IT’S A KNOCKOUT!

34 years ago two heavyweights did battle at the Mai 20 Stadium in Zaire. The event was to become known as ‘The Rumble In The Jungle’ and pitted the then World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman against the former World Champion Muhammed Ali.

34 years later, almost to the day, two modern heavyweights took to the field. Phoenix & Ranelagh Men’s 3s stepped onto the newly laid Sonning astro pitch to do battle in what was not only a local derby, but a top of the table clash.

P&R (Ali) started well, attacking Sonning (Foreman) using speed and technical skill but were hit with a haymaker of a shot when they conceded against the run of play. But like Ali, P&R battled back, employing the now legendary ‘rope-a-dope’ tactic, absorbing the Sonning pressure and eventually tiring them out, hitting them on the counter, with some slick moves and a fierce shot from Cornelius Takawira.

Midway through the contest and it was looking even, but the P&R pressure was beginning to take its toll as a resolute Sonning blocked chance after chance. Before long Sonning tired as wave upon wave of constant pressure forced them back on the ropes, with their guard slipping it was only a matter of time before it told and midway through the second half P&R hit Sonning for six with a goal from Rob Belsher. It looked like Sonning had thrown in the towel at this point, but a lapse in concentration saw P&R drop their guard and Sonning hit them with a sucker punch, knocking the wind out of them.

Finally though in the latter rounds P&R landed the final combination, a thumping shot from Simon Weinberger was well blocked, but some neat work, close in from Charlie Whitehouse saw P&R regain the lead and hold on for a much deserved victory, thanks to some timely saves from James ‘The Clubber’ Mutton and a courageous block from Bruce ‘The Brawler’ Boyes  in the dying seconds. It was a bout to remember with some great defensive work from John ‘Balboa’ Horn and Marcus ‘Mark Him’ Narracott. Toby Tinniswood impressed with footwork that would have made Ali himself blush, while Mike ‘Mickey’ Pen-Collings marshaled his sluggers well from the sideline. A great team effort from everyone involved, with everyone raising their game, digging in where necessary and generally making it hard for Sonning to play. Special praise should be heaped on those who were punching above their weight (playing out of position), Bill ‘The Slugger’ Edgar and Paul ‘It’s too early’ Earwaker, who despite adversity, battled well.

It may not have been a ‘Rumble in The Jungle’ but it was an epic battle between two heavyweights nonetheless and one that will go down in history as the day P&R denied Sonning a victory in the inaugural game on their new pitch!