Team as selected
1 Peter Bradshaw (Captain)
2 Jez Slack
3 Sam Drury
4 Jez Broadhead
5 Neil Gothard
6 Clinton North
7 Ryan Fonq
8 Oli (pretty boy) Lightfoot
9 Ian Holt
10 Dawn Bradshaw
11 Lauren Slack
12 Angela Drury
13 Gail Broadhead
14 Alex Gothard
15 Helen Holt (Manager)
Ossett RUFC travelled to York House for the annual Christmas Lunch and festivities full of optimism , little did they know that this was probably to be the best result ever away at York House.
Chefs Peter Bradshaw , Jeremy Slack and Sam Drury duly arrived at the appointed time of 8-30 am ready to slam in their meat , However I am led to believe that Sam aka Frank Sinatra was a little bit late due to the excesses of the previous evening.
The chefs on arrival were treat to sumptuous bacon sarnies by helper Helen as the chefs were far too busy drinking Strongbow , Carlsberg ,(kindly purchased for our consumption) sorry I meant to say preparing copious amounts of vegetables.
In total 48 Christmas lunches plus a few in reserve had to be prepared , the menu consisted of:-
Starters
Home Made Pate
Garlic Mushrooms
Prawn Cocktail
Parsnip Soup

Main Course

Christmas Lunch – with either Turkey or Ham , or both
Veggie option – as above without the Meat !!!

Sweet

Christmas Pud
Chocolate Gateaux

Around mid day the rest of the starting XV turned up , all in varying states of hangover from stars in your eyes the previous evening, Fonq and Oli (who were supposed to be the eye candy) looked particularly shabby , however the Carlsberg had the desired effect and both perked up somewhat

Fortunately , (and boy were we fortunate in acquiring them) the Horbury Ladies Choir had started to assemble and once all together they gave us a full hour of Christmas Carols – a MASSIVE thank you ladies you were magnificent , and moving !!

Kick off was fast approaching , the starters were just about finalised , and then resident Walter summoned us all together to offer a toast to ‘absent friends’ and to say grace , again all very moving.

The staff then galvanised in to action , finishing touches all done and off we go , starters out!!

No sooner had the starters gone out , another quick slurp , and the starters , what was left of them were back , the washer upperers then got stuck in to their mammoth task.

Now the mains were due out , wheres Neil Gothard been for the last hour , only been stood in the corner of the kitchen carving three huge turkey crowns and a piece of ham at least as big as Sam Drury , meat ready , veg all ready even Jez Slacks 3 stuffings were ready , everything is ready , Waiters !!!
Out the main courses go , a bit more of a respite this time , enough time for a few slurps , and discussions as to who deserves the kitchen buffet the most , Jez or Sam , Jezs age prevails and Sam begrudgingly gives Jez the buffet.

Mains courses now back , washing up team now in overdrive as the sweets go out and a little bit of calm comes over the kitchen

Discussions now take place as to who can stand in for Santa , most fingers point at Jez Broadhead , cant imagine why??? Eventually seen as the suit wouldn’t fit normal sized people Ian Holt had to step up to the plate , and in a (almost) man of the match performance was probably the best Santa I have seen , with humour , caring and sensitivity he was brilliant , spending time with all staff and residents as he emptied his sack

Helen Holt then said words of thanks and made a presentation to the XV , gratefully accepted by Sam
Finishing touches were carried out by Gail and Loz and the kitchen looked like a new pin.

Lifts to the Tap were now uppermost in everyones thoughts

Once the squad and York House staff regrouped at the Tap , the festivities continued , much hilarity plenty of banter , Beryl continued her charm offensive on the pretty boy himself.

Just before the final whistle , Jez Slack and his backing group led by Becky from York House sang 4 or 5 rugby songs (brilliant , just like the old days) as a finale The Captain , Bradshaw gave us his extremely loud version of ‘’I’m in love with the girl next door ***** My *******’’ unfortunately Peter I don’t think you got away with it !!!

Another couple of pints and the squad began to depart

A brilliant brilliant day there were various contenders for Man of the match and for the top five points , however it was decided that all 15 should be joint Man of the match and all players to receive 5 points!!

Finally a massive thanks to all concerned in particular the ladies from Horbury Ladies Choir http://www.horburysingers.co.uk/ and also to the sponsors of the choir Bedfords Transport and Ossett Brewery (over and above their club sponsorship) and our very own Ossett RUFC

If i have forgotten anyone , my apologies

Jez B