.png)
This report is provided courtesy of flying fullback Len Westons Last Stand who is now, apparently soaking in a hot bath.
“Well guys said I would try and do a bit of a report on the goings on at Wellington today.So the Greg Thomas Memorial game took place at 1pm today with Greg’s former team of Wellington U16 v a Bulls Supporters team.
Starting XI - Gary Smith, Nick Oliver, Nathan Morris, Paul Watts, Stu Price, Kevin Goodwin, Matt Price, Scott Wooley, Mark Sands, Chris Olesky and Luke Griffiths.
Subs: Carl Haffenden, Ben James, Hayden Jones, Rob Morris, Will Cheshire, Andy Boucher, Jon Eckley, Gareth Thompson, Paul Stevens and Shaun Stevens.
Wellington had a special kit of light blue tops with Greg’s name on the back and the "one and only" emblazoned in orange on the front.Bulls sported various Hereford tops from '72 onwards and some fetching shorts, some tighter than others!!
HFA referee Dave Jones was the man in the middle, a minutes silence was held before the game and the crowd of approx 130 observed it impeccably.The Bulls started the game in fine form and could have raced into a three goal lead but for the fine form of Nick Britain in the Wellington goal. But soon Arran Davies glided past the Bulls defence to chip over the advancing Gary Smith. Oxo was on fire upfront and played a fine dummy to allow a hapless Wellington defender to hammer the ball into the top of the net past Britain to equalize. A calm Luke took the lead for the Bulls just before half time slotting in a neat finish to the bottom right hand corner of the net. Lwls came on with 4 mins of the first half remaining for the first of his two cameo appearances after 8 years out of the game due to being a lazy sod mainly. He was soon into the action with the ball hitting him on the head. HT 1-2
The second half was preceded with a balloon release from the centre circle of 50 black and white balloons with messages attached from Greg’s friends and family present.The Bulls extended their lead with a fine back post headed with centre back Cheesy leaping like a salmon to reach a Luke free kick. The rolling subs were used to great effect by Bulls supremo Chesh, but Wellington scored two quick goals by Simon Jones and Nick Britain now released of his goalkeeping duties, 3-3.Chesh decided with 15 mins to play to bring on the BIG guns to shore up the leaking defence. Lwls returned to the action as a left back and performed heroics to deny Wellington the winner and made several last ditch tackles with the speedy ginger winger in his pocket. FT 3-3
Penalties, with Nicks poor effort in trying to chip the keeper (and nearly the church too) and a fine save from slimline Gary Smith the shootout ended at 4-4 Pens scored by Oxo,Cheesy,Luke and John. Very biblical thereSudden death, Sands scored for the Bulls and Wally scored theirs. Andy stepped up to fire wildly over the bar, game over Welly slotted in theirs.The game was played in a fine spirit and all players received medals from Gregs sister. Dan Thackway, Gregs cousin lifted the trophy for the Wellington lads. Over £500 was raised for charity.Everybody made the short trip to the Wellington social club for a lunch of sausage and chips and also a few ales.See you all next year.
