There's Some Corner Of A Foreign Field: 2008

During the 2008 mid season break, Chonburi played a few friendlies at the misleadingly named Coke Stadium in Bangphra. Not so much a ‘stadium’, more a farmer’s field (that later hosted premier league football! - ed). Over the years, I'd been to watch many fixtures there - including the long forgotten Jingnarwiganusorn Cup competition - but one match in particular stands out, a 0-4 defeat against Bang Phra.

I arrived slightly late for kick off - even though I remember sneaking away from work early - to be greeted by my friend, Nitt, who was jabbering away in a very excitable manner.

“What is it, mate?” I asked him.

“Two English players! We’ve got two English players! Two English players on trial!!” he replied, breathlessly.

“Two English players? Who are they?” I asked.

“I don’t know, but they’re over there,” he said, pointing at two young(ish) lads, who were ‘warming up' on the touchline.

As the game had already started, I felt it prudent not to approach them, but decided I’d have a chat after the final whistle. Meanwhile, I tried to get a closer look to see if I recognised them or could find any clues as to their ability. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long to see them in action. “Here we go”, I thought, as they both sprinted purposefully onto the pitch, to a polite round of applause from the few dozen fans who had gathered to witness this historic occasion.

Within a minute, ‘Player A’ received the ball just inside his own half. He controlled it and then played a perfectly weighted through pass, for his mate to run after. ‘Player B’ sprinted behind the defence in pursuit of the ball. He caught it just before it reached the dead ball line. Then . . . he fell over and collapsed, exhausted, in a heap on the floor. He’d run all of 30 yards. Team mates and opponents gathered around him and he eventually got back on his feet. A short while later, he was walking - or more accurately - wobbling about in the middle of the pitch trying to avoid the action. His friend too seemed to be letting the match pass him by.

Now, I wasn’t the only one to notice this and not long after, they were both substituted and retired to the relative sanctuary of the only shade on the ground, behind the changing rooms. Undeterred, I made my way to seek them out. And there I found them, motionless, breathless and extremely red faced - either through heat or embarrassment, or both. I felt it best to leave well alone and returned to my seat. I never did find out who they were, or where they came from (Pattaya beach? - ed) but I’ll never forget those wonderful ten minutes when we had two of my fellow countrymen side by side in a Chonburi team.