I turned up at Coach Lane Astro to hear that Rich Turner had already been throttled and "Taff" Alexander punched. Nothing changes! Within minutes more nostalgia flooded back when the R.V.I "linesman" Arnie deemed Dan Corcoran offside when five yard inside his own half when the ball was played. In between the fracases a game of football attempted to break out.

Garnett dominated possession against ten-man R.V.I and defended very well with Alexander's heading and Tuner's determination catching the eye. But to be fair R.V.I worked incredibly hard despite the advancing years of several of their side and played the prettier football. Robbo 2 a.k.a. David Robinson had one excellent chance to give Garnett the lead and Alexander got punched again before half time.

At the interval, I asked the match official why he had not dismissed the R.V.I puncher to be told that it might make things worse!

At half time manager Martin Pollard made a tactical change bringing on playmaker Ben Holmes and moving the combative Martin Wonders to right back. This seemed to have a positive effect but Garnett still failed to create clear chances. Pollard's second tactical move proved the game winner when he moved the impressive Luke Walker out wide and put pacey fresher Sam Collins up front. Collins scored the winner with his first touch when he latched onto Robinson's flick from keeper Fraser Hepburn's kick to put the ball over the advancing keeper. There was still time for a couple more melees and for Collins to flash a header inches over form a Pollard cross.

All in all a deserved win and a highly entertaining game for the spectators.

Team: F.Hepburn, D.Mercer, R.Turner MOM, M.Wonders, A.Alexander, C.Ossawy, G.Hopkins (B.Holmes), J.Stevens, L.Walker, D.Robinson, D.Corcoran. (S.Collins 1)

Thanks to Paddy for the above report and to the spectators who turned to watch on a chilly, yet in many ways heated day! - Roger