11am 28 July 2024
Montagu Cup, Preliminary Round
Joker Wickersley Youth CC 7 Balby 1 (att 40)
It wasn't until last summer that I had my first taste of the Montagu Cup, although I was late to it as the annual competition has been running since the 1890s.
It's open to both Saturday and Sunday sides, but this year the latter dominate the list of entrants. The opening rounds are early and pre-season, on Sunday mornings, while the final is held at Easter and attracts a very large crowd.
There were just a few dozen at the Bob Mason Recreation Ground in the Rotherham suburb of Wickersley, but not a bad turn out on a sunny and pleasantly warm morning.
Joker Wickersley were apparently formed a few years ago when two local clubs merged. They play in the top division of the Blades Super Draw Sunday League which, without it's sponsored title, is the Sheffield Sunday Sports League.
They were much too good for Doncaster Sunday League side Balby, although it took until the second half before the game ran away from the visitors.
The home side were ahead after 27 minutes, and missed a number of chances before doubling their lead just before half time. It became 4-0 early in the second period, before Balby scored a well-taken goal.
It was just a blip for Joker though, who scored three more to book their place in the 'round of 16', which is due to be played over the next two Sundays.
There is space for three football pitches as what is, in effect, a public park. One is railed off, although the railings are ageing and incomplete, and the playing surface looks like it's rarely, if ever, used these days.
This game was played on the only marked out pitch, closest to the car park, pavilion, and the back gardens of adjacent houses.
Comments
Post a Comment