Friars Flabbergasted and Floored by a Flurry of Five

Blackfriars' students threw away a

2-0 first half lead to lose 2-5 in the match against the University of Oxford Catholic Chaplaincy. They had dominated the first half, utilising a route-one physical approach, built on the solid back three of Verrill, Crowe and Barrins.

With this "brickwall" around the goal the Friars put pressure on the opposition with the midfield of Bobby G and the "Altrincham Kid" David Goodill keeping possession and playing the forwards in. The first goal came from a lovely chip over the Chaplaincy defence, which released Pearson to put the ball in the net. The Friars kept up the pressure with some lovely set pieces, flooding the oppositions penalty area and keeping the defenders on their toes. Their proficiency was rewarded with a goal by versatile Donny B. from a corner in the final ten minutes of the first half.

This match certainly lived up the the cliche of being a game of two halves. Ten minutes into the second half the Chaplaincy wingers exploded and within 12 minutes had put five into the friars' net. Shell-shocked and broken, the friars tried to regain the momentum of the first half but could not find the net despite chances. The frustration of the team was apparent in Davoren's deliberate and cynical handball, which should have resulted in a red card.

At the final whistle sportsmanship was evident from all players with congratulatory hand-shakes from the Friars and consoling hugs offered by the Chaplaincy. Both teams and their supporters then made their way to Blackfriars where beer and pizza were on offer for all.