The “kick-off” for today’s “match” between Beverley Town and Sheffield United was scheduled for 0930. The “home” team assembled at Market Cross while the “away” team gathered at the Dog & Duck in Walkington.
As the home team made their way to the “pitch” a loud squeal of delight derision sounded from the “crowd”…. Oh, wait a minute, it’s only Paul arriving with his new “early warning system!” Who needs a bell eh? 🔔😂 0930 on the dot the “referee” blew the whistle. What’s that? We’re one man down. Perhaps Michael 🛌 is now “batting for the other side” . However, time and tide wait for no man according to rule #87….. and Neil! Just as we shuffled the ball forward we were met immediately with a stubborn “red” defence 🚦before we could get into our stride.
A “long ball” forward and the chase was on as Mark led the home team up the Westwood to Manor House before a “cross ball” had us in “United” territory at Walkington. Soon after, we were faced with some stiff opposition with both head wind 🌬️ and ground slope ⛰️ against us as we made our way up Bluestone Bottoms, this time led by Chad. Part way up, Smithy stopped to recover….. something fallen from his pocket, at least that was his excuse! 😉
Once at the top of Comberdale, the “home” team hit top gear as we swooped down to South Cave. Turning into Ellerker Lane, the “away” team headed down Common Road to Broomfleet while the “home” team took to the slightly shorter left flank on Norfolk Bank Lane. Just as we were running alongside the Market Weighton canal, Paul was “hit” by a “dirty tackle (aka pothole)” causing a pinch puncture to his rear end!
Paul & Andy 
Richard, Chad & Mark
Meanwhile, the “away” team went “off-piste” taking the gravel track from Broomfleet to Faxfleet, much to the chagrin of some of the “players”. Funny that, I always thought “off-piste” was something you did after leaving the pub! 😂
Mathew 
Newbie Neil 
Heather hoping it’s all over
At Faxfleet, both teams were back on the same “pitch” and with no shelter from hedgerows, facing the full blast of head wind. The “home” team worked well together as each took a turn on the front to keep the pace “high”. Through Blacktoft, Yokefleet and Laxton both teams battled their way forward until reaching Skelton where a slight relief came as the head wind turned to a cross wind, lasting till the “half time” whistle at Howden.
Arriving at the “dressing room”, we found the away team already ensconced on the “benches” including “sleepy head” Michael who’d made his own way there. Settling down to my bacon sarnie and coffee, I made the mistake of taking the lid off my “americano” only to find out it was actually a “flat white”. Yuk yuk yuk.
Neither team wanted “extra time” so we decided the return leg would take us through Eastrington and Sandholme to Newport. Buoyed by the now following wind, the pace of the game picked up smartly. At North Cave we turned into the Hotham estate for a more leisurely jaunt. On reaching South Newbald it was decision time, to Trundle or not to Trundle. The lead players took the initiative and headed for the high ground while the rest tagged along reluctantly.
View from High Hunsley
Following a brief regrouping stop at High Hunsley, we set off downwards to Walkington. As the final whistle blew, everyone pealed off to their own “locker room” for a well earned bath. The final score will always be open to debate, but I’m sure we all had a wonderful day in the saddle.