8 games into what's proving to be a very tough and close fought contest we have already seen a couple of "Shock " results and also witnessed why, at 33 years old, Ronaldo is still the best player in the world by a mile, whilst the second best player missed a penalty and is now known as Lionel Missi.The best game so far has to be the thrilling 3-3 draw of Portugal and Spain which was a refreshing change to see two teams actually going for it instead of defending and trying not to lose. The most popular correct result saw France beat Australia 2-1, and 12 people correctly predicted, and Pogba did't even need a Russian Linesman to claim his goal.(For those not familiar Jeff Hurst England 66) Biggest shock was the opening game of the 2 worst teams in the competition. However , how long now before we will be seeing a few Saudi defenders sporting brand new Russian yachts! It is early days yet and with just 8 games played, only another 40 to go, from a possible 24 points to be had we have 4 joint leaders all on 10 points and after 3 blank scores Debbie Regan is the only person with 3 correct scores! She holds top spot with Carol Harper, who is currently 3 points ahead of hubby and MD Brian, and John Harris from England Athletics along with Lindsey McKenzie from Imperial Ford. Come on boys what's going on! Truth is that these females really like the footy more than us but don't like to admit it.
Close second is Paul Smith and Chris Maurier, both on 9 points, closely followed by our own Jenny Cobley who we all wish very well and hope for a speedy recovery. We all love and miss you Jenny so hurry back. I knew that would put a smile on her face.
Lots of mini battles within the Comp so will try to keep you all informed.
The biggest battle is within Imperial Ford where Lindsey McKenzie leads the way on 10 points with her closest rival Steve Skinner sitting on 6 points with Skip,Andrew Blades and Angie Compton all on 5 but things can change quick in this competition so keep your eyes peeled.
In the 8 Hair salon Vicki is the only one with a correct score but Diane and Chris both have 5 correct results so all three are on level pegging with 5 points a piece.Should be a good battle this one with the footy mad female element!
John Nolan leads his household on 7 points. Good lad! Whilst Kala notches 4, Callie 3 and Keiron 1.
In the battle at Limagrain again it's the feisty females dominating the scoring. debbie Regan leads the way on 10 points whilst closest rival Tracey Burns hits 7 points with Wifey Jenny Mussell and Rachael Plaskitt on 6 points closely followed by Alan Patterson on 5 points and usual slow starter Dave Bass on 2 points. You wait till he gets going Bassy can really shift!
Don Souter just outpointing Wife Helen by 2 points with 7 and 5 respectively but should see a good contest.
Richard Jones and Alfie Washington share 7 points each just ahead of Jacob Spencer on 4 points.
Chris Maurier leads Frank Maurier with 9 points to 6 points but again early days.Philip Smith and M Foster Smith both share 7 points to lead their household but Madeline on 3 points will be keeping a close eye on them in the coming matches.
Both Gina Boaks and friend IaanWilson share a respectable 5 points so the study looks like it paying off Gina so good luck and remember it can all change at the drop of a hat so I suspect you may be up their quite soon.
Leanne Swallow leading Brother Ollie by 5 points to 4 at the moment and flying the flag for the Bass section I hope he pulls his socks up!
Of the other band members Malisa Brewill sits on 3 points, Richard Nunn on 5,Rob Gallant on 5, past prize winner Rob West on 3 but not for long I suspect, and Heidi's correct score last night brings here up to 5 points.
In the Lefler household Ali and Chris hold the bragging rights on 4 points with Dad Jimmy on 3 and Tim holding up the rear on 1 point.
Sorry if I have missed anyone out but I hope you appreciate the amount of work going into this competition collating and recording all the results and checking sheets etc but a massive THANKS to all those that bothered to enter (All 60 of you) and here's hoping for a great contest.
Remember .............it's a marathon not a sprint! Here's to the next 40 games.
The last chance to enter Ade's World Cup competition is Thursday 14th June. It's all fun, in a good cause and worth the £5 just to read Ade's commentary that will appear in News. You don't need football knowledge, Rob won last time so proves that!
There's no rehearsal on Sunday 1st April (really!!)
The Band's Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th April starting at 7.30pm.
Followed by a rehearsal
We're heart broken! Snow in Lincolnshire and closed roads stopped four of our players and our coach from setting off to Durham, we're just not able to get to Durham with a band. Some people are still stuck and unable to get home but everyone's OK. Keep safe.