A few weeks ago, I got a message from former Salisbury FC player, Mr Young. He’s a teacher at Stonehenge School in Amesbury (hence my formal introduction above). We’ve spoken many times since he departed SFC as he has had the misfortune of teaching my kids. In his message, he tentatively asked if the Ray Mac would be available for the Year 10 Salisbury District Cup Final between Stonehenge School and Bishop Wordsworth School. There was a very narrow window where we could fit the game in, so last Tuesday we hosted the match.
Volunteer Groundsman, Pete Robinson got the pitch ready during the day with a neat cut and gave it a bit of a soak with the irrigation system so it was in good condition for the event despite it being the end of a long season. Jim Ayres, Colin Cooper and I got everything else ready for the arrival of the teams to make their day as special as we could. We were also joined by referee, Adrain Campbell who did a great job in the middle.
Stonehenge School brought approximately 50 students and parents plus several teachers including the Headteacher, Mrs Dean to support the youngsters. They created a great atmosphere despite the small crowd. I have to congratulate them on their excellent behaviour throughout, and the kids were really good too 😉.
We put it on like we would any other match. We powered up the scoreboard and the PA system. The players came out to ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ by Guns N’ Roses blasting around the stadium and they lined up for a photo before departing to their respective halves of the pitch. A few of the students gave me some much-needed assistance on the mic during the game which they enjoyed.
The Football Club staff enjoyed the afternoon as much as our visitors, so this is something we’d look to do again next season and hopefully, we’ll expand on it. Below is a match report by one of the students. I’ve been asked to use surnames only so I’ve had to edit it a little but I’m sure you understand why.
A thrilling game to remember
Report by Mr Woodward (Year 10 Football Stonehenge School Team Captain)
After beating Wyven School 2-0 in the semi-final, Stonehenge were to face Bishops Wordsworth Grammar School at the Ray Mac Stadium. As the final starts to come closer and closer, Stonehenge arrives at the ground admiring the pitch that was being maintained perfectly with the sprinklers on ready for the occasion.
Shortly after arriving, both teams set off to the changing rooms to get ready and then set out for a warm-up. After completing a warm-up, Stonehenge returned back to the home changing rooms for a final team talk before the big game. With kick-off just minutes away, they lined up ready to walk out onto the pitch and were warmly welcomed by their fans that included students, parents and teachers. The whistle is blown to ignite the start of the game and Stonehenge begin with a quick start creating loads of pressure and bagging an early goal to put us at 1-0 scored by [White].
Carrying on that quick start, Stonehenge didn’t slow down and scored another two, a wonder goal by [Lewis] and a well-needed goal by [Haslam] who took it around the keeper. After a great first half, Stonehenge headed back to the changing rooms with a great cheer from the crowd which was full of Stonehenge School students, parents and staff.
An influential and motivational team talk that was given by Mr Young and a greeting from the Deputy Headteacher, Mr Braddick and Headteacher Mrs Dean, set Stonehenge back out to the pitch to carry on a great game and go for the win. The second half whistle blows and Stonehenge yet again set off quickly, scoring a fourth goal by [Haslam] again, they seal the win, seeing the game off to a victory. The full-time whistle blows and Stonehenge win the cup for the second time in a row, celebrations everywhere from all students and players and Stonehenge are victorious again.
We’d like to thank the players, teachers and visitors for joining us at the stadium and making this a great event. Commiserations to Bishop Wordsworth School and congratulations to Stonehenge School. Two excellent teams that represented their schools perfectly.
One final thank you goes to Mr Young for leaving the changing rooms as he found them. Hugely appreciated.
