‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a Coaches’ Christmas Tale
Twas the morning before the night before Christmas, when Coach Harris arrived at the ground,
Alongside Coach Wixey, they stood there in wonder at what they both had found,
But some strange men of great help were stood in the dark,
With their headlamps and whispers as they wondered the park,
For a gift they felt they’d bestow unto us,
Taking directions and orders without any fuss,
And before we could blink Longlevens was ready,
To welcome from Gloucester and Woking the many,
Who wanted to cheer and support the teams,
Who only the night before saw a win in their dreams.
But before that could happen Bacon Baps were sank,
To the parents who helped and that we wanted to thank.
Now the kit is all hanging and Hickey’s computer a-go,
‘I need a 34th house’, he thinks, this time… Monte Carlo,
So he circles the parents with photos on standby,
And talks and talks and talk and talks ...until they give in and buy.
The boys start arriving and one doesn’t miss a trick,
To add a Christmas sprinkle we can trust old Limbrick,
Looking his happy and playful self,
He saunters up the path, half human – half elf.
The teams are now picked and ready to play,
Only a Woking outfit stand in the way,
Of finishing the year with a much-wanted win,
However, that plan soon went in the bin.
When only one hour and 20 minutes after,
There was very little of joy and laughter,
A game we weren’t up for, another missed chance,
As Woking were victors and we were pants,
Compared to some of the brilliance that this year we’ve seen,
And hope to learn from for Two Thousand - Eighteen.
But, before I move on, I think of a couple of names,
Laverton and Fortey who had brilliant games,
They worked effortlessly and tirelessly to change the score,
A special mention, I felt, as they couldn’t have given more.
Anyway, enough with the whinging and thinking of next year [yee-er],
Let’s get back to the banter and Christmas Cheer.
Hayes calls Harris ‘Fat’ and we’re quickly back to the norm,
The heartfelt quips make him feel all warm,
The joy is quickly back and forgotten is the gloom,
As we make our way round to the Pavilion room,
Chicken Nuggets and chips is the day’s food consumed,
And in popped the parents, around they loomed,
For two boys stood up, to Harris and Wixey they’d approach,
And a thoughtful gift was given to each Coach.
Hugs and Kisses of thanks for the adults were shared,
This feeling of togetherness it can’t be compared.
So, a final Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
To all who help me love what I do - nothing comes near!
Alongside Coach Wixey, they stood there in wonder at what they both had found,
But some strange men of great help were stood in the dark,
With their headlamps and whispers as they wondered the park,
For a gift they felt they’d bestow unto us,
Taking directions and orders without any fuss,
And before we could blink Longlevens was ready,
To welcome from Gloucester and Woking the many,
Who wanted to cheer and support the teams,
Who only the night before saw a win in their dreams.
But before that could happen Bacon Baps were sank,
To the parents who helped and that we wanted to thank.
Now the kit is all hanging and Hickey’s computer a-go,
‘I need a 34th house’, he thinks, this time… Monte Carlo,
So he circles the parents with photos on standby,
And talks and talks and talk and talks ...until they give in and buy.
The boys start arriving and one doesn’t miss a trick,
To add a Christmas sprinkle we can trust old Limbrick,
Looking his happy and playful self,
He saunters up the path, half human – half elf.
The teams are now picked and ready to play,
Only a Woking outfit stand in the way,
Of finishing the year with a much-wanted win,
However, that plan soon went in the bin.
When only one hour and 20 minutes after,
There was very little of joy and laughter,
A game we weren’t up for, another missed chance,
As Woking were victors and we were pants,
Compared to some of the brilliance that this year we’ve seen,
And hope to learn from for Two Thousand - Eighteen.
But, before I move on, I think of a couple of names,
Laverton and Fortey who had brilliant games,
They worked effortlessly and tirelessly to change the score,
A special mention, I felt, as they couldn’t have given more.
Anyway, enough with the whinging and thinking of next year [yee-er],
Let’s get back to the banter and Christmas Cheer.
Hayes calls Harris ‘Fat’ and we’re quickly back to the norm,
The heartfelt quips make him feel all warm,
The joy is quickly back and forgotten is the gloom,
As we make our way round to the Pavilion room,
Chicken Nuggets and chips is the day’s food consumed,
And in popped the parents, around they loomed,
For two boys stood up, to Harris and Wixey they’d approach,
And a thoughtful gift was given to each Coach.
Hugs and Kisses of thanks for the adults were shared,
This feeling of togetherness it can’t be compared.
So, a final Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
To all who help me love what I do - nothing comes near!
