Reunion 2003 - May 10/11
Eleventh Aber Re-union Report, 10th May 2003
Match Report
A good turnout from players and spectators again this year saw a thrilling reunion match played in bright sunshine and with great hwyl (in an excellent spirit). The game was once more restored to the spiritual home of the ex-Aber Students at Blaendolau and kicked off at the traditional 3.00pm on a Saturday. The ex-Aber Students team seemed to respond to this with added passion. The game was played against an experienced though younger team of local players, ably led by Martin Morgan. The first half display by the ex-Aber Students was almost, but not quite, reminiscent of some of their best District League performances in the late 60's. The ball was played neatly around the midfield with Johnny Roberts (Plyn), back in midfield, linking well with Derrick Spragg (Arabs) and Ken Passmore (Arabs & Astra). There was good movement up front. First Spike Jones (Arabs) nearly latched on to a penetrating ball through from midfield and then Tiggy Bates (Arabs) picked up a neat one two and threatened to score but went inches wide. Martin Rogers, playing wide, stretched the opposition on more than one occasion.
The defence was working well too. The novel tactic by the ex-students, of drafting in a family trio into the heart of the team, seemed to be paying off. Bob Culley (Astra), returning from injury, played fluently as a fourth midfielder just in front of the defence, and kept it very tight. He was ably supported by Rhys Culley and Rhodri Culley, his two talented sons, playing in defence. Mick Purslove (Arabs) was having his usual good game in defence providing valuable experience alongside his younger charges and in front of Tom Bates who played well in goal. In a fast moving game the refereeing of John Ansell (Astra) deserves a special mention for the way the game flowed and the excellent way John kept up with the play on such a hot day. The full squad would not be complete without mention of Jim Kettle (Astra) who came off the bench half way through the second half, like a bulldog unleashed, and scored a stunning goal with his head to put the Ex-Aber Students into a deserved one - nil lead at half time. Non-playing coaches Elwyn Williams (Arabs), Howard Phillips (Plyn), Mike Pickard (Astra) and Huw Evans (Astra) shrewdly masterminded tactics from the bench and Elwyn led the inspiring half time team talk. The ex-students received good support from the loyal band of regular supporters of wives and friends including this year, for a debut appearance on the terraces, Carol Collins.
The second half saw both teams make tactical switches and, in the case of the opposition, draft in some new blood. Unfortunately for the ex-Aber Students this saw them chasing the game a bit in the second half as fresh legs punished ageing bodies beginning to ache on the hard, dry, late spring ground. Nevertheless, there were some exciting moments to savour, including a cleanly struck header into the top corner by Bob Culley. Unfortunately this was at the wrong end and gave Mike Purslove, now in goal, no chance. Mike did bring off some good saves in the second- half and kept the ex-Aber Students in with a chance. In the end the greater stamina and second half pace of the opposition told as a final score of 1-3 reflected.
General Report
Playing on a Saturday in early May provided some novel features to the weekend which previous re-union games have lacked - mainly sunshine. The game has been played in the past as early as the second week of April on some wet and windy days with hail. This year though, a bright warm spring day in May was welcome, although of course this meant the ground was harder. It also meant there were day trippers about. At one point in the game a train full of trippers coming down from Devil's Bridge came to a halt right alongside the pitch and swelled the crowd to several hundred for a few moments. And what a treat they had with Tiggy breaking dangerously down the middle. Unfortunately the run ended with Tiggy on his backside as a cruel bump caused a miskick. Well the whole trainful had a laugh and then they chugged off.
It was certainly a pleasant change to be able to go for a pint after the game and sit out in a sunny pub beer garden in Penparcau. Similarly to walk and kick the bar in warm sunshine on Sunday morning.
The earlier kick-off meant there was a little window of opportunity early evening to visit one or two old haunts before the pre dinner drinks at 8.00pm. Never daunted by the logistical nuances of trying to accommodate various preferences, this "session", only lasting just over an hour and half, saw various sub-groups visit bars as far and wide as The Castle, The Angel, The Marine and others in between.
There was, as usual a good turnout for the evening meal in fashionable Aber night spot Le Figaro, where we were joined by more old friends including Tony McGuiness (Astra). Mike Fisher (Cambrian) provided excellent hospitality as usual and the singing went well into the next day and was enjoyed by all there.
Derrick