The Rumble in the Jungle, The Thriller in Manilla, Pizzagate; all trip off the tongue for sporting rivalries. Add to that 'El Bassetto', after a double serving of high-octane, competitive games within four days between Royal Wootton Bassett Town's two Veterans teams. It just goes to show the growth and the strength in Over 35s football at the club: to be able to field two equally strong sides in such a short space of time.

The second instalment between the Blue and Yellow sides of the Vets came on Thursday 7th March, this time on the stadium pitch at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. It was a bonus to play on the 'big pitch', with a fair few onlookers braving the elements for a feisty Wiltshire County Veterans Cup quarter final encounter.

Bryan Watson had the Yellows well-organised and up for it as they took the lead in the first half. They had more than matched the Blues physically and upset their rhythm, and they made the most of possession when a cross from the left was crisply finished by Chris 'Dancing on Ice' Cooper, curling into the top corner from the edge of the area.

The Blues were rattled, unable to gain any momentum, and Gould had another good chance to make it 2-0.

The Yellows held their lead into the second half, and chances went begging for the Blues with Stephens pulling off two outstanding saves.

However, the Blues finally forced a goal, Wilson forcing the ball over the line despite Kev Gulliver's Suarez-like save, after a penalty box melee from a corner.

The Blues now had the wind in their sails and quickly took the lead, Shaw finishing in the box after fine work by Parker on the right.

With Wilson providing the impetus from midfield, the Blues then took control, and their third came when a swirling corner from Gav Cook was diverted (so not your goal!) by Stephens and palmed into his own net, under the duress of the lights!

The Yellows' early exertions were taking their toll as Shaw ran in a fourth, again after linking up with Parker.

Blues Man of the Match: Steve Lynch - the Duracell bunny that keeps going and going.
Yellows Man of the Match: Ian Mitchell – part of a solid defensive blockade that nearly held out.

Blues Pink Pony: Dave Parker - the Russell Brand of Friday nights with his unpredictability!
Yellow Pink Pony: Ceri Stephens - after some great saves the Blues found his weak spot - up in the lights!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Saturday 9th March 2019 at 11:30