TT No.208: Mike Latham - Sat 8 Mar 2008: GFA Challenge Trophy Semi-Final. Hardwicke FC 1-0
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Hardwicke is a small village south of
Hardwicke’s club secretary, Stan Hine, was in no doubt about the task facing his side when we spoke on Friday evening. Stan is one of those unsung heroes without whom there simply wouldn’t be any grass roots football.
Stan explained that though his side were having an outstanding season this game might be one game too far for them as Almondsbury are a respected and talented outfit.
“But it’s probably the biggest day in our club’s history,” Stan added, “and we want to make the most of it.”
Kick-off times had varied from 1pm on the visitors’ website, to 1-30 on the GFA website and 2pm on the county league web-site, hence my initial call to Stan.
“It was due to be 1-30 but we’ve got it put back to 2,” Stan informed. “The tea bar will be open in the village hall, though the lady who normally runs it for us has gone to Crufts. I’ll make sure I save you a couple of programmes. I’ve rolled and marked the pitch and it’s looking good, everything should be set fine.”
What a magnificent service, a pleasure to have such a warm and friendly response from a club secretary who found it hard to believe that two people could be travelling down from
Sure enough, after a trouble-free journey south, Stan’s detailed directions paid off and the village hall was soon appearing into view, about 200 yards down Green Lane. Both teams were warming up on the pitch and the day was set for an intriguing cup-tie.
Stan recognised me immediately (worrying that, seeing we had never met), proffered the programmes and gave me a potted history of the club. Formed in 1933, they are a community club in the fullest sense with a host of junior and open age teams. Superbly organised and well run by a band of volunteers Hardwicke are clearly a friendly club who welcome old friends and new with great enthusiasm.
The pitch, flat, well grassed and immaculate had been roped-off and the wise locals stood by the village hall that adjoins one side to protect themselves from a piercing wind. On the far side are neighbouring houses and a small children’s play area, behind one goal a cricket square with a fence behind the other. Hardwicke also play on other pitches off
The programme, a fine 20-page effort, gave histories of both teams, detailed pen pictures of the Hardwicke players, photographs, statistics and welcome notices- a superb effort that added to the sense of occasion. Stan had obviously told a few people about our visit and we were well received by all the locals while the tea bar was already open for business and doing a roaring trade. Afterwards the Starting Gate public house is used as the club headquarters.
It was a fascinating game, too, fast, skilful and played in a good spirit. Clearly well organised and confident, Hardwicke bridged the gap in status confidently and got their tactics spot-on. They won the game through a header from a corner five minutes before half-time, with Stan’s son, Rob, the hero.
Hardwicke are a delightful club to visit and this was a memorable afternoon spent in good company.
contributed on 09/03/08