Summer Cup 2005

They say that here in Scotland, "you get all of the weather all of the time", and on the day of the Summer Cup Final we did!. May 18th was the date, and the venue was a grass pitch at Greenock's Battery Park. And as persistent chilly winds combined with heavy driving rain, the two teams made their way out onto the grass for the evenings event.

Now before I continue, I must warn you that I am not a soccer fan, and am far more inclined towards the American version, so this report will be mostly absent of the techno and commentator Fitba speak that many of you will no doubt be used to. But I hasten to add that not being an expert in any shape or form does not rule me out of giving you an insight into the game that was. Now back to said game.

After the kick off, the game took on a "Tug of War" resemblance as two ready to go sides vied for pocession of the ball. And for the most part this initial part of the game was balanced in appearance. Except that it has to be noted, that during this balanced period, we did manage to score a goal. And the 3rd took the early lead.

The Tug of war continued after this initial goal and as spectators umbrellas folded and buckled under the force of the wind and legs got colder and wetter with the driving rain, the boys played on.
Age was on their side, but to a man they all seemed oblivious to the weather that Mother Nature was dumping on them.

All too soon the half time whistle blew and it was time to thaw out my fingers.
I had been attempting to bring you the photos that accompany this report, and this involved balancing a sodden and lively brolly, whilst taking pictures, with a camera surprisingly, with the other "free" hand.

By half time all feeling in the camera hand had ceased to exist and the pictures were a little on the shaky side. The hastily arranged sandwich bag camera cover protecting the camera from the rain whilst at the same time making it hard to see the display on the cameras back.
 

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The second half, was more of the same with the two teams moving the ball back and forth across the pitch like something out of a Wimbledon centre court battle. Only the little item of scoring, once camped at the opponents goal seemed to be the issue. And in this respect both goal keepers held out the invading hordes when it counted.

As the clock ticked down, its' tick drowned out by the noise of the rain and the creak of my brolly, it was 3rd Greenock still in the lead. Spirits were running high. Then 1st Greenock equalised in the dying minutes of the game.

Spirits in the 3rd Greenock camp hit the deck, then bounced back up, as the team was motivated into trying to score again in the remaining time. It was not to be, and regular time ended. A Draw.

Extra time of two ten minute periods, I mean half's, was the next hurdle and after a couple of minutes rest both teams were again playing the game in the true sportsman like style.

And despite all out best efforts, 1st Greenock were destined to clinch the game with a further goal during this extra time.

The team left the pitch after shaking hands.

I left the pitch with shaking hands.

Was frostbite reversible?

At the entrance to the changing pavilion, outgoing Battalion Secretary, Stewart Smith, presented the runners up medals to 3rd Greenock and the Cup and Winners Medals to 1st Greenock. Who on the night had just the edge on us.

There has to be Winners and Losers in any game, and it was our turn to be the latter. But both teams can be proud with the way that they played, and the way they conducted themselves. A credit to parents, Companies and themselves. A very good game.

Now where did I leave my fingers.?