The MCS staff team welcomed back a couple of old faces for their annual fixture against the Leavers on Sunday 20th Sept. Rev. Seward came back from his school in Kingham while Mr Saunders returned from the fleshpots of London.

The Leavers began brightly enough with a couple of chances on goal but were shown the importance of finishing: a brace by the Reverend put the staff 2-0 up within half an hour. Dr Bebbington departed from his defensive berth after 20 minutes, the victim of first minute challenge from McGlynn who had clearly spotted the staff's danger man. Dr Smith came on and crucially this meant a reshuffle with Mr Othen, the database manager, reverting to left back. More elegant play from the staff meant the staff went three up before half time with Mr McCluskey scoring a typical Peter Crouch-like goal. So far so good for the staff, while the Leavers, feeling the pressure from the 50-strong crowd, missed a hatful of chances.

With the staff aiming to extend their lead Chris Brougham was through on goal when a late challenge hacked him down. Chopper Othen was summarily dismissed with a straight red for a professional foul.

With the tired legs of the staff growing wearier and the leavers able to rotate their players from with their 16-man squad it looked as though they might stand a chance. Ptaszynski and Wheeler Booth went close with a dramatic overhead kick and a toe-poke respectively. The referee took a bit of stick from some players, notably his own son, Oliver Dolton, the captain of the Leavers' side who was promptly booked for dissent. But the staff retained control with Messers Merrill and Duhan holding the defence together and Mr Jones patrolling midfield just in front of them. The leavers failed to score despite their numerical superiority and the game ended 3-0.