Match result 1 October 2006
Score : 11 - 8
Gladiators [slaves & underdogss] : yellow bibs
Spartacus, Crixus, Oenomaus, Granicus, Castus [aka Mark, Ged, Andy P, Ali, Tom]
Romans [masters & favourites] : blue bibs
Crassus, Pompey, Lucullus, Glaber, Longinus [aka Jamie, Andy H, John D, Damien, Rob]
This game captured the imaginations of the senate and the proletariat alike - the hall was full to capacity, they expected goals, they got goals, they expected fiery tempers they got fiery tempers, above all they expected the Gladiators to be crushed but little did they appreciate or anticipate, the only lions on display were the lionhearted Gladiators from Capua.
The underdogs, captained by their talisman Spartacus, were resilient in defence, determined in attack and totally focused on the result. In his post match interview, Spartacus was heard to coin a new football cliche " I was impressed by the lads stickability ".
As luck would have it, this cliche was lost to the world until Stuart Pearce, some 2000 years later and giving no regard to copyright, used the phrase once more. How he [Pearce] could draw a parallel between the sky blues of Manchester and the slaves of Capua is beyond the pale, however, expect this new footballism to be the sound bite most often heard this season.
The game itself ebbed & flowed, the Romans streaking into a three goal lead were pegged back to level; they then raced ahead again and it seemed with each Gladiator taking it in turn to score an own goal, they had no stomach for this fight. However, turning points can be found in the most obscure of incidents and with our resident wrinkly James finally succumbing to his childhood rickets (what happened to those legs?) a ray of light shone on the path to redemption.
The Gladiators drew deep on their inner strengths, motivated by their leader Spartacus and a desire never again to return to slavery, they slowly hauled themselves level. Suddenly, Tom & Ali [reputed to practice strange rituals together in their Masonic lodge] were finding their flicks and back-heels going the right way; as the clock ran down and the effects of the attrition became apparent, gaps began to appear in the Roman defences and a narrow lead was secured by the underdogs; only in the final moments was the advantage pressed home with a 3 goal margin slightly flattering our battle worn warriors.
Heads can be held high by all in a fine match which will enter the annals noted as a quality event.
Pirouette watch
Normal service resumed - 1.5 attempts by Andy - whilst the fluidity has yet to reappear, the confidence has re-surfaced.
Rating ***
Score : 11 - 8
Gladiators [slaves & underdogss] : yellow bibs
Spartacus, Crixus, Oenomaus, Granicus, Castus [aka Mark, Ged, Andy P, Ali, Tom]
Romans [masters & favourites] : blue bibs
Crassus, Pompey, Lucullus, Glaber, Longinus [aka Jamie, Andy H, John D, Damien, Rob]
This game captured the imaginations of the senate and the proletariat alike - the hall was full to capacity, they expected goals, they got goals, they expected fiery tempers they got fiery tempers, above all they expected the Gladiators to be crushed but little did they appreciate or anticipate, the only lions on display were the lionhearted Gladiators from Capua.
The underdogs, captained by their talisman Spartacus, were resilient in defence, determined in attack and totally focused on the result. In his post match interview, Spartacus was heard to coin a new football cliche " I was impressed by the lads stickability ".
As luck would have it, this cliche was lost to the world until Stuart Pearce, some 2000 years later and giving no regard to copyright, used the phrase once more. How he [Pearce] could draw a parallel between the sky blues of Manchester and the slaves of Capua is beyond the pale, however, expect this new footballism to be the sound bite most often heard this season.
The game itself ebbed & flowed, the Romans streaking into a three goal lead were pegged back to level; they then raced ahead again and it seemed with each Gladiator taking it in turn to score an own goal, they had no stomach for this fight. However, turning points can be found in the most obscure of incidents and with our resident wrinkly James finally succumbing to his childhood rickets (what happened to those legs?) a ray of light shone on the path to redemption.
The Gladiators drew deep on their inner strengths, motivated by their leader Spartacus and a desire never again to return to slavery, they slowly hauled themselves level. Suddenly, Tom & Ali [reputed to practice strange rituals together in their Masonic lodge] were finding their flicks and back-heels going the right way; as the clock ran down and the effects of the attrition became apparent, gaps began to appear in the Roman defences and a narrow lead was secured by the underdogs; only in the final moments was the advantage pressed home with a 3 goal margin slightly flattering our battle worn warriors.
Heads can be held high by all in a fine match which will enter the annals noted as a quality event.
Pirouette watch
Normal service resumed - 1.5 attempts by Andy - whilst the fluidity has yet to reappear, the confidence has re-surfaced.
Rating ***
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