Wazza Arlow 7th on the Sports Personality of the Year Shortlist (just add 07 to vote for him)

And so, it came to pass, that the Tiffs Vets, friends of friends and spare players from across the club came together at this special time to celebrate the annual Wazza Arlow goal. Story goes that since a Disciple XI found themselves a player short, in the original “taking a bung” story, Wazza stepped up and has consistently scored a goal every season since the beginning of time!

A group of players split into 2 sides and played a game, at time, resembling football. Dave H managing the reds, a very laid-back character, after initial team talk just let the players get on with it, waiting to make his masterstroke at halftime. Baile managing the purples, whose team talks are now getting so long he started talking about games in 2022!

Like a Christmas turkey let’s try and pick the bones out of this game.

The Purples scored a couple of goals, any shot on target seemed to find the back of the net. Michael sporting lockdown beard was looking very lively up front, scored at least 2, maybe more. Carl 2 enjoying a free roll in midfield, his beard will improve when puberty kicks in! Great to see Moodley back, the left side of the pitch has really missed his burst forward and sliding tackles in reverse. Ricky going away from goal, for the Reds, was pushed to the ground by Baile, he got up dusted himself down and buried the penalty in the top corner.

Kinchin came on and with his first touch drove the ball home from distance, “laces for aces” boys! Minutes later he headed in his second. Two goals in as many touches, and he hadn’t even had time to foul anyone.

With the score something like 7 – 1 to the Purples at half time, Dave H unleashed his master stroke. He swapped 10 players, created 2 completely new teams and got the ref to start the second half as nil – nil! Baile’s mind was blown, his tactical reply was to kick off the second half with 12 players on the pitch.

The second half was a much closer affair. Kinchin rose to head home to complete his hat-trick after good work from JP on the right. The Reds equalised straight away, their new lining up having much more cut and thrust about them. Jono’s cross come punt into the box from half way ended up in the back of the net to restore the purples lead.

Wazza found himself unmarked and 2 yards out, further out than he is normally comfortable with, but he made no mistake and scored to keep his club record scoring run going.

A great opportunity to play football, introduce new players to Vets football and make memories that will be forgotten by Monday. The Vets Ultras, full of bravado headed to Claygate’s manor to lord it up in their pub, arrange a January fixture with our local rivals (Baile’s mind blown again started planning tactics) and drink beer while eating a substantial Croque Monsieur, no Naylor it is not an injured Frenchman!!!

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Wazza Arlow