Close Cup Game

There are times when you fear the worst and only dare to hope for the best. Thus, it was with our Over 60s Cup game last Sunday against Indian Gym. Two years ago, we went to their place in Round 1 and although we were in it at 1-2 we eventually lost 1-9.
So, as the unavailabilities had piled up, including the loss of Bob, Fitty, Lauro and Scottish Steve, and I feared another sizeable reverse.
But, due to the heroic effort of the squad we lost 3-2 and, in the last few minutes, we witnessed Indian Gym playing for time and really rattled, fearing that we might get a third equaliser.
Things started shakily, and we were under pressure early on. However, a close passing strategy on our right flank kept us in the game until a slick Gym move gave them the lead after 10 minutes. Guests Greg Hutchings, Clive Whittle and Dave Dixon were doing us proud and we hauled ourselves back into the game. Charlie at the back of the diamond was immense and we competed hard for the ball in all areas.
It was great to see Barty playing up front, holding up the ball and playing in supporting players to good effect and we started to press. Robbo ran well, even with the jip from the unreplaced hip. From this pressure a resultant short corner gave Dave Dixon the chance to play in captain Wright to deflect in our first equaliser on the right post.
Up front, Gym had Kulbir Bhaura who has a Gold Medal from 1988 Olympics in his bag, but he met his match in Richard Mannix. Our own street preacher put him under pressure at every point and he forced Kulbir back into midfield. When Gym did open us up Eric in goal was in fine form and made all the saves required of him.
It was a shame that the next goal had to be the sort that no-one wants in this type of game. A free hit from 3 yards outside of our D was dribbled straight in and lifted before the “goal” was scored. A discussion between umpires ensued and the visiting umpire was advised of all these transgressions by Mike Gray but chose to overrule and give the goal. Sometimes you just have to suck it up, but this felt unfair.
We had temporarily lost our shape and stopped pursuing our passing game. We were then punished again by Gym who ran a simple goal through our defence. Subs David VB and Tochi played their part and we found our way back again. We won a short corner for an errant Gym tackle and Barty fooled us all by missing out Dixon at the top and going across to Greg Hutchings. Greg’s laser pass was deflected high into the Gym net by Wright running in on the right post.
With a bout 10 minutes left we smelled escape but the experience of Manjit and other Gym veterans kept us out and it was heartening to see them hit for the “long grass” and they begged the umpire to blow for full time, which he duly did.
So, we head for the Plate. No shame here as the final will be on the main finals day and we can aim to take our first Over 60s title. Next year we will inherit Boothers, Pelly, Rage and Micky and we must plan to have a real go at the main prize.

Peter