Could it be that league winning teams are ones who perform below standard and yet still manage to deliver results that ensure their road to glory? In the case of RBBFC 1st XI I my gut is telling me that it is so.

The 20th day of the ABSSA top flight division was once again a relatively inglorious affair which ended in a generous 5-3 scoreline.

The fixture of the 20th Match Day saw Les British matched against last year’s runners up, in a home fixture that was always going to prove to be to be their advantage given the generously spaced pitch and impeccably beautiful playing surface we have come to love at Rosière.

Tourinnois, who normally play on a narrow and bumpy grass pitch tucked away deep into the Walloon agricultural region, delivered their predictable long ball game which favoured aerial battles almost three quarters of the way into our side of the pitch. RBBFC, who ought to be performing as though they were involved a week-in-week-out cup draw, attempted to be deploy their much-laboured and practiced passing game designed to outmanoeuvre and tire-out quintessentially unfit ABSSA opponents.

In terms of line-up our beloved club fielded the return of Nils McGrath who had provided the crucial energy to secure last week’s last minute victory coupled with our venerable Captain Hodgy, a solid midfield in the shape of the Little but monstrous Steve Lamarra supported by the solid Richard McGeean, two lofty wingers by the names of Al and Endre as well as a dependable multicultural defence of Scottish, Spanish, Italian and Belgian pedigree (Cam, Mojena, Dex & Sam La Boite à Bang).

An early goal resulting from a goal-line scramble opened the scoring at around 10mins. Disappointingly, the energy harvested from the good fortune of the first blood was culled as Tourinnois were allowed to repost with a rapid free kick catching our normally solid keeper Kris off guard. Subsequently, a particularly commendable run of possession saw Nils hammer in the second goal off the end of a quality centre delivered by the returning Mr. Kerr (Scottish Cam) who pummelled the ball through Al Lamarra’s intentionally spread legs and several opposing defenders.

Half-time score: 2-1 and a team talk stressing the amount of opportunities missed and the evident opportunity to slice Tourinnois open as we had threatened to do in our group emails. Similarly, our perennially present muse John McGrath pleaded that we “play the percentages” and by continuing to pass the ball around (avoiding the much-loathed “Hollywood Ball”), run into space and wait for the space to open.

As the second half began similarly to the first which was plagued by stupid fouls and match play interruptions the British managed to allow the visitors another goal; Sadly, one more of the innumerable fouls committed in our half soon resulted in a cheeky second post goal for the visitors who capitalised on the sleeping defence who were tiring of the never-ending aerial battle.

Thanks to a certain amount of fear-induced adrenaline we grafted back our righteous leading score thanks to the well placed and reactive ‘Have no fear Cameron’s here’ who got on the end of an incisive centred ball bouncing around the 6 yard box. 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 4-2, 4-3, 5-3 ….. it was a mentally exhausting match; why live in fear when you could have shut the game down several times in the first half? Easier said than done.

Two subs definitely stand out for their contribution as Nic and the cult-status LoLo managed to seal the deal for us. A particular wink goes to LoLo who just got back from a serious dislocated shoulder which logically should still have him jogging around the track!

‘Welsh Man’ for the MOM I hear you cry? Well despite the undocumented performance, selfless grafting in midfield, distribution and the occasional forward thrust (apparently he has yet to execute this move off the football pitch) accumulated in the hearts and minds of our faithful supporters and dedicated team mates. Hopefully his run of form and injury free adventure will continue and help us reach RBBFC history books.

Fate was feeling generous this week as a mediocre result was complimented by an equally, if not more, inspiring piece of news that our title-contending rivals La Lorraine had failed to perform during their fixture. As it stands, our destiny is in our hands to win the league for if we secure three points for the next 6 weeks we will see ourselves crowned ABSSA Div.1 champions for the second time in 4 years.

Could it be that league winning teams are ones who perform below standard and yet still manage to deliver results that ensure their road to glory? Not with the run of fixtures we have left. You know what you need to do boys, make our keen supporters, and yourselves, proud.

MOM Richard McGheean

Match Reporter Alessandro Lamarra