Friday saw the inaugural contest between the Monteagle Staff and Parents to celebrate anti-bullying week. In an exciting affair that will surely not be the last time we see these two titans in action, the Monteagle ‘Eagles’ would eventually run out 2-0 winners.
In a tight first half, a string of saves from the parents keeper saw frustration levels growing within the Eagles camp, as captain Mr Hardy regularly walked the temperament tightrope with his constant questioning of the very patient referee Ms Darcy in the middle.
This was in no way a one-sided affair however, with Mr Ahmed called upon to make some good saves in goal. He coupled his safe hands with mazy feet, and in one of the main highlights of the match saw him with a Maradona-esque chest down and run that could have been the moment of the game.
With plenty of hustle and bustle and no tackles shirked, the second half continued with quality football from both sides. Alas the whistle from the middle came and the game remained all square at half time.
Into the second half and with Mr Collymore now on the bench, the parents began to up their game.
Though the game continued at an exciting pace, there was some wonder as to who would finally get that historical first goal. But, just as the nerves began to set in around the stadium (small, local school field), the deadlock was broken with Mr Hardy the man of the moment. Key wild, some might say excessive, celebration as he wheeled off round the pitch, arms flailing in a nod to the Eagles of Monteagle! 1-0.
However, the parents would not go away. With their strong squad of 16 thanks to keen interest, changes allowed them to freshen and cause a few more problems amongst the Monteagle defence. The crowd were keen for an equaliser but it was not to be.
Finally, with the clock running down, Mr ‘almost top bins’ Hopkins eventually embodied his inner Gareth Bale in netting the second to put the result to bed.
In what was both an entertaining game and excellent occasion, it is likely to only be the first of many encounters in this newly formed rivalry.
Thank you to all staff and parents who took part, spectated and donated money to our new wonderful SEMH room that will undoubtedly help our children at Monteagle.
