On Saturday our coaches select XI stood united with our friends from Newbold Verdon Cricket Club and we shared a minute of reflection to honour the life of young 16 year old Oliver Wright who sadly passed away just 24 hours earlier, the game went ahead and with mixed weather a rainbow came out over Alans Way just before kick off, we're sure young Ollie was watching.
With a spine made of the AFCMB Veterans, the blue and blacks started in the ascendancy and with Chad and Dave at the back there was more rabbit than sainsburys and me and them and them and you enjoyed some special moments.
With the SAS (Stephens and Sammon) a constant threat, the blues took an early lead through Andy Parkes and had a number of chances to extend their lead but found NVCC goalkeeper Christer Malsbury in inspired form.
At the other end, Chairman Roscoe looked secure in his figure hugging goalie top and everything look set for a productive afternoon.
When skipper Martindill brought himself on and played a delicious through ball to Sammon, a second seemed on the cards but it wasn't to be.
With Philip Debono Schofield barking orders from left back, with his new grey tint glistening in the sun, we thought it would be our day.
As the half wore on, we boosted the good looks by bringing on the chiselled features of Tejas Khatau who was a handful in attack and looked handsome throughout.
Shortly before half time the cricket team, whose average age of 13 was considerably below the 62 from AFC, drilled home to equalise.
Then Josh Mottram dumped the portly figure of Martindill on his backside and the game was suspended for 3 minutes whilst everyone cracked up.
At half time, the blue and blacks discussed whether to go Moretti or Estrella after the game and second half it was clear their minds were on other things.
We relieved Chairman Roscoe of his goalie duties and in went Tom Bell who did a fine job.
Some good feet from chiropodist Mckenzie meant we were a constant menace.
Replacing Chad and Dave with Dick (Simon) and Dom unstabilised the defence and after a spell of pressure the cricket club scored with a wicked free-kick.
Undeterred, Stephens continued to look threatening and James "The Fox Box to Box", our goalkeeper coach, showed there was more to him than catching drills.
At 2-1 down Sam Mottram confirmed what we always thought - he was a Cricket man deep down. Two shocking misses stopped us getting back in the game and the heckling from Mrs Mottram brought tears to my eyes.
When Debono tried a 45 yard left foot half volley, we knew it was time for a Moretti. We downed tools and let them have a third. Well.... Debono let them have a third - off his silver Barnet.
The full time whistle went with teams sharing elbow taps in memory of Newbold's finest. A couple of socially distant pints later and everyone agreed sport has a great way of bringing people together.
AFCMB Player of the Match went to Mark Debono. As is the norm, he produced an understated, quietly efficient performance from left back. His new silver tints were a big hit with the ladies and his 45 yard volley was so close to an equaliser. Well done Schofe we're proud of you.
Seriously, thank you to Dan and all at Newbold. Our thoughts are with you all.