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Bank of England Soccer Section Report for the OLD LADY
Unfortunately, my opening words convey yet another heartbreak for the Bank's First team. In the last report I highlighted that they were once again on the brink of promotion to Division 2, but that they had to reply on other team's results. Lady Luck was not on their side and they finished a tantalizing 3rd, much to the disappointment of not only the Section, but more specifically to the departing Coach Dave Hollingdale. Slightly better news came in from the twos who completed a remarkable return to Div 2 by finishing 4th with better things to come next season one hopes. Moving onto the social scene and close season, and subsequent to the main Section tour to Spain over Easter, the Vets decided to follow suit when they made tracks to Barcelona (during the MayDay weekend) and were pitted against the might of the Barcelona Vets, in a 30,000 all seater stadium (and yes Joe Peachey managed to hit the back row with one of his many wayward shots). A sterling display was seen from many a famous old Bank player but despite the heroics, we ended up losing 5-2. It was however, an experienced not to be missed and a number of new friends were made in the canteen afterwards. The following weekend (12 May) the Section and Sports Club hosted a visit by the Magyar Nemetzi Bank Soccer Section: This was the first time that the Hungarian Bank's Soccer Team has visited these shores and we were keen to ensure they enjoyed the experience. Our guests spent Friday afternoon touring London on an open topped bus and then decided to walk from Victoria to Putney Bridge tube (as it did not look far on the Tube map !!). On Saturday morning, in the heat of Roehampton (see separate photos), the Magyar's took on the might of the Bank's soccer section and obviously the fact that they had retired to bed at 10:30 the previous night stood them in good stead. They romped into an early lead despite Bank pressure and subsequent goals then put the game beyond our reach. A final score of 1-3 was not really a true reflection of the game, but will hopefully improve relations between our countries and may even lead to a return invite for next season. That afternoon some of our guests watched the Cup Final in Bar IKEA at the Club, whilst others decided to use the Bank's sporting facilities (pool and tennis courts - they had obviously not suffered enough in the morning heat). The tour was rounded off by a visit on Saturday night to a Mongolian BBQ in Wimbledon and then on the Sunday, a Thames River Boat Jazz and Lunch Cruise. As mentioned in my first paragraph, our veteran Coach Dave Hollingdale has decided it is time to move on, although this decision was to be fair forced upon him by a move of his employer to the West country. Dave still hopes to make the odd visit to his beloved BofE, but he is quick to pass on his wishes to the newly crowned coach John MacDonagh. John has been with us for a few seasons now in a playing capacity but was keen to take up this new goal as his playing legs began to wilt. He is a seasoned campaigner having touted his wares at a number of SAL sides and gained a number of League and AFA Caps to boot. I'm sure John will give the Section his best in what will be a trial period both for all concerned - John's first training session will be on Wednesday 25 July, so let's hope he gets the support he needs from the whole of the Section. Chris Toon Hon.Secretary |
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