A beautiful day at Bermuda Phoenix Centre and the pitch was looking great, all to play for as both teams had a chance at finishing runners up in division six.

Despite having several away, the Vets still managed to get a strong side out of with a few players coming in for their first appearances of the season.

Off the back of 3 games on the bounce, you could forgive the old boys if they were a bit leggy especially after a gruelling final last weekend.

It was an even start with neither keeper being tested in the early sparring but with Sparta looking to hit their pacey striker, it was that plan which worked well as a ball over the top and he rounded Serdar on the byline and tapped into an empty net. As the half went on Bosworth grew into the game and played some nice football at times, the best chances fell to Chris upfront but he met his arch nemesis in their Keeper who made a couple of incredible saves from close range. Sparta could have made it two when an error from Hightower saw the Sparta striker receive the ball behind him and hit a rasping volley which Serdar chucked out an arm and diverted the ball over for a corner. Moments later he made another good save tipping over a long shot from distance. As the first half came to an end, it was pretty even with Bosworth having some good chances.

Second half it was much of the same, Hatchett came on for Club Legend Dave Edwards and Postman Page replaced Harry on the right side of attack looking to deliver the goods as always however Bosworth were hit by a goal, a header back to Serdar was intercepted and the pacey striker got there first and took the ball into an empty net. It’s true to say he was giving us a torrid time and Carl at left back was like a greyhound running after the hare, always ten yards to make up chasing but he didn’t give up and went until the end.

2-0 down and it was looking ominous for Bosworth however Eddy never panics and we continued to play our football and put pressure on the Sparta defence. Bosworth won a corner and a deep cross from Scott was met by Hightower and his header down found Dicko who nipped in front of the defenders to power home from close range. 2-1, game on!

Moments later Bosworth could have equalised, a brilliant cross was met with a flicked header by Chris and the Sparta goalkeeper once again made an unbelievable save to tip it over the bar. Bosworth equalised through Hutch when Hatchett got forward well and his ball across the box eventually fell to Hutch who powered home with a toe poke of doom into the far corner. Bozzy had pulled themselves back from 2 goals down again.

Credit to Sparta who kept coming at Bosworth with a wave of attacks but the defence led by Captain Griff stayed strong however it was Sparta who took the lead again, a high ball looped into the air and despite claims from Sid of having it in two hands the ball ended up in the back of the net, the referee who I believe Carl had cemented inside the centre circle as a prank could not see what happened and despite an intense staring competition with HAR (Harry Assistant Referee) on the flag, the goal was given.

A bitter blow for Bosworth and with little over ten minutes left were hoping they could salvage something or look forward to a wet and cold Thursday night at Ravenstone to secure 2nd spot.

Despite probing, Sparta were staying strong but Bosworth continued to play their football, Juggy was leading the line after replacing Chris but chances were few and far between however a change of shape from Eddy seemed to swing the game into Bosworths favour. With several minutes to spare, Hutch was having his belly tickled by the opposition goalkeeper and as both fell to the ground in a position not even suitable for the Karma Sutra a penalty was awarded, Hutch walked off like Connor McGregor shouting you cheating ant at the goalkeeper. Enter “Dan the Man” to step up to take the penalty… no not Griff but one of the many Edwards associated with the club and he made no mistake as the ball nestled into the corner.

A draw was enough and both teams worked hard until the final whistle, there was still time for Chad to get in on the action, after walking over like Roy Cropper with a bag for life at kick off, he was taken out by a local sniper as he moved at speed down the line.

It was a hard working performance from the Vets who secured second place and with our remaining game on the Thursday following and nothing to play for with the league wanting to wrap the division up it was agreed to take a draw in the final game. The lads have worked hard all season and we look forward to another strong season with Griff hanging up his boots and supporting Eddy. Thanks to Eddy for leading the lads this season, Scott and Griff for their support and to all the lads who featured for the team.