Team play valiantly

He mentioned the Intermediate Cup semi-final which was taking place the following day on the Crossways Playing Field.

The omens for the match were not good as it was a lousy day with a grey, sullen sky overhead and fine rain making sure those brave souls which turned out to support were both cold and wet.

My knowledge of the 'beautiful game' is fairly limited as my tutor group at school will tell you so this seemed a good opportunity to learn some key terms for my conversations with them!

It was also brilliant to see the field in full action and the number of people who turn up week on week to support the village team.

The fixture had seen Crossways playing against Chickerell United, who were play in the same division as Crossways.

Under Dorset County FA rules sides are also able to augment their teams with players from other squads.

This is provided they have not played in another cup competition. I gather that Chickerell were able to play several men from their reserve league side who had not entered the Senior Cup competition.

These players usually play in a team two divisions above Crossways.

In spite of this, from my perspective the game seemed evenly matched with chances on both sides to score.

Steve Humphries in Crossways goal was doing a superb job letting nothing past him. The wind and rain was also not helping those playing into the elements so it was a really impressive match with plenty for the fans to shout about.

I cannot pretend that I understood some of the terms being used but there was certainly real passion being put into the dying minutes of the second half. Crossways had been put into the lead with 20 minutes to go by Lewis Amor with a fine goal.

Chickerell kept up the pressure and scored with literally seconds to go forcing two periods of extra time.

Crossways playing into the wind first and defending valiantly, holding on to the second half when Mother Nature would be helping them. With five minutes left before penalty shoot outs would decide, Chickerell scored.

A shot for Crossways came in the last minute but this time bounced off the crossbar and victory went to the visitors. The chairman of the parish council Daniel Smy was on hand to cheer the team on and commiserate at the end.

Exhaustion mixed with agonising disappointment was evident in the team as they came off the pitch. This coupled with the nagging feeling that the DCFA rules about the teams had robbed them of victory.

So apologies if I have got the football terms wrong but well done to all involved! Better luck next year for the cup but also keep your efforts going in the league where you are doing so well.

• I WAS delighted to hear that a new generation of Crossways youngsters have been recognised for their outstanding community work in the village.

PCSO Vickie Hedges, who works closely with community worker Kris Hallett, has watched this group develop over the last 12 months.

Together they have regularly given up their free time in support of others and community initiatives. Well done to Aimee Simmons, Jonny Webb, Stuart, Ben and Emma Thursfield, Jamie Cutler, Mike Paton, Harry Lunn, Katie True, Ryan and Alan Kinch, Ryan Carter, Katrina Mason, Shauna and Leigh Mitchener.

They receive a certificate from Dorset Police who sponsor this important initiative.

Noticing Stuart, Ben and Emma I guess helping the community must run in the family as their Granddad Tony Walton has for many years helped the scout group with the recycling paper and magazine collections which not only do a great service for the environment is a vital source of funds for the scouts.

Over the time the scheme has been running the community have really supported by collecting their papers and bringing them to the central collection point in Warmwell Road.

Tony and Tubby Squires sort the offerings into large bundles which are stacked and then collected by a paper merchant for processing.

However, as time goes on the group needs to recruit a couple of willing volunteers to help take the strain of the increased volume.

If you are interested in donating an hour or so on a regular basis then please give me a ring and I can get Tony to show you the ropes.

It can be quite therapeutic and even if you haven't the time make sure you do your bit when you have finished reading the Echo.

Please don't put it in the bin or even the green recycling bag for West Dorset but collect it for the Scout funds.

• IF THE Chancellor's tax rises hasn't persuaded you to kick the cigarette habit then the Tavern has now provided a smoking shelter which is not heated but does give protection from wind and rain.

The club in Old Farm Way is holding a car boot sale on April 19 from 10.30am to 2pm .

Tables will be available inside if the weather is not so good. It is to be hoped it has cheered up as the annual fun fair arrives on the Tavern car park on the next day and will be open to the public from Wednesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 27.

At both events refreshments will be available.

• THE WI had a most interesting talk at their recent meeting with Mr Peter Welton speaking on 'Rough Justice - the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs'.

With a strong local connection members were intrigued to hear about how tough life was for our ancestors in the area.

The WI also provides a photocopying service which is available to the community. The original machine, purchased with the aid of lottery funds has finally reached the end of its life.

It has recently been repaired with WI funds and to help replenish them they have put together a general knowledge quiz.

This is available to purchase at a cost of £1 per copy and is available from WI members and from the Tourist Information Centre in Dorchester.