Celebratory fizz was popped; costumes were climbed into; questions were raised over whether Dave Aston had gone commando inside his Bunny onesie. Pleasantries (and some woeful warming up) concluded, the teams were split: Humans vs Animals (plus a few stragglers)
The game was tense! There were mini-match-ups all over the pitch. Mario Alan fighting Toad Ali. The Knight Neil battling the Dragon Ollie. A Cowboy Rob terrorizing a Turkey Tom (Don't they know its not christmas anymore!).
Eventually the Humans got the upper hand with two quick goals. Jason the Fairy, Hazel the Elf and That New Guy Will! working well together to create chances.
The Animals wanted payback thought, Pikachu Joe and the two Wallies, Harriet and Emma-Rose (the Humans couldn't find them at the start of the match), worked the ball up to Gingerbread Dave who was blinding the Wizard Coops with his…package… (Best or Worst Costume Award for Gingerbread Dave, whose costume left little to the imagination…). Eventually the ball went into the goal.
Halftime: 2-1. Veterinarian Ahmed tended to the wounded Animals. Mystic Steve and Christmas Jeanette gave words of encouragement. More orange juice was had!
The Animals had a stronger start to the second half, with the trio of Duracell Bunny Dave (Aston), Zebra James and Sheep Graham creating more chances and short corners, leading to Emma-Rose grabbing a goal and another followed soon after. Tinsel Jason got caught up on the random decorations he'd acquired over the festive period!
The Humans were not finished yet though! Matt 'Scissorhands' Kern worked with Christmas Alex and 80s Man Wilco who set up Superwoman Naomi to smash a ball at goal, which was politely deflected over the head of Christmas keeper, Lou W, by a Turkey.
Thank you to Lioness Hannah for arranging a fantastic game!
MoM: Turkey Tom and Wally Emma-Rose
LoM: Gingerbread Dave
Outstanding Costume: Gingerbread Dave