CANTORIS OLD BOY THWARTS DECANI FIGHTBACK

St Mary’s Choir Annual Football Challenge

Decani  2 Cantoris 3

Sunday 16th October – Purwell Recreation Ground

It was a case of  former tenor Roger Bailey springing his old magic tricks when he returned to help win his side the annual match, guesting in the Cantoris goal on a warm sunny late autumn afternoon.

Decani had, as last year, made a bright start with a solo goal from forward Alastair who cruised through the Cantoris defence before they had settled into their stride. Cantoris soon recovered however and gradually pulled themselves into a strong position with goals from James and Hamish .

Another starring performance on a different stage to his normal thespian shows  came from referee and terroriser of the foul –throwers, Mike Steele, swapping his ghostly white suit in “Carousel” for the pitch black of FA uniform. Indeed, the Choir Treasurer, who shall remain nameless, narrowly missed a sending off for a second elbow offence in defence, leading to Mike awarding a penalty to Cantoris which made the score 3-1 through a second goal from James. Decani had unfortunately missed their own penalty chance earlier in the game.

Much rallying at half time, and a switch of sides by guest Gillian to Cantoris as her son Richard retired through injury, plus oranges and mouth-watering slices of Induction cake kindly provided by Charmaine, led to a strong revival by Decani in the second half. Decani bombarded the Cantoris goal regularly throughout the half, and succeeded in scoring through a bizarre own goal via the enthusiastic  assistance of Cantoris guest defender Sue Shaw-Hawkins, who matched her husband’s enthusiasm on the left for Decani.  Roger thereafter put up the shutters with a series of fine saves from a peppering of shots by the Decani forwards.

As well as thanks to captains David Bullen and Peter S, referee, and linespersons Lionel Braybrooke and Charmaine, particular mention should be made of some of the youngest players, who performed particularly well, including Peter W, Ed G, who look good prospects for future choir matches, plus Ryan and Tim who showed great stamina on a large pitch. Thanks to all the other players as well as supporters who cheered us on.

EJK