So
the second annual trip to
On arriving at
Almere for the game, after our now traditional ‘getting lost and having
to turn around in someone’s drive’ routine we were greeted by a couple
of the waterwijk players. Our early arrival meant we had some time to kill
but this gave us the opportunity to try and work out which pitch we would
play on. Jo, however, was slightly worried that the netting behind the
goal would not cover the required space to stop one of his ballooned shots
from disappearing behind the goal. His judgement was proved correct during
the game. The facilities at the ground and the number of pitches were
excellent and something we have now come to expect, this being our second
game in
After everybody was changed it was announced by the Manager that after his man of the match display on last season’s tour Julian would lead the team out as captain. An honour which he proudly accepted.
After team photos and the presentation of the slayer pennant the game got
under way. On a large pitch, hot conditions and big hangovers it was
essential that slayer adopted a slower than normal game and passed the
ball around. The early play was all Slayer and an early chance fell to
Steve C. His lack of match fitness told as he raced onto a through ball
not quite being able to get to it before the advancing keeper. Fred
spurned another early chance in what turned out to be a frustrating game
for him. Waterwijk never quite got to grips with slayers passing and pace
and they waited for the hangovers to kick before introducing a younger
‘Henry’ like substitute. Slayer still dominated even with Martin,
appearing to still be under the influence of substances he purchased the
night before, passing to anyone but his team mates. The deadlock was
eventually broken by Steve J who met a fine cross from the other Steve to
score a fine headed goal. It must have been my comforting arm around his
shoulders that cheered him sufficiently to rise salmon like to meet the
cross. Julian was having a
steady game in goal with little to do as Slayer dominated the first half
with the midfield overcoming their hangovers to thwart any attacks and
provide sufficient chances for the strikers increase the score. As the
game reached the end of the first half, Fred raced in on another through
ball. He must have been put off by the sunlight hitting the goalkeepers
sunglasses as he missed the ball and tried to make sure their keeper
wouldn’t be coming out for the second half. The ref blew the whistle for
half time and Slayer retreated to their dugout. Only to see the Waterwijk
boys slope off back to the changing rooms. Slightly confused Slayer
decided to stub out their fags and follow the waterwijk lead. We soon
found out why they had gone back to the changing rooms as a pot of tea and
13 cups were duly delivered by a buxom wench from the bar. This threw
Slayer into complete turmoil. Were these some strange mind games being
played by our host to try and lull us into a false sense of security, had
they put something in the tea. Barry was not hanging about to find out and
promptly filled his red boots. Waterwijk didn’t have to wait long into
the second half for the Slayer hangovers to kick in. With Henry now
proving more of a threat than
in the first half. Julian began to pull of save after save to keep the
score 1-0. The game began to become stretched with both sides having
chances the best of slayers fell to Fred who chipped over the bar with the
goalkeeper lying in front of him and their striker hitting straight at
Julian when put through one on one by Mark!. In the end Slayer hung on for
a fine win their first on foreign soil. After the game the pot of tea was
replaced by a more favourable beverage, 15 lagers were delivered by the
same buxom wench. This time everyone filled their boots. A new voting
system was introduced to establish the man of the match .
So Julian won the man of the match for the second season. But everyone could be proud of their performances. After a heavy night, on a hot day Slayer showed that they have come along way as a team. Our thanks go to our host Watrewijk for their tremendous hospitality and for hosting the game. Martin, especially, wanted to show his gratitude by taking a piss in the car park in full view of the clubhouse.
