From Oxford to Hyde Park
It was a very emotional day at Wadaham boathouse in Oxford today where the christening of the rowing boat ‘Spirit of Niccolò’’ took place to honour the memory of Niccolò Torrigiani, the son of our FD Filippo.
The boat itself is an 8x masterpiece by Cantiere Navale Filippi in Italy, a sort of Rolls Royce of the rivers. Niccolò was, among other things the captain of the rowing team and very much an inspirational figure in any of the many activities he engaged in: a rare combination of someone fiercely competitive and at the same time caring and generous. Not least someone with a great sense of humour as we learned today from his mates telling us the banter and the laughters during theirs days at Oxford university.
I felt I was representing each and everyone of the Football Dads at the event, even if many of you never met Niccolò: each time we get to know him through these initiatives we can understand and appreciate how proud Francesca, Filippo and Federico are of their Niccolò. To know that ‘Spirit of Niccolo’’ will be ruling the waves of the river Thames is something that will help his memory stay alive among us all forever. (Giancarlo writes)
Back at Hyde Park, 12 players met to give life to another thrilling match. After last week’s gargantuan turnout, there was surprise in seeing such a low number of players, but the change was welcome. Playing 6-side instead of 13-side (as last week) offered players the opportunity to enjoy unusual wide spaces and play some exciting geometries.
The Blues team got immediately control of the game, showing a better organisation and impressive skills. Greater ball possession and razor-like pass precision allowed then to come easily in front of Alessandro C, who defended the goal of the Colours team. Despite suffering from jet lag, having just came back from Texas, Alessandro saved countless attempts, but could do nothing to stop four of their shots.
With the result on 4-0 after little more than 20 minutes, the match seemed finished. But it had really just started.
The Colours had struggled to get ahead but had been dangerous on the left wing, where Andrea and Giacomo played sublimely, quickly passing each other the ball. After one of those movements, Andrea shot from a distance sending the ball in the top corner. A beautiful goal that elicited a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Blues took notice and scored again twice (6-1) but the Colours had no intention to lose. When they managed to recruit a new player (Noham) they grew in confidence and speed, taking control of midfield and forcing the Blues to retract in their half.
Playing upfront for the Colours, Alessandro R had missed a number of easy opportunities, but he rebuffed his critics by scoring two difficult ones, and in assisting a third, after capturing the ball from Johannes with a perfectly executive slide tackle.
In the space of 30 minutes, Colours managed to score 7 goals, while the Blues only scored 2, bringing the score to 8-8. An impressive remuntada.
Instead of going for Golden Goal, it was decided that the win would have gone to the first team reaching 10 goals. Players number parity was restored when the Colours were able to recruit Otto, an Austrian gentleman passing by.
Both teams gave their best to win. Francesco, who had already scored twice for the Blues, sealed the victory at 10-8 by clinically scoring two more Benzema-like goals. The jury needed little time to decide he deserved to get the Man of the Match Award.
“It doesn’t matter whether you play on a crowded pitch like last saturday or in an almost empty one like today. It’s always tough and exciting. Besides, it’s all excellent training ahead of the next Master Game” said Francesco.
BLUES-COLOURS 10-8
Blues: Francesco, Johannes, Paride, Ben, Khaled….
Colours: Alessandro C, Andrea, Giacomo, Alessandro R, Stanley, Thomas,