Referee's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  REFEREES
 

HARLOW REFEREES STAGE CHARITY KICKABOUT
 
Tables were turned last week as a group of Harlow Referees donned their playing kits to take-on a squad of Hertford counterparts in a friendly match, raising money for St. Clare Hospice.
 
     
  Harlow held their heads high at Fairways in Parsloe Road on Thursday evening, winning 3-2, but, must importantly, collecting over £1,200 for the Hospice who care for terminally ill cancer in-patients at the same time. Terry Rackley, Chairman of the Harlow Referees' Society and one of the main organisers of the event, explained: "Both teams were applauded off the pitch and one spectator was heard saying: "That's how a game of football should be played."

A great deal of planning had gone into the game over a long period of time, Rackley continuing: "Last year, myself and another official, Adrian Amey, were at a Sawbridgeworth Town game. We agreed it was about time we all started building some camaraderie to see a bit more of our fellow referees. After all, we only hear about misfortunes and mishaps after a game through word of mouth or by seeing each other at Referees Association meetings! We talked about a game of football and decided to try a low-key Charity Match." 		 
 
 
"It was, at first, going to be a Referees vs Celebrities game but we didn't know what sort of response we'd get. A small committee was then formed which set about arranging the game. A good attitude and a sense of humour were essential as we obviously wanted to enjoy ourselves. We also aimed to hold the Essex flag high and be proud to represent our County and Referees Society."

Adrian Amey and Steve Gleeson were installed as the Management Team to organise training and team selection, Robbie Ellis organised training and fitness and Terry was the Event Organiser. Those playing were expected to put at least ten pounds in the Charity Bucket, the goalkeeper sponsored himself for how long he could maintain his clean sheet and the players tapped-up their bosses at work to ensure a healthy total was achieved.

Nicola Burston, Peter Hanger and Lee Dorling had the dubious pleasure of officiating the game and Terry admitted it was a brave decision to accept their appointments: "Nic received some friendly banter but it was all in the name of fun as she performed well. There was no need for any cards to be shown, either!"

The Harlow & District League started the Bucket off with a £100 donation and cash was also collected from over one hundred interested spectators during the game. Rob Eubel, Man-of-the-Match Mark Bellworthy and a screamer from Gary Nash supplied the goals for Harlow in an evenly-contested matched. Hertford had the more youthful side, but experience told on the night as the home side's third lead was ultimately maintained.

When asked if the match will now become a regular event, Rackley stated: "We have been slapped with the gauntlet and have to play them at Welwyn Garden City in May. They want revenge!"