On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Long Crendon entertained New Zealand in a 1st v 3rd clash in the ADL Premier Division. Last week, Long Crendon’s recreation ground had been invaded by bees, and for the second week running the bees were here to stay, making the conditions that slightly bit tougher for the players, and uncomfortable for the spectators.
Going into the game, Crendon knew they could be crowned champions if they beat New Zealand, and Aylesbury Dynamos dropped points. Crendon couldn’t have asked for a better start, as they found themselves 1-0 up in the first few minutes. Sean Hardy pouncing on a defensive lapse in the New Zealand defence to prod home. This sparked a change in New Zealand’s goal as they replaced their keeper. It was unclear if he had been hauled off, or if their number one had turned up late.
Crendon had one hand on the trophy after twenty minutes as Sean Hardy slotted home to make it 2-0, Crendon were cruising. This sparked New Zealand into life and for the next five minutes they pressed for a reply. After 28 minutes they had their reward, as Crendon couldn’t clear their lines and the New Zealand forward headed home to make it 2-1. Now there was a real game on here!
What followed was a massive shock. A poor New Zealand through ball was gratefully collected by Crendon’s 'keeper George Collingwood. As New Zealand’s striker chased after the ball he seemed to leave a shoulder in on the Crendon 'keeper. As Collingwood complained to the ref about the foul, New Zealand’s striker completely lost his cool and attacked the keeper with a violent headbutt , sending Collingwood crashing to the floor and leaving the 'keeper with a suspected broken nose.
New Zealand’s players came flying in and as the ref tried to step in the middle of the players, he was also assaulted, with various New Zealand players pushing him with force out the way.
The referee and his officials decided that enough was enough and the game should be abandoned. Three police cars turned up to try and diffuse the situation, and as far as we are aware no arrests were made.
What happens next will be interesting. Crendon were winning 2-1 with two thirds of the match to play, but with New Zealand assaulting a player and an official it would seem anything other than a home win to Crendon would be extremely unjust. The loss may be the least of New Zealand’s worries as they will no doubt face a suspension from the league assuming that the referee included everything in his match report.
