Before I start this weeks report a mention for last week’s excellent effort. A great turn out for the painting of Risby village hall. A HUGE THANKYOU to everyone who put themselves out to lend a helping hand. Special mentions must go to the Osborne’s, Jess who oversaw the operation and lead the troops admirable, Mrs ‘O’ who amongst many other things made food for lunch (her vanilla crunch was scrumptious, I had to try a tincy wincy bit just to be polite, before you start Mrs P.). Sally Walters and the crewe for the refreshments, then there was  Mr Blyth who judging by the state of him when he left, had used himself as a human paint roller !!, Mr ‘P’ brought his mobile scaffolding (what a cheat) making the job much easier and safer, well done Mr Pearson. Despite our best efforts ( a  5 hour training session!!!)  Rick and I didn’t manage to get  out of painting and had to add our artistic skill to the final touches, anyway well done EVERYONE , a great team effort.

Sunday saw us play our first match at our new venue, Tigers very own THEATRE OF DREAMS at Risby, only made possible by hours and hours of hard toil from  Wayne ‘O’ who not only made the goals (including fixtures and fittings) but marked,  measured, rolled and patched up the pitch ready for the match…. Fantastic!!! Only one complaint though if we are sharing the pitch with the Rabbits why didn’t they help paint the village hall???

Tigers made an impressive start at their new home against a hard working Tollgate side, Matthew Le Poidevin kept a clean sheet, which is an achievement in 11 aside footie ,especially at this age. Defenders Mattie ‘O’, Alex Walters and James Blyth were excellent. Harvey Dinkele and Jarrad Lebbon worked tirelessly in centre midfield, George Bishop and Elliot ‘P’ worked well down the flanks, while manager Rick Walters three pronged attack of Luke Walker, Josh Shutler and Max Stubbs looked threatening throughout. We also had the added bonus of a new trial-list, making his debut, Fabien who made a very good impression on everyone and we hope he enjoyed his 1st taste of Tigers footie and maybe will want to join on a permanent basis? One things for sure our chief scout Martin Dinkele is certainly doing  a grand job as we increase our squad for next season. It was one of our new signings Josh Shutler who turned Tigers early dominance into goals, smashing in 2 unstoppable left foot shots, from the edge of the box , Alex Walters then scored number 3 with a great lob from outside the area so at half-time Tigers lead 3 – 0.

Tigers created a host of second half chances and played some excellent football, Luke Walker had a shot cleared off the line, George Bishop likewise, Fabien’s skill and persistence deserved a goal but his luck was out and it was Max Ronaldo Stubbs who finally found a fourth goal to seal a fine Tigers display. Thanks must go to referee Nigel Bishop who despite almost teeing up Tollgate for an early goal by getting in the way of a Tigers clearance!! Did a fine job on a red hot morning. Then there was our linesman, the very enthusiastic Mr Pearson who at one stage looked like he was bringing in a boeing 747 to land but was in fact just flagging for offside, cheers Mr ‘P’. Thanks also to everyone who helped with the refreshments tent, a grand job done there too, Bonnie tells me, Emily and her had a wait on the woman with the red convertible but despite the girls hard work she didn’t leave a tip!!!... Typical.

Finally while Man Utd were winning the premiership on Sunday afternoon (thanks to the referee!!) Wayne was busy cutting the roof off his red fiesta. so he now has a  convertible too!! Well done everyone, Well played Tigers see you soon.

MARK LEBBON