Part two...... Everybody gets a game, and can you wash the kit? It was on one such weekend when we were at the Rugby club that l had been fooling around with some of the kids kicking rugby balls through the uprights, that l was approached by a lady and the conversation that followed would be the start of something l never thought possible, The lady whose name was Wendy said she had seen me training round the pitch doing my usual 200 meter sprints followed by 200 meters of jogging. She also commented that she didn't know many women who could kick a rugby ball any distance, let alone through the uprights with precision. She asked me if l would be interested in joining the local Ladies Hockey Team, "Hockey" oh no not bloody Hockey, much as l love sports of all descriptions, l bloody loath and detest Hockey with a vengeance. Really l don't know why, my dislike of the game is irrational, but running around bent over, trying to hit a little ball with a stick, whilst others try to decapitate your ankles and kneecaps is not and l repeat not my idea of fun. I politely declined, she looked deflated, l felt ungrateful, then trying to lift the mood l jokingly said, " now if you know any good football teams l could join, that would do the trick" as it happened she played in goal for the local Ladies football team.!!!! And l never knew such beasts existed. Wendy went onto explain that there was a league and l would need to be registered with the Women's FA before l could play. They had a game most every Sunday and at that time there were about eight or so other clubs in our league. Other parts of the country had leagues of their own and we got the chance to play them in the cup competitions. Wendy explained that travelling to away matches was a bit hit and miss as the club did not have a mini bus and relied on those with cars to transport everyone else. Unfortunately at that time l had no car of my own so wasn't going to be of much help in that respect, although happily l did have the necessary finances to pay my match fees and contribute to petrol costs. Not all did as it would turn out. I had absolutely no idea that Women's Football at an organised level existed, let alone my home town having a club of its own, Beccles Ladies, I was ecstatic, Wendy explained that they had a home game the next day and whilst l was not eligible to play, might like to come along to watch. The pitch was opposite to the Rugby Clubs ground and kickoff was in the afternoon. Like a kid at Christmas l went along that Sunday afternoon and met the other players in the team. They were a mixed bunch of younger lasses still in secondary school/college, some single, some married with small children , like myself, but all football mad! On meeting the team it was obvious that Wendy was much older than the rest, but playing in goal that did not matter as much, Wendy was a very fine goalkeeper indeed, she needed to be ...............Beccles Ladies vs Colchester Swifts It was pretty obvious that the squad had no real cohesion or shape to it. Each player simply played where they thought they should, so it was a 1 - 3 - 3 - 4 set up., and by that l mean four upfront at times ! There were a couple of lasses who had a natural skill, but it was mostly reminiscent of young kids playing in the school yard, you know the sort of thing, the ball goes left, they all charge to the left etc. Colchester on the other hand were much better drilled and there players seemed to know there positions and jobs on the field. They appeared to have a coach/manager on the sidelines barking out instructions. It was not a great match and Beccles lost. After the match Wendy explained that they played for fun, if you turned up with your boots you got some game time. Players played pretty much where they chose and there were no training sessions between games. Everyone payed there match fees and contributed towards petrol. Those with cars ferried the others to the away games, you bought your own shorts and socks, the club provided the shirt. We take turns on a rota basis to wash the kit, well laughs Wendy, those with washing machines do anyway. She asked if l fancied joining them and of course l said yes, l wanted to play football and even terrible football was better than none. Paperwork completed, see you here next Sunday, don't forget your boots and we are away to The Red Devils, the who? I asked, oh not Man Utd, the Devils play in Norwich and are a pretty new club, okay says l, see you then. Oh by the way asks Wendy, what position do you play and what number do you want on your shirt. Usually up front or right wing, l like number 7, and so it begins.
I'm hooked. Can't wait for the next episode. And I didn't miss this weeks. If it was a book I'd be flipping to the Cup Final bit. Never was any good at waiting.
Tell me more, tell me more. I can't wait till you get to the bit about how you all jumped in the communal bath and frolicked around
I felt like a sexual deviant and sexist pig typing that post. I only did it for a cheap laugh. You never let me down Nev.
I accept your grovelling apologies, you sexist deviant pigs lol Next episode includes all detail regarding personal hygiene and getting Wor kit off.
Enjoying this. I am sure we can all help to spice this up when you decide to publish. I think I have some ideas for the kit washing scenes. Who would you choose to play you in the film version?
I reckon GLITF would have to get Olga Kurylenko, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johannson, Evangeline Lilly, Liv Tyler, Margot Robbie or perhaps Monica Bellucci These are just my initial thoughts and I'm leaning towards Olga at present, but I will do some more research...
Remember this was over thirty years ago for me, but at that time l guess l looked more like Nicole Kidman, complete with long curly red locks. Not the somewhat strange looking blonde she has morphed into ala Meerkat ads.
I think I speak for all of us when I say that we apologise for the thoughts now running through Albert's head.
You were in your prime too so we need to research young redheads... Some are listed in their, Scarlett is there. Or Emma Stone. Prob wrecked ACS's day with that vid.
