Meningitus Trust Charity Football Match

Battyeford Sporting Club in Mirfield, West Yorkshire was the venue for the Meningitis Trust charity football match between Battyeford and Battyeford Old Boys. The game was in aid of Gracie Louie Kerr Tribute Fund. The tragic story is on the page. Please, please, please make a donation whilst you're there!

The game was much more competitive than anyone anticipated. The Old Boys XI (who I prefer to call Legends) had all come out of retirement. Considering we hadn't played together for 3 years at least, we looked half decent. Battyeford Regulars took the lead on 11 minutes, but our former professional Richard Tracey hit the equaliser on 15 minutes. After taking a few snaps I made my introduction and played for around 65 minutes. Gary Hirst put the Legends 2-1 up with a back post header before a soft equaliser allowed the regulars back into the game.

The game had a couple of flash points but ended 2-2, with penalties deciding the game. Misses from Gary Hirst and inevitably Jon Turton meant the regulars took the honours but with a whip round in the pub afterwards the real winner was the Meningitis Trust as we raised £510.00. Hopefully this could well be an annual game. Here are a few shots from the game...

The 'Legends XI'

Captain John Rhodes.

Richard Tracey

Mike Kelly chases his first touch

Neil Barrett strikes at goal.

1-0 to the regulars.

Richard Tracey hits the equaliser.

Dave Dolby teases the opposition.

Neil Barrett hold onto the ball 

DJ Hickling in midfield.

Mick Kelly 

Gary Hirst stops another attack

John Rhodes clears his lines

Matt Shaw holds up play

I outrun a quick youngster.

Gary Hirst tries to chip (and clears the bar)

Consoled.

Jon Turton places his penalty wide.