FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS 2009-2010

EXTRACT FROM EMAIL SENT TO MANAGERS

Hi All,

First of all, thank you for the leather travel and wash bag - was very unexpected and very nice surprise. Shall be used on my travels and with my initials residing on the very nice leather, it won't be lost ! So THANK YOU.

Secondly, thanks for all teams and managers of teams for turning up at the awards - was really nice to see so many of you there. We had the full Madras, Celtic, Subutteo, WKK teams there and representatives of Uncle Bob and Bloods there. Barnes couldn't make it as team was away on hangover duty and Lisbarnes, well, no idea where u guys disappeared to ;-)

AWARDS

Celtic picked up the League Winners (Lisbarnes, I imagine you have the cup/shield... we need to arrange getting it to the Celtic lads.. can whoever has it get in touch please). Apologies to Celtic for not having the actual cup to hold up and all that.. embarrassing but hope we can all smile at that.

Terry picked up all of Bob's trophies and the Barnesalona Cup - thanks for representing your team !

And Michael picked up all of Bloods trophies and the James Rettie cup - thanks for representing yours !

Player of the Year went to Michael from the Bloods - congrats on that one !

Top scorer to Cian Leahy (celtic x10 goals - is that all !?)

Fair Play went to Sporting Subbutteo - well done to the lads ! you deserve that one hands down.

Contribution to the Club went to Eddie from the Celtic - he has hung up his boots and merited an award for constantly nagging me and pushing me to better the league ! ;-) Well done Eddie, pleased you have that award.

I have medals for the teams that were finalists - will hand these out to you next season (unless i see u before hand..) = Barnes for Barnesalona and Lisbarnes for the JR Cup.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were also 2 announcements made.

The first was to do with BarnesAidlona (those who don't know much about it - u can read it in the blog in the year 2006 dates). My folks went to Kenya last March to find the kids and people James had met 7-8 years ago. The aim was always for us to go there (Diani beach) and find these people to fulfill James's promise to them that he would be back with footballs, kits, nets, boots. And amazingly enough, my folks found them. They gave them WKK old kit (thanks for the donation and i will get u some pics and videos of the kids in ur kit ! - these kids were apparently over the moon wearing it. I have seen the pics or videos yet myself; some footballs and a i believe some boots... Anyways, the idea is now to get them a pitch to play on.. which they don't have.. it apparently costs 5000 euros to buy the land and to get them a pitch - so this is our next venture.. Alan from Madras has proposed a very nice day out on Chelsea's training grounds... looking into this so watch this space.. would entail a fee for each team playing in some competition on the day.. but early days yet for any detail.

The second announcement was that I was retiring from Barnesalona. Been running it for 7 years now (more than I had anticipated !), and need a break. So, Dorian (who was James's best friend) has agreed to look after the proceedings. I am sure most of you know him, as he has looked after things when I've been away. He will probably run a tighter ship than I ever did, and will be running I am sure even more smoothly than I have ever managed to ! So, a big thank you to Doz ! THANKS DOZ :-)

I won't harper on about my retirement as you have enough to read in this email, but just to say it has been a rewarding, interesting, and challenging experience. I have enjoyed dealing with u guys, seeing the banter between teams, seeing in the clubhouse, etc.. My biggest achievement for me has been the incredible improvement in people's attitude to playing the Barnesalona way - friendly but competitive football. We have had some characters and teams on board in the past that made the enjoyment less apparent, but it feels that the majority have left us. This last season I think has been the best. And for that, I thank all the managers, who have worked on achieving this - and myself a little ;-) This doesn't mean you've seen the last of me. I may grace the hallowed turfs next season as a player (gonna be weird!). Thanks.

Teams Next Season

Next season - please get back to Doz as to whether you are in or out for next season - i understand Uncle Bob may join with Subbutteo which would leave us with 7 teams - i have however found a new team who could bring us back to 8 (a French team who were there on the last day and expressed their interest in a friendly league where u don't need to travel all over London to play! oh yeah - that would be us..).

THANKS EVERYONE - have great summer, take care, and remember.... live it, love it, play it.

C

================

There will further updates on stats for the season, and other commentary.

Updated Tables and everything else

Hi guys,

Come back from my China and Philippines trip (3 weeks away..).

So updated table is attached

LEAGUE WINNERS CELTIC

JAMES RETTIE CUP WINNERS = LONDON BLOODS

BARNESALONA CUP WINNERS = UNCLE BOB

Congrats to all teams !

Scores in finals were

James Rettie Cup = Lisbarnes 1 Bloods 2

Barnesalona Cup = Barnes 1 Uncle Bob 2

We have 2 more games to play in the League this Sunday:

Wkk vs Lisbarnes

Bob vs Subbutteo

If WKK loses and Bob wins, they will swap positions... so still something to play for.

reminder - will be distributing awards on Sunday !

SEMI FINALS

Results of the semi's

JAMES RETTIE CUP
Bloods 6 Wkk 2
Celtic 1 Lisbarnes 1 after full time with Lisbarnes winning on penalties 4-2
Final = Bloods vs Lisbarnes

BARNESALONA CUP
Barnes 4 Madras 2
Bob 4 Subbutteo 1
Final = Barnes vs Uncle Bob

Congrats to all teams going through to the semis.

The Finals are to be played on 28th March at the CSSC Chiswick Sports Ground.

Both games kick off at 11am
Referees and linesmen will be there to assist. And corner flags !
Extra time and Penalties will be available..

Awards will be distributed at awards day = 11th April = last day of season.

League Update 21/02/10

Hi all,

Sunday morning - call from agency - 1 ref going awol - great ! So i get ready to ref Bloods vs Madras - then, 2 calls from certain teams saying pitches are waterlogged and not playable... great ! So i get ready for the worst ie..cancelled games.. and the council not wanting to cancel pitch fees as they confirmed games were going ahead on the Friday (i would jot down what i think of them but ... better not).. anyway, thanks to Alan from Madras for reffing (shame, i was really looking forward to it !), thanks to Saf for asking me to play for Bloods so someone could look stylish on the pitch (extra point awarded to the Bloods!) (we used to play in central midfield together in some proper hardcore kick the shit out of u league - remember Saf !) - anyway, I digress..

So, games went on ! Fan-fukin-tastic news !

Scores were:

Subbuteo 1 Lisbarnes 5

Bob 0 WKK 6

Madras 0 Bloods 2

Barnes 0 Celtic 2

And the tables as above.

Next week are the last cup round games... positions to play for... catch u then.

And thank you for WKK for donating their old kit to Barnesalona - my folks are off to Kenya in March to follow in James's footsteps - looking to complete part of his promise to the kids over there by bringing them kits and footballs. Picture is off him on the beach in Diani, Kenya organising training sessions and footy games.. the infamous story is him red carding a masai warrior..

Dedicated to Michael - luv James

Would be a shame not to have this here for posterity... on a selfish note, knowing the reason for these, they never cease to make me laugh out loud.. so, its a thanks from me. Possibly, others may think it quite strange.. but Michael, your strength and honor as sidekick in all this deserves a medal !

And cheers James :-)

26th Nov 2009

think that idea is highly sexual. we should have a longer break over december so we don't play on unplayable pitches etc. and the rain is so wet. our game on sunday was almost impossible with hail and mud. the celtic boys were without fail, flirting outrageously with michael the whole game. there was so much giggling and finger pointing i hardly knew where to look. it was only later that afternoon when i was sitting in the bath with michael discussing things that all straight men like us talk about when i noticed my rippling abs just looked amazing. neither of us could get over how awesome my awesomeness was and we decided there and then to write a best selling abs book and become geniuses. we also promised ourselves to include the rules for our game that we play. it was actually one of the cute guys from lisbarnes that gave us the idea. it's called "abduction". basically, i kidnap michael and make him tell me things. it's just incredible. michael grew up with 2 dads, well one biological father and then "uncle julian" his dads special friend up until 1987 when same sex marraige was made mandatory for all men over the age of 40 in new zealand, at which point this happy little family could live happily out in the open. as we all know michael was breast fed until the age of 14, which is why he is such a sensitive young man. it's funny you know, as i sit here naked, writing to you, my special friends, i can't help but hope that all michaels teeth fall out tonight and he chokes to death. we should have better refs and a longer winter break. and celtic should all know that jedward are from ireland.

14th April 2009

hi Cedric, my computer isn't opening files at the moment because i put jelly on it. was hoping you could , in very simple terms, send me our remaining fixtures and also let me know if there is any chance of making up our game this weekend at all with wkk or any of the others we missed.

thanks mate!

also wanted to let you know that mike has been saying stuff about you, behind your back. back stabbing you. so.. just thought you might want to throw him out of the league or something good like that.

23rd Feb 2009

bloods: 2 beautiful goals- madras: 2 sloppy, ugly undeserved goals. i mean that in a loving way. in a way that supports the inner child.

did you know that some work emails automatically block incoming emails with any swear words, i have actually had some of my masterpieces blocked by some work emails in this group....... shit... who would have fucking thought?

hope everyone is happy and well

James
oh, i am doing a sponsored killing this wednesday. i'm killing mike so if anyone wants to contribute and sponsor me you can do so online at my website www.jamesinhistightunderwear.com.

27th Nov 2008

why don't we all have a boys shopping day out? we could laugh and walk around oxford street like sex and the city! and then we could all come back to mine and mike's house and stub cigarettes out on his balls!

let me know what you think guys!

oh! almost forgot! i'm having a little whip around to raise some money to have mike beaten up and burnt with matches! so if you have any spare coins, sharpen them and throw them at his big stupid face.

thank you!

26th Oct 2008

Bloods 6 madras 2. I was amazing. A cross between pele and the very handsome lead singer from razor light. I laughed when I first nominated my self for man of the match, but I am learning to accept my role as a hero, as a role model and something of a sexual icon. Today was a real thriller. I'm glad we had the absolute shit kicked out of us. It really adds some spice to the team steam bath. See you all at mikes house this Thursday for line dancing!

30th Sept 2008

great game on the weekend between wkk and the bloods. really and truly highlighted exactly why it is that we get up on a sunday morning each week. it was played in such a great spirit and everyone came away having played well, had fun and didn't get hurt.
awesome effort all around!
oh, and michael spent the rest of the day eating his own turds that he saved all week in plastic containers.
michael has a vagina.

22nd Sept 2008

Celtic chickened out of their game with us so we had a six on six contemporary dance contest, Celtic won this easilywith a stirring come back utilising the latest in Irish dance technology. Then we had a longest kiss contest just for fun which Michael and his mum won. Then we all giggled for half an hour. All of us just giggled. Then neil from Barnes ruined the whole day by looking thru the window and making thin lip signals to Michael. This shattered Michaels sex appeal.

18th Sept 2008

Hey everybody, hope you are all doing well. as you all probably know, the bloods lost on the weekend. i didn't play but michael mentioned that at the start of the game neil who captains barnes was standing on the grass and micheal walked up to him for the usual pre game hug. but while they were hugging neil whispered right in his ear so the ref couldn't hear "micheal!.... your pecs are tiny! and we can hardly notice any difference in your sex appeal since you had your lips done!" now this would be upsetting for anyone, but especially someone so emotionally unstable and mentally fragile as micheal. the effect of this was that michael ran as fast as he could to a patch of leaves and tried to hide. then the entire barnes team laughed at him, michael began shrieking in his high pitched squeal and tried frantically to dig a hole to hide in. anyway, once we had coaxed him down from the tree and calmed him down a little he actually did an amazing job of throwing balls in to our own net. so for next game michael has had new pec implants and a huge amount of collagen in his lips. so if you could please just mention his increased his sex appeal it would be very helpful to his carers. anyways, see you this thursday evening at michaels house for an evening of song and dance as michael and i perform roller disco brokeback mountain for you!!
8th Sept 2008
Howdy Pardners! we are thinking of changing the team name to the kensington kowboys! and no! the K on kowboy isn't a spelling mistake, michael and i really think it adds an edge to the team..... we have also sourced some sport cowboy hats and are wondering if this would be a problem for any other teams if we play with them on our heads? also, we have told michael that all of our games are now televised nationally, so if you could just play along that would really help with controlling his "issues". until we have sorted out all the legal issues surrounding michaels recent run in with britney spears fragrance promoters we will stay as the london bloods.
> i'm so glad that we are all friends and it is so nice for micheal and i to finally have people to talk to and share things with.
5th August 2008
london bloods would actually be happy to pay a couple of pounds extra for linesmen. london bloods are all very wealthy men. mike will once again be taking the reigns of the london bloods, if only in name, the recent head trauma he suffered on holiday in wigan has left him with a slight mental retardation. as a result of this we would request some sensitivity when playing against micheal. if you could gently steer him to the sidelines if you notice him eating leaves we would be very grateful. we also try to fasten his adult nappy as securely as possible but despite our best efforts he sometimes gets himself loose and will start to throw the contents around. probably best to just stay out of the way when this happens. it hasn't always been easy for michael. coming from a small town in new zealand he had to live with the stigma of his parents being brother an sister and raising him as a girl until the age of ten. this and the fact that he was breastfed until this age would explain his wonderful sensitivity. at the age of ten he ran away to be a child soldier in the west african country of liberia. his brain addled by heavy drug use and now heavily pregnant, he made his way to mexico, to the lawless mountain range called the "sierra Madre" where he made quite a name for himself as a prostitute. he was known as the "happy prostitute" and many songs have been written about the smiling whistling young kiwi whore. after two marraiges and a stint as a gameshow host in peru michael stowed away on a coconut boat to london to finally fullfill his dream of being a professional footballer in the only fully homosexual league in the world. which brings us to today! so lets all have a gay old season!! we are working day and night on a communal bath for after the games we play. i also don't think lisbarnes should be allowed to play anymore until they stop calling michael at night and taunting him about his colourful past. so in short, we are definitely in! lets have linesmen! cute ones! with nice whistles!

SCORES TO DATE 2009-2010

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Sunday 14th February 2010 CUP Games

Hi all,

The penultimate cup fixtures.... one more to go before the semi's... and then after the semi's... el finalisto-ista-iiiiiiimos.... don't ask, another hard grinding day at the office leaves my brain to wander in utter word shiyatt.

Group 1

Bloods 1 Barnes 0

Subbutteo 2 Celtic 12

Bloods managed to squeeze a goal versus the Barnes crew. And Subbutteo managed to squeeze 2 past Celtic !..... (ignoring the 12 that found Subbutteo's net). But, with one last fixture left, seems the James Rettie Cup semi's teams to go through will be Bloods and Celtic... Barnes and Subbutteo will fight out the Barnesalona Cup. 4 points separate 2nd and 3rd position in the group table.

Group 2

WKK 2 Madras 1

Bob 1 Lisbarnes 2

Another missed penalty by the WKK's which meant an exciting end to the game with Madras pressing for the equaliser.. nice one mr tims.. would have been an interesting last round if they had drawn as Bob would have been only 2 points behind WKK.. anyway, just trying to make a little exciting... fact is Lisbarnes and WKK are thru to the James Rettie Semi's, and Bob and Madras to the Barnesalona.

Next round is 28th Feb.

Semi's 7th March

Finals 28th March

If anyone has any comments or stories to tell about the games, don't be shy ! Leave a comment.

Cup Finals Day & Awards Day 2007

CUP FINALS DAY

Barnes Common 2007

Celtic vs Hendrix (Barnesalona Cup)
WKK vs Uncle Bob (James Rettie Cup)

The spectators, basking in the glorious Barnes Common sunshine..

The arbitrators... odd one out..?

ACTION !
Uncle Bob's in Red and WKK's in the other colour..

Not Quite sure what to say of this one.. tough stretching..?
The Awards ..
and a little video..

The Weather.

I was just perusing this blog thing, and looking at events this time 'ish last year - funny how history repeats itself with the weather... postponement after postponement.. and I can just hear Celtic Eddie re-iterating the "told u so" syndrome/argument of reducing number of games !... ;-)

From 18th Jan 2009

"Never thought we'd play again ! ... 7th December - postponed... 14th December.. postponed... 21st December.. we played one game.. 4th Jan... postponed... 11th Jan - postponed... and after Saturday night'sridiculous downpour, my optimism for kicking off the season took a damper, and I was feeling a little downtrodden with the thought of postponing yet another week... but.. no, the pitches were actually playable ! Hallegoddamnluyah!.... "

From 26th Feb 2007

This rain sure ain't playing ball.. why on Saturday through the night into Sunday morning..? WHY !?

I rang the Groundsman at 8h45am : conversation was very simple..

- "pitches are playable..?" (ok, so this was wishful thinking)

- "waterlogged pitches"

- "no way games can be played?"

- "no way"

- "sure?"

- "sure"

Result as all of you know is that our games were cancelled.. again. Putting pressure on the fixture list..

From 29th Nov 2006

Christ - the rains were slightly overwhelming over the Saturday night.. and continuing on the Sunday morning. Phone calls started trickling in too as of 9h30am.. are the matches on..? From 10am to 10h35am, I wasn't allowed to leave the flat for the stream of phonecalls coming in from managers, the referee agency, etc.. And then I got to Barn Elms, and saw..

All games ended up being cancelled - pitch 1 at Barn Elms and the Barnes Common pitch due to lakes on the pitch, yes lakes.. pitch 2 & 3 at Barn Elms due to waterlogged pitches which would prove too dangerous to play on... coupled with torrential downpours and lightening - guess its not a good idea to play soaked to the bone with lightening crashing all around you..

The only game that took place was that of Auckland and Madras who found a pitch the referee was ok with playing on (only had a 6ft square 8 inch deep puddle in the middle of one of the halfs), with proviso, of clean ('ish) tackling.. no need to detail the ball movement when played on the ground.. or lack of.

Result Auckland 0

=========================

Ahhh - the weather !

2009-2010 Remaining Fixture List

Click on the File and will get biGGER

New beginning.. but old season.. 2009-2010

Well, its been many many months since i blogged something... reason was never heard anything from anyone about reading or missing this blog.. and, like buses, 3 people ask about it today... so, starting again..

You will find weekly scores and tables, and possibly some comments..

Why the Hammy bridge pic..? cos its bloody closed.. but what a lovely bridge.

Scores:

Celtic 0 Madras 0

Bob 1 Barnes 0

WKK 5 Subbutteo 3

Bloods 3 Lisbarnes 1

I understand Barnes missed a penalty (courtesy of Neil.. had to mention it ;-) ). Subbutteo also missed one vs WKK in 1st half which would have given them 2-1 lead. Saved by Allan (interestingly enough, he was the Barnes keeper for many years..). Even I played a full game - thanks gaffer :-) , and have to say, felt good. If only my legs were 10 years younger ;-)

Bloods vs Lisbarnes was a double header so counts as 2 games (game cancelled back in November). Oh, and I should mention Doz's 2 goals which is (for me anyway) a lovely moment as it was James's anniversary on the 4th, and his best mate scored ! twice... how could that happen!?..

Perhaps I should take this opp to mention the teams no longer with us from last season... for historical purposes obviously.

Ladbrooke Groovers (who won the James Rettie Cup) - Said, their manager retired.

Hendrix who folded the team a month or so before the end of last season (had been in the league since its onset 8-9 years ago or so..) - sad moment in many respects, but a few of their players have joined other teams.

And Lokomotiv who - last minute and by email - decided not to partake for this latest season. Much respect was felt.. Kinda pissed off at the last minute thing cos i had to do all the preparation again.. anyway.. glad I could get that one in !

And a new team Sporting Subbutteo, carrying on the tradition of great football team names ! And I have to say, a very nice team to have in our midst for their friendly manner. Good to have you on board guys.

We have 8 teams rather than the usual 10; but I feel that works better.. main reason - no need for afternoon games !! god that's nice ! and possibly, u guys appreciate that too..

And my usual comments on the spirit.. this season has been the best ever - so thanks guys, thank you managers, I hope this means you are also enjoying more than ever.. famous last words right - all going to kick off next week..

OK - well, that's the end of the first blog of the season - better late than never...

Have a good week.

THE END

Guys,

The last game was played.   

Celtic 7  Groovers 4

which means the final table standings are as above..  which means the winners are 

SPORTING LISBARNES

... equalling their league standing from last season !  But a much closer affair this time around.

CONGRATS THE LISBARNES !!!  2008 - 2009 WINNERS OF THE BARNESALONA LEAGUE !!!

Well done to Celtic for making them sweat in the last couple weeks, only 2 points behind.. if Celtic had beaten them on 26th April, rather than lose 1-0.....

And behind in 3rd, a whole 12 points behind (12 points !) are WKK, with Groovers settling in in 4th place, with Loko right behind them (with 1 point margin - I hear that some Loko players helped the Groovers in their win 2 weeks ago... I won't say anymore except what great sportsmanship...)  The Bloods in 6th place with 25 points, followed by Madras & Barnes, both with 20 points (but with Madras edging ahead on goal difference), Uncle Bob in 9th place, and our friends Hendrix in last place with no wins.... but with one draw.

STATISTICS

GOALS

We scored a total of 506 goals in League and Cup group stage, playing 220 games, with 44% of games won, and 12% drawn, and an average of 2.3 goals/game.

BEST ATTACKING

Celtic scored the most goals = 70 in the league + 11 in the cup stages = 81

Lisbarnes scored 60 in the league and 17 in the cup = 77

WKK came third with 47 goals in the league (same as for the Groovers) and 16 in the cup = 73

WORST ATTACKING

Hendrix with 15 + 3 = 18 (though they folded in April)

Uncle Bob with 19 + 5 = 20 (they nearly folded - thanks Terry for taking management on !)

Lokomotiv with 29 + 4 = 33

BEST DEFENCES

Lisbarnes conceded the least = 23+8 = 31

WKK conceded 26 + 10 = 36

Celtic conceded 27 + 14 = 41

WORST DEFENCES

Hendrix conceded the most = 68 +12 = 80

Groovers conceded 56 + 8 = 64

Uncle Bob conceded 42 + 21 = 63 (21 goals in 4 cup games ain't bad..!)

Well done to the Groovers for winning the James Rettie Cup, and for Lisbarnes as finalists.

Congrats to WKK for winning the Barnesalona Cup, with Celtic as runners-up (nice to see that rivalry still at play in big games!)

Well done should also go to Barnes and Madras for coming in 1st and second of their cup groups, and hence getting through to the semi's of the James Rettie Cup ( I believe some memories need to be erased for Barnes at the semi's... thats all I will say on the matter). 

We have lost Hendrix who have been with Barnesalona since its conception, so that was very sad news for all concerned.  I do hope some of the players will look to join other teams - always nice to see familiar friendly faces.

We will lose the Groovers, as Said has finally decided to hang up his management boots, and hopes to have an easier job playing next season for an existing team.

We have however gained a new team, who gave up playing in affiliated leagues, due to the unfriendliness they encountered from opponents in those leagues - they have waited one year and will now join us.   I have no doubt they will fully appreciate the friendly (but competitive) league we have.

There are many other anecdotes/stories that I can think of, but for fear of missing others, it would be would be great if anyone would like to post comments on stories they feel should be aired for posterity on this last season.   I can't recall all of them !  

I'd like to say that I thoroughly appreciate all the hard work put in by ALL the managers and assistant-managers, and fund managers, and all those who help organise the teams on Sundays.  Seriously great job and often thankless I imagine, but I hope you get something out of it ! 

I'd also like to mention my greatest pleasure....  that of seeing managers and teams's willingness to dismiss / discipline / educate their players/teams on the importance of playing with sportsmanship.  You all know who you are, and you are all GIANTS in making those calls.  Its been my biggest challenge since I've taken on this league, and I've seen this spirit increase in size and shape ! Perhaps maturity on all our parts has beared its fruit !  I don't know !  And it doesn't matter !  Its just great to see it taking shape.. I could harper on, but this league is not about me, its about you guys, so I will stop there. 

By the way, I will be looking to join a team next season.  I've found some boots that fit (taken me bloody ages since the last pair I bought 10 years ago!).  If you need to figure out whether I'm any good, please could I ask for Dorian from WKK, or Saf from London Bloods to let people know how bad I was !   Did I ever mention Enfield Town were after me 10 years ago..?

Awards night to follow.

League Standings

League

from 5th April

Celtic 4 WKK 1

Loko 1 Bob 0

Madras 1 Lisbarnes 3

from 12th April

Barnes 2 Lisbarnes 5

Bloods 0  WKK 2

Hendrix 0 Loko 2

Easter weekends are really no joy for kicking a footy as everyone seems more intent on eating chockie!  Hence, the quagmire of chasm last minute detritus that was experienced in the week running up to the weekend regarding fixtures!  Well done to Barnes and Lisbarnes for playing on Sunday. 

CUP FINALS

We had both the Cup Finals and a league game being played today.

CUP FINALS

The James Rettie Cup

Groovers 2 Sporting Lisbarnes 1

Lisbarnes scored the 1st goal, even with Groovers tactic of looking to contain them in the 1st half.  Groovers pushed then for an equaliser and got one in the 30th or so minute.  1-1 at half time.  Groovers decided to then take the game to them by pushing forward a little more, and they were rewarded with a 2nd goal, which was very nicely taken.  Some very nice football from both teams - good competitive game, a good one to watch.  And the weather was decent !

The Barnesalona Cup

WKK 5  Celtic 2

A good contest between old rivals - score didn't reflect the game in so much as the last 2 goals for WKK were scored in the last 10mns.  WKK scored 2 in the 1st 15mns, the 1st coming in the 1st 5 mns, but in true Celtic style, they fought back and scored a goal to bring them back into the game.  2-1 at half time.   In the second half, it was very much equal between both teams, but WKK scored again.. 3-1 to WKK.  Celtic were awarded a penalty for a hand ball, Eddie cooly placing the ball in the back of the net, with 15-20mns to go.    But, WKK took their chances in the counterattacks, now Celtic were pushing up to secure themselves another goal, by placing ball in the net twice in the last 10mns or so.  Another good competitive game played.   Weather not as nice as the morning game though :-(

All awards and medals will be given at the end of season awards ceremony - date and venue to be confirmed.

Congrats to both the Groovers and WKK; and well done the runners-up Lisbarnes and Celtic !

LEAGUE GAME

We also had one league game, which finished 

Bloods 3 Bob 1

Didn't see the game so cannot make any comments !..

Have a good week.

League games

Scores

Madras 0 Groovers 3

Bob 0  Celtic 1 (double header)

Loko 2 Hendrix 0 (game forfeited)

Lisbarnes 3 Barnes 2

WKK 0  Bloods 2

Tables have taken interesting turn yet again, with WKK losing this weekend.  Yours truly was given the opportunity to play again (for 25mns or so) for the Bloods, so thanking you for the opportunity.   I enjoyed my run around.

Beautiful weather yet again !

Cup Finals next weekend !

League games

SCORES

Some seriously interesting score lines !  All of them impacting on the top table fight - DUM DUm dummmmm.... (pathetic attempt at atmos)

The Groovers drew with WKK (and from what I understand, the teams had a not terribly happy referee swearing and blinding at everyone.. sounds like he has ref'd 1 or 2 too many games and had enough !).

Madras beat Hendrix 8-0 - Hendrix only had 8 men turn up, with me making the 9th.  Playing left back which I have never done, unfit (I have had a run out twice in the last 9 months !), with dodgy ankle and knee, trying to protect the left flank from the onslaught of 2 men was... well...  an interesting challenge.   Shame other Hendrix players who were supposed to make it let their team mates down - difficult enough for a manager to run a team... ah, sod it, I end it there.  Well done Graham for trying to sort things out.  

Celtic scored a winner vs Loko in the 90th minute, keeping them in real contention in the league.   The cheer when they scored I am led to believe, was overheard in Putney.

Bob, with 9 men I understand beat Barnes 3-2.. With Bob's record in the league, thats quite something !  ;-)    

And the Bloods got a draw out of Lisbarnes, in what was a competitively fought game from what I hear - well done the Bloods.   This is completely opened up top table standings!

There are still some tough games out there to play and all to play for..  Celtic are to play Lisbarnes and WKK, so top table points for the grab..

Groovers 2  WKK 2

Madras 8  Hendrix 0

Loko 0 Celtic 1

Bob 3 Barnes 2

Lisbarnes 2 Bloods 2 

League games

Big game was played - WKK vs Lisbarnes; I turned up with 20mns to go, and it was 1-0 to Lisbarnes.   Ended 5-0... think my yellow trainers matching Lisbarnes's tops must have been the key factor.  'nough said.

WKK 0  Lisbarnes 5

Celtic 2 Madras 1 

Hendrix 2 Groovers 3

Barnes 3 Loko 1

Bob 0 Bloods 2

Celtic also threatening close behind in 3rd position with 2 games in hand.. 

Was sorry to hear of a "punch up" and 2 red cards with the Groovers v Hendrix occured in last 5mns of the game.   I am sure the managers will have something to say to the players, and hope they will make informed decision on any banning required.. RIGHT !

1st March League games

Offside?

SCORES

Loko 3 Bloods 3

Madras 2 Barnes 3

WKK 6 Hendrix 0

Celtic 7 Groovers 3

Bob vs Lisbarnes postponed

BIG game next weekend... WKK vs Lisbarnes...  and Celtic still in the hunt too with 2 games in hand..

Sunday 21st February 09 League Games

Scores were

Barnes 0 Groovers 2

Bloods 2 Madras 2

WKK 3  Bob 0

Lisbarnes 2  Loko 0

Celtic 6 Hendrix 0

Tables still tight at the top.. in the middle.. and the bottom.. we have 10 weeks left of league games to play, so, many points still up for grabs.

Remember, I am in Paris this weekend, any issues, please contact managers and refs directly !

See u all weekend after next.