Men's AXI vs Winchester

Scorer: Stokes

You know, it's astonishing to think just how few people out there actually realise that it is almost 60 years since Commander Shore uttered that immortal phrase - "Stand by for Action"! Yes folks, 60 years since Troy, "Phones" and Marina set off from Marineville, along the tunnel and through the Ocean Doors into the sea for Stingray's first Patrol. Ha, how little we realised the adventures, the excitement, the thrills that would follow. From devious cads like Agent X20 to outright Villains like Titan with those Terror Fish. Throw in the classic love triangle of Troy, Atlanta and the somewhat gormless faced Marina and you just about had it all. Of course, dear Troy and his fellow World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP) are rather old puppets now, but doubtless still command huge respect in the Gerry Anderson stock room, along with all the other wonderful characters from back in the day.

Of course, classic characters from back then are no strangers to the grizzled ranks of the A XI, duly Standing by for Action was Paulus The Woodgnome AKA The Marauder, AKA Tim Merrill. No doubt his cohorts in the 3rd XI - his 2nd home, are barely old enough to recognise the incredible likeness. Paulus definitely has a doppelganger. So to finish Cdr Shore's opening line, "Anything can happen in the next half hour" or 70 minutes in the case of those massed on pitch 2 at The Sporty. Picture if you will, a bare 11 souls assembled by 'kipper Sid and both Umpires provided, with Wombats rocking up with a squad of 13. No respite for the Cockburns boys then, but plenty for the Oppo's. Frantic play, blah blah, Kinger misses open goal, blah blah, lots of balls given away blah, caught in procession blah blah, two smartly taken goals on the reverse and a solitary reply from The Chester PC move blah blah and that was that.

An enraged 'kipper berating the side afterwards in the comfort of Number 10, unable to comprehend just how his men had not overcome a Winchester side which included a rather aggressive Mr Angry as well as another retiree - John Young , a long serving Winch Vet who alongside Ralphus had been applauded from the pitch by both sides. But you've already guessed this week's Ringbearer haven't you? You don't miss an open goal on Sid's watch without the piercing stare and ceremonial handing over of TPA to the Kingster. In fact the Kingster was spared the ignomy of Pouring by a kindly P. T. who duly did the honours. So as the curtain fell on Saturday's drama, there had certainly been a lot happen after they all had to "Stand by for Action"!

T. Tempest