I did plan on having a quiet Friday night but it actually ended at 1am which, in itself, wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't been with a couple of other players! Anyway, I felt much better when I saw Dai, a team-mate, who it turns out had been out until 6.30am (although he couldn't remember where he'd been!) So all in all it was EXACTLY the preparation you'd expect from us lot!

Not knowing the standard of the opposition, we were a little worried in case we made fools of ourselves as we only had a couple of lads who played regular football. (Actually there were three - two Sunday League players & one who plays for Holywell under- 15s). To supplement this we had a few who'd played in years gone by. I include myself in this as I'd not put on a pair of keeper's gloves for about eight years (but I had put on about four stone!); and I won't embarrass anyone, but I will say I wasn't the oldest player - and I'm 41!

When the football actually started and we made our way onto the pitch in our borrowed kit (thanks a lot to the Abbotts Arms FC for lending it to us by the way!), someone shouted: 'It can't be the Holywell Reds! They're all sober!' (Not yet we weren't!) We won our fist game 3-0 and I must say we looked pretty good. Second game, though! What a stinker! We drew 1-1 with the aid of a penalty, but then if you'd seen the colour of some of the lads it's a wonder we didn't redecorate the pitch in a rather fetching shade of diced carrot! (Yes - NOW we were starting to sober up!) Things got a bit better for the following match which we won 2-0, setting up a meeting with the Manchester Reds in the final. This we won in a tight game 1-) - and the trophy was ours! So onwards to the Racecourse!

In spite of relegation being confirmed after our previous home game, we had hired an executive box for the day and things went brilliantly! We went onto the pitch to present our player of the season award to Lee Trundle, (We award this on the highest number of MOM awards over the course of a season - our members make their choice after every game).

We then proceeded to the bar! Oh yes, the bar! We were informed later on that we ran up the biggest bar tab ever at this game. Having use of a telly, we let the Bournmouth fans know the scorelines involving their rivals as goals went in. In the end, these results doomed the Cherries to come down with us. (Yes, it was us!)

From being 1-0 down, we came back to win 2-1 of course, so off to see the players upstairs in the Centenery Club…and unfortunately we had to have a drink or two! After that, home. Well, not really! The Stamford Gate was the next port of call, where we'd decided we were going to have our end-of-season do! (Told you we were expecting a heavy day of it!) Meals all round and (have you guessed yet?) a couple of drinks or so! All topped off with the latest Joe Calzaghe fight and a few more drinks! Like I said, what a day! My Idea of heaven!

Then again…

You'll have maybe already read one or two recollections in previous editions of RP. So far we haven't even agreed on where we finished (I say fourth by the way!) This disagreement probably entirely reflects how the entire tournament went for us. 

As defending champions, RPFC were genuinely looking forward to our day at Colliers Park, so much so that we were again able to enter two teams and spent the weeks prior to the tournament having an email and phone debate about tactics. The issue being that the 'A' team had never conceded a goal in open play in the previous two tournaments, but weren't actually renowned for our attacking prowess and the team was split between sticking to our strengths (age, communication, the ability to throw our ageing bodies in the way of shots etc) and trying to be a little more positive ie. scoring. We should have seen the signs! 

First of all, this was taking it all a little seriously. Bottom line - it's a great morning out on the final Saturday home fixture of a lousy season and well done to Peter Jones for continuing to organise it. Secondly, you know you're in trouble when one of the other (as it happens, winning) teams turn up in their own bus and have their own kit (it's alright lads, we know they were your pyjama tops really but we forgive you!) and sponsors.

Thirdly, having agreed to stick to our original tactics for the opening game, we rather confused ourselves by opening the scoring (great goal by the way) and winning the game. Fourthly, and let's be charitable here (I don't think there were any ringers but perhaps a quick quiz before the kick-off on knowledge of the club we supposedly all support might be useful), the quality of the football at this tournament was way ahead of the previous two and was actually a pleasure to watch.

Some great football and some superb goals from virtually every team at some point made for a good morning, even from the sidelines. I especially enjoyed us impersonating David Platt against Belgium; the chips from the halfway line; the screamers from all angles and the flowing moves from end to end. Terrific stuff that I would have happily paid to watch.

It also made it clear that the tournament was going to be won by a goalscoring team ie. not us! Having said that, there are some things you can't legislate for. Not least of these was the fact that, out of nowhere, in our second game we conceded what might be politely described as a dodgy penalty.

So, where to from here? RPFC is hoping to arrange some fixtures against Division Three opponents this season but we desperately need new (ie. young, skilled and fast) blood. If you're reading this and think you fit the bill, then contact our editor now. As far the Colliers Park tournament, well, even in defeat it was still enjoyable, entertaining and controversial, but it was disappointing that no-one from the club saw fit to present the trophy! Still, see y'all next year.