Orangefield Crocks 1 - 1 Ulidia Masters

Orangefield - strip sponsored by Guinness

Ulidia - strip sponsored by Crème de Menthe

When this game was arranged, the management had not been aware that March 6th was Mother's Day of Rest and consequently finding eleven players (read bodies) each presented a minor problem. A few favours had to called in to get the requisite 22 on the pitch, but at 1.30pm, Stand-In referee, Ron Manager blew the whistle and the game was live - covered by Fuzz Sports Action Photography.


Playing left to right, Ulidia began a fluid passing game attempting to string two passes in a row. Playing right to left, Orangefield began a fluid passing game attempting to string more than two passes in a row. It was exciting stuff. Defences held firm but the game started to go away from Ulidia in the midfield where Magic and Hendy were finding it difficult to shake off the over indulgence of Saturday night. McCoy and Kevin were outnumbered and Orangefield took control. Blind Willie and Stevie Mitchell looked secure at the heart of the defence but a set piece pinball experiment gave Andy Waring the opportunity to open Orangefield's account with a deft looping header. To be fair, it was less than Orangefield deserved.


Half time stats gave Orangefield the advantage in possession, shots on target, shots off target, passing accuracy and ability to turn without having a dizzy spell. Ron Manager was very unhappy but mostly because he didn't enjoy his refereeing duties and wanted to start a fight with anyone who questioned his decisions.


The second half kicked off and a similar pattern ensued. Divine intervention created a force field directly in front of the Ulidia goal repelling all attempts to double Orangefield's advantage. Kieran Connolly's normally secure hands grew to Pat Jennings' proportions and nothing got past the cat like keeper. Then, with five minutes remaining, the unlikely chance of an equaliser loomed ominous for steady McCoy who lobbed the ball over the advancing Orangefield replacement keeper. It was get out of jail and the Ulidia unbeaten run stretches to over a year.


Thank you to Orangefield for the post match hospitality at Cregagh Sports Club. The match analysis (over a couple of pints) suggested that Girly Bhoy's absence may have been instrumental in engineering the under strength performance of the boys in green. A Girly Bhoy return to the dressing room is essential to instil the confidence that was missing for this match. We need to be regaled with the Captain Pugwash tall tales of riding the wave of mutilation because at least he gives us a laugh!


Watch this space for details of the rematch!


Oranges                     Lemons


Jock                            The Cat
Crusty                         Noel
Doc                             Willie
Burnsy                        Stevie
Skip                            Kieran
Mike                           Hendy
Mark                           Magic
George                       Paul
Tony                           Kevin
Rodney                       Ultan
Keekus                       Duck
Andy                           Gaz
Hendy                         Marty
                                   Sean
                                   Tom
                                   Wee Fuzz
                                   Fra