Mens Veterans (A) Old Wolfarians 08/11/2009

Old Wolfarians 3 – 2 HDHC

The Dragons Vets travelled to Wolverhampton to take on Old Wolfarians in the Over 40’s National Cup second round. This was going to be a challenge from the start with Hudd’s only mustering ten men. However with good running, a high work rate and the intermittent use of a set of false glasses, nose & moustache borrowed from the front cover of John Ridings 1943 Beano Bumper Summer Annual, which he received on his tenth birthday, we managed to deceive the opposition. Both teams started keenly and things looked pretty even, Wulfs looking dangerous from open play and Hudd’s winning a succession of penalty corners however a combination of outstanding defending and poor execution on Huddersfield’s part saw things remain level for the first ten minutes. It was Wulfs that broke the deadlock after McCallum had made a double save only to see the ball spoon up off a defenders stick (he will remain nameless) in to the path of the centre forward and after a great amount of flapping about by both players not seen since David Attenborough documented the take off of a Albatross with a belly full of Sardines the resultant wind generated forced the ball over the line. Huddersfield rallied and applied pressure down the left side, the midfield being careful to put the ball within reach of Greenberry being unsure if it is his legs or vision that’s gone now preventing him from chasing long balls! The determination however paid off with a good cross in to the home sides D Greenbery deflecting under the keeper  to level things. Huddersfield then came under a spell of pressure but with the help of both posts and strong defending from Ridings and Barker things remained level until just before half time. The last action of the half saw Wulfs awarded a penalty corner (the umpire securing his Honorary Life Membership) and although Swindells running one covered the ground like he had just found out he was guest of honour at the Central African Dictators Christmas Party he only succeeded in deflecting the well struck ball up in to the Hudds net, unlucky. During half time Satnam (sorry I said he would remain nameless earlier) delivered a rousing team talk “Look we are simple! Just pass the ball to a purple shirt” or something like that most of the team were taking the opportunity to take a short nap in the warming sun, he then subjected the team to a second 20 minute warm up and so began the second half. Hudds started brightly and after a few missed opportunities they were awarded a penalty corner. Connell took matters in to his own hands and after a out of huddle discussion he convinced Chris Burnip to brake with fifteen years of Huddersfield tradition and not pass the ball to Laithwaite (this matter will be dealt with at the next meeting of the disciplinary committee, new vets take this as a warning). As the remainder of the team stood stunned rigid with shock Connell dispatched the ball in to the opposition net. The celebrations were somewhat subdued and It was some time before we managed to coax Martin back in to our half so we could restart the game. Wulfs defence resorted to long ball tactics and with the midfield of both sides graciously allowing the ball to pass unhindered from one end of the pitch to the other John Burnip, always quick on the uptake, also adopted this strategy; for a short while it was like watching the Williams sisters warming up before a Wimbledon final. Huddersfield just couldn’t find the last touch to finish of a now tiring opposition and as Greenberry fumbled the comedy glasses Huddersfield’s ten man deception was undone one of the spectators alerting the opposition with a cry of “come on Wulfs for Christ’s sake they’ve only got ten” and with what seemed like a last effort Wulfs broke from a Huddersfield defensive clearance, their big right winger for once completely missed  Barker’s shins, stick, hand, backside, knee (I think you get the picture) connected with the ball and squeezed it in from a tight angle, oh and they also hit the post again, and had a goal disallowed and kept hitting the ball at McCallum who couldn’t get out of the way quick enough but other than that we had them. The score line remained in favour of Wulfs to the end however Huddersfield left the pitch with heads held high after a gritty performance. Hudds were looking forward to sampling Old Wulfs hospitality but only after Satnam had subjected his team mates to a 40 minute warm down were they allowed to leave for the changing room. The hospitality extended to us was first rate and if they have the misfortune to slip up or get drawn away against the Isle of Wight we may get to meet Wulfs again in the plate, you never know we may get eleven out next time, commitment you know who you are!

Man of Match – Bob McCallum (We didn’t vote but I wrote the report so there)

Fool of Day – Satnam Khela (We had to turn the radio up in the car on the journey home so we could hear the Man U v Chelsea game over his snoring)

Goal(s) – Greenbery, Connell

Old Wulf Man of the Match – Billy Jowanda (Just picture him as a better / younger looking skilful version of Satnam)