The Magnificent Seven! From left, Will Frater, Gordon Davis, Northern League Chairman Mike Amos, Owen Haley, Simon Mears, Mike Carter and Dave Martin.
Please click here for Simon Mears' photos from the walk.
The Saturday match build up v West Allotment started at 8:30am at Chester-le-Street collecting League Chairman Mike Amos. He was over the moon that a team, 11 club members, supporters and one dog, were to accompany him on a 12 mile plus walk on the RCA leg of the Last Legs Challenge.
Our Eleven: Simon Mears, Owen Haley, Mike Carter, Will Frater, Gordon Davies, Howard Middlemiss and Neil Howe plus dog Max were the escorts. Rob Jones, Tim Robinson, Keith El Queso and Dave Martin picking up en route.
Warm weather wind at our backs. First period of the game was a doddle...only one sliding challenge and that was from the League Chairman who protected his fall into the River Wear by smart grip on the pitch barrier as we approached Cox Green. Our roaming forward Mad Max, a pointer, got caught up in the excitement and quickly lurched into the river to get a better feel of the conditions.
It was a stiffer test as we approached the uphill slopes of Penshaw hill and the group tightened up front and back to keep good possession. Team photo was obtained at Penshaw Monument where Rob Jones met up and competed the official paperwork. Mike Amos was well impressed at our strategic plan.
Onto the Board Inn for half time 11:30 ... only three minutes injury time it was 11:33. Dave Martin, pub manager, provided free pints and a big bellyfull ... plates of chips plus a mountain of sandwich varieties. Team talk was delayed and decision on who would push on for second half. Rob had to push onto Meadow Park....full Tum!
All rounder Tim Robinson put his boots on for second half and they were well polished....or polished off a like his sarnies. Dave Martin took a break from pub festivities to march on to RCA. Second half a breeze and one way traffic. Easy going to meet the full time target of 2.0pm at Meadow Park, slotting in El Queso at the Ryhope Pit Wheel for the final couple of miles. Stopping for one further team pic at the Ryhope Village Green with Christmas Tree.
Only two minutes injury time: 2:02 pm - what a team effort. Simon got our pot off to a £140 pound start and then the walkers donations, bucket collection and a RCA club top up meant a further £260. A nice round £400...Mike Amos well chuffed.
Good team building and therapy for all. RCA people, players and supporters plus dog enjoy the moment. Roll on 2016.