, soaked up the pressure and attacked on the break, injuries were sustained, Henry broke a rib and John W was shot, got up, readjusted his sandals and battled on. Against the run of the play and predictably attacking on a break the opposition scored. With 2 minutes to go, Chan pulled off what has been described as the save of the year, as our defence had momentarily been distracted by a ladies tennis game on the adjacent pitch.

The game finished and we joined the Chichester boys in their club house. A delightful lady served us a post match munchies and sweet tea. Alan D, as always a gentlemen, disappeared behind the counter to offer assistance in washing up the mess the boys had made. It has been noted that a couple of the chaps went back for seconds.

On the Burley front, after spending 3 days in hospital with his enlarged appendage, he was released, with what can only be described as a mid-sized jungle hammock, a bucket and several cooling self sealant chemical bags. It has been reported that Mrs.B has yet to stop giggling. The Burley residence is now on the local tourist guide under the amusement section and has had more visitors than the Bluebell railway..

There was no man of the match award, but because of the team's effort, the whole team was recognized...