Charity Fund Raising Football Match held at the East Thurrock Football Ground.
Essex Provincial Grand Stewards Scratch Team
(Age and Treachery)
–vs–
Asda Tilbury
(Youth and Energy)
(Match reporter: W Bro Ken Cownden)
On a splendid sunny afternoon, Freemasons, Asda employees, many families and friends gathered to witness the Essex Provincial Grand Stewards Team (the first for many years) challenge the Boys of Asda to 90 minutes of well fought football and entertainment.
The team photos below indicate a basic difference in the teams, which I will not go into at length, but it was somewhat evident almost immediately that the Asda boys apparently play regularly together (some would say a crucial ingredient!)
Asda started very strongly, immediately testing the EPGS team’s defence and keeper, scoring after just 2 minutes and then twice again over the following 5 minutes. This prompted calls from the line to Steve the keeper that “in goal you can use your hands”, which was all taken in very good spirit.
Unfortunately and despite numerous forays into the Asda half, all were thwarted in one form or another with some EPGS players appearing to tackle themselves and we arrived at half time 8 – 0 down.
Not dispirited in the second period the team pursued the match holding off further score for a reasonable period, but eventually succumbed to 7 more goals.
However, help was at hand, as arriving at half time was young Charlie (11 years old) to rally the team and enter the game as a late sub for the last 20 minutes. Charlie was narrowly beaten on a run through by the Asda keeper when looking to open the EPGS team’s scoring just after his introduction but went on to be the hero of the day, scoring 2 fine goals (one from a very tight angle) to tumultuous applause and cheering.
So the game ended with much relief, wheezing and congratulations at 15 – 2, being more like a cribbage score, but with all having enjoyed a great event, albeit many fearing the condition of legs for Monday morning.
All retired to the club bar where a fine buffet and convivial atmosphere presided along with much discussion of “what could have been”!
Many thanks to Gordon Harwood and Andy Pearson for the excellent arrangement and thanks to all the many Sponsors and all those participating for a grand effort. Roll on the return!!!?
W Bro Ken Cownden
