The clocks have gone forwards ("is that the good one?"), the Recreativo sick, injured or drunk list is unending and to top it all we have to drive to bloody Putney. Oh, and the Boat Race is on, starting from Putney Bridge...Still, as we have done all season, Recreativo turn out prompt and punctual and we find ourselves in the dressing rooms of Wandsworth Park with an hour to spare before kick off. It's the final game of the season, a campaign that has seen the team reach it's
highest position in this league, beat some of the fancied teams and bring together the finest bunch of football comrades that North London has produced.
highest position in this league, beat some of the fancied teams and bring together the finest bunch of football comrades that North London has produced.Russell is hung-over, hands thrust deep inside his leather jacket as we go through our warm up. Bilal's hamstring is strapped up and given him severe gip. Jimmie's cake and wine addiction is showing around his belly. Dario is still in Streatham failing to have changed his clock. The ref is old enough to be ex Reccy keeper Steve Jones's grandpa (as bow legged as Garrincha, but quite endearing despite not keeping up with the game). Still, the sun is out, it's the final game and we put on a decent footballing display.
As usual our football is pretty good. Both James and John have a fine game in our busy backline. Russell and Adam are flying into eveything in midfield and the youngsters charge up and down, skilful, tricky and energetic. We play most of the second half with 10 players, both Jimmie and Bilal hobbling almost as much as the ref. Once again Joao stands heads and shoulders above everyone. There's not a better player in this league. Fact.
Despite Miguel putting us one up early in the second half, Rio get two back and ensure they go on to become champions. As the chants of "Champ-i-arneeees, Champ-i-arneees" eminate from the dressing room, we head back to North London for a well deserved break. Congratulations to Rio on winning the league. However, next season we will come back and really give it a go. It's been a fantastic season for our club and a real laugh at times and ultimately, that's what it's all about. The future definately looks bright for Recreativo FC. Nice one lads!
Team: Chris Read, James Humphreys, Joao Spinola, Jimmie Gregory (Dario Costa), John Megaughin, Nick Candy, Stefan Garcia Fernandez, Adam Bradbury, Russell Smith, Miguel Morales, Bilal Talib Ali.
