The first game of the New Year! Richie proudly announced in the changing room that he had achieved his festive season target - an added half a stone in weight! The comment was duly noted. In the long term absence of our intended opposing Captain's,Phil and I were pitched together with myself getting the advantage of first pick.

A very good game ensued despite everyone's recent excesses. Early exchanges saw good saves from Phil and Nick at either end plus a few squandered chances mainly by Yellows, before Ben and Ali combined to see Ali coolly round the keeper to slot home. Nip and tuck for a while before I surprised myself by getting to a ball before Chris in midfield and put Ben through on goal - he still had a lot to do with Paul chasing but held him off to finish well.

Then some misfortune, whilst play was going on at the other end, a scream was heard behind and we turned to see Brian sprawled out holding his ankle. Not sure how it happened but his ankle was twice the size it should be post match. A rather drastic way of avoiding going in the nets as Brian was due to be in next! Hopefully not too severe - good luck with that Brian. Dave W accompanied Brian back to the changing room, sportingly leaving the teams level.

Whites saw several shots well saved by Laurie including a stinger from his son - nice to see no family loyalties there! Further yellow chances squandered before a route 1 ball ( aka, hopeful punt ) from me landed behind the yellow defence with Ben advancing on goal - Phil tried bravely to head clear having been forced to leave his area but the ball fell kindly for Ben to nod home.

So 3-0 to yellows but no disgrace to whites either with good performances everywhere. As for MOM, lots of contenders including Ben for his brace, Brothers-in-law Blake and Dave battling it out in midfield, Laurie for some good saves and taking one for the team by doing a long stint in goal, Gary, Ali - I could go on but it's not Oscar season yet - However, it was the last night of the season of good will, so despite being on the losing side and with the self inflicted added weight handicap (the reason I did not pick him!) I shall award it to the even Fatter Figo who had a very good game and was behind a lot of white's best moves and one volley, had it been 6 inches lower, would have been a contender for goal of the season!

See you in a couple of weeks or so.