SEPTEMBER 1999 NEWSLETTER

Click on one of the below or scroll down.

• Editorial
• Mystic Ref - Update 4 - RESULT
• The Driver Peskett Shield
• The Phil Roots Quiz Trophy
• Football Magazine Story
• Whats in a Name?
• Back Page
• Mystic Ref - New Competition

EDITORIAL

Here we go again! For most, if not all of you, the new season will be well under way by now, and the quest for glory has begun again. Some of you will be operating on a higher league than before, with a different level of football. It is often surprising what a difference in the standard of football you encounter when you move up a grade and it can be rather daunting. We all wish you well if you are in this situation, and I urge you to remember three important things. Firstly you have earned the right to be there on merit. Secondly, you never stop learning, and the new experiences you encounter, particularly in your early days at a higher level, will hold you in good stead later on, as you can learn from them. And thirdly, you are a member of the best Branch in Kent. The Branch is here not just to help newer members, but senior Referees can also benefit from sharing their problems with their colleagues. There is a wealth of experience in the Branch, so use it if you need to. Whatever happens this season, the main thing is that you enjoy your Refereeing.

I cannot believe for an instant that the climax to this season will come anywhere close to last season, when Mauchester United clinched their unique treble in such dramatic style. If anyone ever doubts again that a football match lasts for 90 minutes, just refer them to the 1999 European Cup Final! Or refer them to any United supporter, who will inevitably have every detail etched into his memory. Or, better still, if you can find a Bayern Munich fan, ask him!!

Last season was a bad one for Smiley United in the Marshalls Fantasy League. Having won the league the previous season, the lads wallowed in the depths for most of last year, and finished two from the botton of Division 2. Keen to prove that last year was just a blip, I returned from holiday and enquired about the league for the new season, only to be told it had already started, and I was too late! Charming!

On the subject of last years competitions, the official result of the Mystic Ref competition is included in this edition of the Newsletter. Congratulations to Sam Wright, who made a late burst to secure victory. I hope everyone who took part enjoyed the competition, and is hooked enough to want to participate again this year. Colin Morris has agreed to run the competition again, and an entry form is included at the back of this Newsletter for all those who are interested. If you didn't enter last year, then why not join in the fun and raise some funds for the Branch at the same time.

Actually this edition of the Newsletter is pretty much down to Colin Morris, who has produced most of the articles this month. As always, of course, you are all welcome to do so, and any articles will be gratefully received. If you don't want to write or phone, you can now send me an article by e-mail, as the Newsletter heads into the next millenium. My address is: ian.miles@marshalls.co.uk.

MYSTIC REF'S "KNOW IT ALL" COMPETITION - UPDATE No4 - RESULT

Welfolks, here is the final league table of the Competition. Sheeley Lottes who has dominated the table for most of the season has been pipped at the final hurdle by Sam Wright. Congratulations to Sam, the momento to recognise this tremendous effort is a white envelope containing £42.

The Branch would like to thank all who took part, hope you enjoyed it and we will have another one for the coming season with a few minor amendments in questions and prize money.

A copy of the origional questions, together with the correct answers follow with the points allocation. All details have been taken from the Carling Premier League WEB site. - Colin Morris

The above points have been allocated into your nominated sections to establish your points total and overall position in the final table.

THE DRIVER PESKETT SHIELD

For those new to the Branch, this is a quiz competition, questions based on all types of sport both current and historical, competed for between the Branches of Dartford, Bromley, Medway and Gravesend. This is held annually, with each Branch taking it in turn to host the event. As per normal, although the quiz itself is competed for on a serious basis, the night is full of halarity and good humour, making it a great social occasion.

This year was our turn to hold the event. The Prince of Orange hostelry was duly booked, they kindly reserving the down stairs saloon bar purely for the quiz, on the understanding the "juke box" in the other bar would be kept to an acceptable level. Trevor Bailey was the team manager for Gravesend. Who would be selected for this quiz, which puts "who wants to be a millionaire" in the shade for shear excitement, pressure and pulsating entertainment! With only 130 plus members, their would be a lot of disappointed people. "Whose in the team Trev?", says i, with wonderment (or was it bewilderment), so and so may make it, and he promised he would be here. Obviously the pre tournament training had taken its toll or was it the normal fact that the reliable few would once again carry our colours. The other teams arrived and duly took their positions for the competition to begin. Medway, again, failed to send a team. However, with some spectators available, an "all star" team was put together consisting of John Newson, Roland Gawler, Vic Taylor, Richard (pub landlord) and a little later in the evening by Anita Newson. Gravesend was represented by Trevor Bailey, John Aggett, Gary Groutage, Geoff Preston and Noland Wilde. Trevor was either confident or let down, as the team should consist of six.

As question master, I had the unprecedented predicament of phoning the Football Association earlier that day to clarify an important point. I stressed to them that we had arranged this date several weeks previous and that they had to rearrange their programme. Even threatening them with Roland broke no ice, they insisted that the Manchester United versus Arsenal FA Cup replay had to take place that evening. So with the teams seated, the other bar full to overflowing with vociferous supporters of both persuasions, we started the competition.

There were 100 hundred questions to be answered, divided into categories of 10 questions covering various aspects of sport. Each team had a preprinted answer form to complete as each poser was asked. At the completion of 20 questions the forms were passed to other teams. I read out the answers and allowed them to mark their opponents forms. They were returned, checked by each team then the totals submitted to me for the scoring totals.

The first 20 questions covered "ease you in gently" (no sexual connotations) covering an assortment of sport questions followed by, "Who are they", I gave a description of a football club or play, they had to supply the name. With a maximum 40 points at stake Dartford and Gravesend had 34, Bromley 36 and the All Stars 38 (with a smidgen of help from the question master!). We followed with "Put your whites on" obviously cricket and then "All Sports" self explanatory. Positions had changed with accumulative scores now Dartford 57, All Stars 60, Bromley 63 and Gravesend 65. We went into "General sport trivia" and "What sport are you watching?" I gave a location, they had to tell me what sport would be seen there. The "All Stars" (refusing to buy me another drink) slipped into last place with 76, followed by Dartford 83, Bromley 85 and Gravesend 89. "Soccer trivia" and "Trivia Trivia" that sorted the men from the boys. All Stars 96 (still not buying me a drink), Bromley and Dartford 113, Gravesend 115.

Stamina was waning, so sausage and chips were supplied to each team while the questioning continued. 80 questions gone and all to play for. "Whose ground are you at?" followed by "Who were the champions in 19--" with question100 being name all teams in the Premiership and Nationwide Leagues 1,2 and 3 whose name began with the letter "S". They gave a possible 62 points from the last set of questions. The final scores being "All Stars" 136, Gravesend 157, Dartford 159 and the victors Bromley with 170.

Never before during a quiz have half the contestants got up on several occasions and run to the other bar, when large cheers went up during the screening of the football match. Needless to say it was a great night, keenly fought and enjoyed, to the point where the landlord threw out the late drinkers, so he could retire to bed. - Colin Morris

The answer to question 100 (the teams were not told how many) Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Sunderland, Sheffield United, Stockport, Swindon, Stoke, Scunthorpe, Swansea, Shrewsbury, Southend and Scarborough.

THE PHIL ROOTS QUIZ TROPHY

Phil Roots was a Branch member who bravely fought hard, but sadly lost his life to cancer in his early twenties. To honour and perpetuate his memory, with his parents permission, we arranged to bring together all the local organisations of football, in teams of five, for an annual all sports quiz. A shield, bearing his name, became the award. Competing were Gravesham Schools, Boys League, Gravesend & Northfleet Supporters, North Kent Sunday Football League, Gravesend Football League and naturally a team from the Branch. Each team is charged £15 which is donated to the Ellenor Foundation, a local group, who operate on charitable donations, who offer full medical care and nursing to patients with life threatening illnesses and support for their families.

The Prince of Orange hostelry was booked, reserving the down stairs saloon bar purely for the quiz, on the understanding, (as the Driver Peskett quiz) that the 'juke box' in the other bar would be kept to an acceptable level. What happened this time? In the other bar, they had the big screen up for the International Hungary versus England, as it happens it did not exactly take the roof of the pub!

All the teams arrived, plus a representative side from The Tiger boys team and an "All Stars" female team made up of ladies from the Gravesend League and the Branch. (No - as you will read later Roland was not an "All Star", even though he qualifies as a tart). Although welcome to compete, they understood that the highest scoring team from those originally mentioned would receive the shield.

Like the Driver Peskett quiz, there were 100 questions to be answered, divided into categories of 10 questions covering various aspects of sport. Same categories, different questions, seemed fair enough to me.

Trevor Bailey was again team skipper and had a motley crew representing the Branch, definitely a matter of bribery to gain selection, namely by Nolan Wilde, Bernie Cheeseman, Dave Watts and John Newson. There were other Referees in attendance Tony Scott and Brian Casely for the Gravesend Football League and Graham East for the North Kent Sunday Football League. Roland also represented the Gravesend Football League, however I could not mention himin the above group because I did state "Referees"!!!!

The rounds provided a good test for the knowledge and absorption of trivia from the various teams and after 80 questions the scores read Supporters 91, Sunday League 93, All Stars 99, Tigers 100, Refs & Graveseham 101, Gravesend League 110 and leading, the Boys League116. Time for the sausages and chips to be served whilst the teams face the final onslaught of questions.

The last 2 rounds sorted them out, again the question 100 was a multiple answer which was: The World Cup started in 1930, name all the runners up since that origional final, they do not have to be in chronological order? (Where a team have been runners up four times, eg. Wales, then you would write down Wales on four separate lines). For any team over the actual number required will be penalised by 2 points per additional team. I really should try to find some difficult questions!!!

After all the abuse (a sure sign you have teased them) the scores were collated and finished Supporters 139, All Stars 143, Tigers 148, Sunday League 155, Gravesham 156, Refs. 157, Gravesend League 158 and the winners the Boys League 177. When you consider there was 230 points to be won, just 38 points covered first to last, that was a terrific performance by all the teams. Especially as the Supporters, Sunday League and Gravesham Schools did not have full teams.

Another enjoyable night was crowned with the presentation of the Shield to the worthy winners. With the quiz concluded we again waited for the landlord to go to bed! Thanks to all who attended and the Branch is proud to donate the £120 to the Ellenor Foundation in the name of Phil Roots.

That question 100 - one "anorak" got them all right and in the correct order! - Colin Morris

The answer to question 100. There were 16 teams required to be named (No finals took place in 1942, 1946 due to the War) Argentina x2, Xzechoslovakia x2, Hungary x2, Brazil x2, Sweden, West Germany x3, Italy x2, Holland x2.

PS Any insults or slurs that may be interpreted as being deliberately aimed at Roland Gawler - actually were!!

FOOTBALL MAGAZINE STORY

Supplied by Bary Lear - from a football magazine:

Carol Sylvester wife of Melvin

"He punched the player several times - just lost it. Then he sent himself off"

"Trophy-dusting is entirely his responsibility" says Carol Sylvester, wife of Melvin, who Referees four games every weekend in Hampshire. "I'd like him to give it up, though I'd never tell him that"

It's not hard to understand her lack of enthusiasm. On the pitch, Melvin 43, gets involved an as much aggro as Vinnie Jones. Every week, there is some hassle. Last year, he punched a player. "I thought it was quite comical, actually", insists Carol, who is also 43. "He punched the player several times - lost it completely. But then he sent himself off. That's an historic first. I always knew one day he would snap, because he's quite volatile. But the fact he was then able to control himself again and show himself the red card - I didn't predict that"

A s result Melvin was banned from Refereeing for six weeks and said he was hanging up his whistle for good. Carol had her doubts. She was right - too. Like a heroin addict, he just couldn't keep away. First it was "just boy's games," then it was a few men's games on Saturday's. "Soon enough there'11 be another braw," says Carol. "And he'll have to show himself a red card again".

Melvin's answer is unconvincing: "At least I'm not as bad as the African Ref who got so fed up that he shot one of the players," he says.

WHATS IN A NAME

With our Roland Gawler currently out of action, I have been looking after his appointment book for arranging for Kent Referee Instructors to visit Branches in Kent. On my answer phone was a message to contact Mike O'Bree the Dover Branch Secretary.

On making contact, his wife answered and I could hear her say "It is Colin from Gravesend".

"Hello Colin, thanks for returning my call" said Mike. "We are aware of Roland's problem and were advised to contact you to arrange a member of the coaching committee to attend our October meeting".

"No problem" say I, "when and where?"

He gives me the relevant information, check my diary and advise him I will come along. Then ask him what topics he wants to discuss.

We clear th up.

He then says "Thats really kind of you to volunteer, I wonder whether the person who normally comes with Roland might attend"

"I amthe one who normally comes with Roland" says I.

"Oh I didn't realise you were Bollicks, sorry Colin" states Mike.

Obviously the Symbollicks do make an impact or was he just stating the obvious!!

Nice one Mike!

Colin Morris

THE BACK PAGE

Once again, the Gravesend Branch is leading the way! Thanks to the efforts of Brian Foreman, our Branch is the first in Kent to have its' own website.

This means that those of you who are computer orientated can now access all the up to date Branch news on the world wide web. I am delighted to say that the Newsletter forms part of the website, along with details of committee members and general Branch news.

The website address is www.gravesendrefs.currantbun.com,and you can send an e-mail to the Branch on gravesendrefs@currantbun.com.If you want to send me a Newsletter article in the format of the new millenium. then you cancontact me direct on ian.miles@marshalls.co.uk. Alternatively, you can post it to me at 17 Church Farm Road, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7AG, or pick up the phone and give me a ring on 01634 235148.

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Apologies to Cyril Burrluck, who many moons ago, gave me a very faded programe with details of two Boys League Cup Finals. Unfortunately, the year seems to be missing, but there is reference to Northfleet United U15s having players by the name of T.Cordice, E.Toppin and K.Bramble and mentions that the latter two were selected for an England International Trial. Players named in the team sheets include P.Britton, S.Clarkson, N.Daisley, K.Kurek, P.Drynan. S.Cocca and J.Kirwin. I'm sure there are a few there whose names you know!

As for the match officials, the match between Eagles and J.F.C.Cuxton was Refereed by Fred Fissenden, assisted by Ray Ellingham and John Thrush, while Dave Frondigoun took charge of Milton & Denton versus Northfleet, assisted by Dave Watts and Brian Skinner.

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URGENTLY WANTED

Unfortunately, due to illness, we now have a problem with photocopying the Newsletter. With the number of Branch members steadily increasing, the number of copies required is now extremely high. Thanks to the efforts of your Committee, these copies have always been obtained free of charge. However, there is now a possibility that we may have to pay for copying, which will put a new strain on Branch funds. Alternatively, the Newsletter may have to be reduced in size or become a bi-monthly publication, rather than monthly. In either of these cases, the information passed to you, the Branch members, will be reduced. If you can help in any way, please contact Ian Miles or any other Committee member.

MYSTIC REF - NEW COMPETITION

After the success of last seasons 'Mystic Ref' competition, we feel it is appropiate for you to have another go and show a better understanding of the game. The questions have not changed, but the answers surely will.

For the investment of £2 you must predict the answers to the following questions. For each correct answer 3 points are awarded. One away from the answer will earn you 1 point. The person with the highest point score will be declared the winner. In case of a tie, the one closest to question 25 will determin the winner.

For each £2 entry, £1 will go to the Branch and the other £1 into the Prize Fund. So the more entrants the bigger the prize. There is no restriction to number of entries. The competition is open to anyone who can write and pay the entry fee. Please pass your completed entry form and fee to Colin Morris 1 Milton Court, Spring Grove, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1ND. (01474 568548) or any member of the Committee no later than the closing date given below.

Best of luck!

A current standing will be published in each Branch Newsletter between now and the end of the Competition.

NAME:

ADDRESS:

POST CODE:

Tel. No.:

NO ENTRY WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 17th OCTOBER 1999.