Stuart Dale match 2023
Posted on: May 2nd 2023School News
MGS held its annual fundraising football match for Macmillan Cancer Support, on a rather overcast but dry Friday afternoon, April 28.
Every year, eager football players gather at the school to compete for the Stuart Dale Memorial Trophy in memory of the school staff member, who died from cancer in 2005.
Year 11 pupil Joss wrote a match report as follows: "I'd say that there is a striking link between football and superstition, whether it be a shirt number, chant or even the studs the players wear, however, I would also say that I have never seen someone tempt fate quite as much as Mr Watt, manager of the teacher's team, who said to me before the game: "If we don't get beat ten-nil, then I'll be very happy". While that seemed lighthearted initially, especially considering our explosive runs down the left hand side and the crowd's clear backing of fan favourite, Mr Wilson, it later served as a damning indictment of how bad it may have been had the game been played for an extra five minutes towards the end of the second half.
"Our start was strong, capitalising on the already looking "half-empty" All Stars side that hadn't yet found their groove - though manager Graeme Warner made sure to tell me to "keep an eye on" Old Mancunians, Casey O'Brien and Lee Warner in the later stages of the game. Rapid balls into the centre were a common theme from the teachers' side early on - on a par with the fizzing of Mr Barker's drink when he was subbed off. Things soon started to unravel though, with the tackles and tumbles of our defensive duo, Messrs Tierney and Taylor soon affected by injury, and a real fight to see even a blink of the ball - after the game, Mr Khan quipped as to the relative success of reaching double figures in terms of possession kept. From this point on...I would say that the teachers were better than Man Utd against Liverpool this season, though that is probably the most positive reflection I can give.
"If there is any takeaway from the game, it would be that while the halfway line seemed a distant memory for the teachers' side by minute 60, the resolve of the fans to continually back their team was unmatched - San Siro, we're coming for you! My man of the match for the teachers' side would probably be Mr Sexton who was in net - but considering that we did concede seven, perhaps that says more about the rest of the team. Think Nick Pope when he was at Burnley is the best comparison I can give".
Joss concluded by saying: "All of this jovial enjoyment, and potentially term-ending injuries for our teachers, was all in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. While we raised a lot of money (mainly from the sweet stall being ransacked), I hope that next year I can bring a megaphone to spur on more donations!
Well done to every member of staff who was involved in the match, and to everyone who attended the game in support of Macmillan! We look forward to next year's match!
