by Dale Farrington
Even though we won the league title on the 21st of November, we had to wait nearly a week for the trophy presentation. It was announced that the ceremony would be held after the final fixture of the season, against Tobacco Monopoly - a 3:30pm kick off...on a Tuesday! However, if you couldn't make it to the game, there was going to be a big party on the pitch afterwards. It promised to be the mother of all celebrations.
Unsurprisingly, the early start meant that there were only about 100 fans in the stand when the match got underway and the atmosphere was muted, to say the least. This lack of enthusiasm on the terraces clearly transmitted itself to the players, who were obviously going through the motions before they could get their hands on the prize and start the festivities.
It soon became apparent that the real entertainment was happening elsewhere and the majority of the sparse crowd turned our attention to what going on around the stadium. Tents were being erected, tables assembled and food and drink prepared. And, behind one of the goals - where a huge stage had appeared as if by magic - the star "turn" for the evening, Loso - led by the enigmatic Sek - were setting up.
With the match now in its second half, the attendance had risen to about 250 - 9,750 fewer than for the previous home game - but we were still fascinated by anything other than the football. By this point, the band's roadies had finished sorting the the gear and the popular Thai beat combo were anxious to soundcheck.
At first, they seemed reluctant to disturb the players so we'd hear an occasional drum roll or guitar lick, but nothing that would interfere with the "action" out in the middle. But, eventually, they could contain themselves no longer and burst into full on rock 'n' roll mode. If was the most exciting thing that had happened all afternoon. And that is how our historic, championship winning season ended. The final thirty minutes of a meaningless game were played out in front of 250 fans to the accompaniment of Loso's greatest hits. Bliss!
No comments:
Post a Comment