Well the Christmas break saw players returning home to see their families with the result that only a few games were actually organised.
On Saturday, 16th December the only game to be played at home was between the senior Vets and the Third eleven. The Thirds took a comfortable 3 - 0 lead before experienced heads started to pull the game back as far as 3 - 3. A late winner for the Thirds gave a final result of 4 - 3. Remember gents not everybody is skilled at umpiring. Football is losing their referees owing to player's attitudes.
On Thursday 21st December the under 14 boys overcame Fareham 7 - 0 in the County cup with goals coming from Matt Swzinto and Danny Morgan [4], other scorers not known.
On Boxing Day we had both pitches for the morning and saw forty Southampton players, including yours truly, enjoy a sunny morning's runabout. On one pitch we had a 14 V 13 a side match. This included several ladies and juniors and had an age span of 12 (William Thomson) and 55+ (Geoff Danby). A good opportunity to see the standard of play, available throughout the club. Make sure you organise yourself for next year.
On the other pitch a club side met with Old Edwardians in the annual Memorial Shield match. It was agreed before the game, to try and select a Southampton Club side and thus make it an enjoyable game for everybody. Southampton moved ahead through an Eric Holt goal. Further goals were added by Peter Jones and Chris Stokes for a final result of 3 - 0.
A good turn out in the bar afterwards where mince pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches and a couple of jugs were enjoyed.
Thanks to umpires, Rob Jenkins and Matthew Knight, who got out of their warm beds to help out.
On Saturday, 23rd Marlborough did their normal trick and cancelled one of our home fixtures and the weather saw off the remainder.
We have arranged a training evening on Tuesday 2nd January 7:30 to 9pm so as to help run some of the Christmas cheer off, ready for the new season.
Good Luck to Jenny Kimber, who is 18 on 31st December.
Other sharing this date are Emma Winstone and Ben Rimmer.
Well done to those of you who have passed your driving tests in 2000. Charlotte Page, Sarah Batchelor and Jenny Kimber, we look forward to being chauffeured about before you go to university.
Hope you all had a good Christmas.
Roger Merry