ON A lovely sunny Sunday afternoon at the Stadio De Jenner, the meaning of the beautiful game was fully illustrated.

In a match dubbed “Elder Classico” The Ty Hafan Dads met Dan Evans / Palms Bistro FC and nobody was disappointed, except the first aiders who were expecting a high number of casualties.

The match was very evenly balanced from start to finish which was credit to two very competitive teams who gave their all.

Dan Evans started stronger and took the lead through a neat finish by Clemo which sparked Ty Hafan into a response.

The Dads started to get a foot hold in the game and an absolutely incredible lob from Stevie P brought the sides level leaving the Dan Evans keeper Jonny I with no chance, although word from Chuggers and the rest of the squad on the side line was how a good keeper like The Cat Howells would have saved it!

Like any good team this brought Dan Evans back to life and before long another good finish from a very good egg chaser Rhid Scott put them in front again, although he did admit after he was trying to put it over the posts for three points.

The Dads then lost a key player in goalkeeper Jeff Griffiths through a major foot injury which could have seriously damaged their hopes of winning the game. Then came a massive moment in the game when every body involved in football was shocked by a horrendous challenge in the box by Lyndon Davies, which Gary Neville on Sky Sports described as the worst challenge he’d ever seen and left fellow defenders Coppsco and Ashby needing counselling. This led to The Ty Hafan Dads having a penalty which was calmly slotted away by Liam Pullin bringing the scores level again.

In a frantic finale to the game Dan Evans came on strong again playing some lovely football for a team with a combined age of 750 and but for some incredible saves from replacement keeper Paul the fish would have finished the game off sooner. The Dads battled courageously until the last minute when a defensive error led to an own goal which won a highly entertaining game in favour of Dan Evans. Man of the match Lloyd Bruce dedicated his award to his dad Christian who responded from his retirement home stating “I remember when football was a mans game” before falling back to sleep.

A spokesman for the event said “ This has been a fantastic day and we are all proud to contribute to such a great charity. A big thank you must also be mentioned to referee Chris Bowsher who was outstanding throughout the game and also the mini teams of Island Marine and Cadoxton Imps who kept us fully entertained at half time showing how football should be played. Professional photographer Paul Fears was also a huge bonus to the event as were the mass of general public and Ty Hafan families and friends who turned up to support the teams. We all look forward to next years game and hope we can generate the same wonderful response from every one involved. Thank you.” The final total raised will be announced soon but it has exceeded all expectations.