Rare FM  16-15  Pi Media

Friday 7th of December marked the first Rare FM football match of the academic year as Richard Jervis, Stefan Arif, Jamal Ali, Fausto Pelusi and Charlie Rose played the boys from Pi Magazine in the ULU gym. Prior to the game, Rare's team arrived fashionably late, as opposed to the opposition who were there ready in matching kits...something which the Rare boys thought unnecessary as they jogged onto the gym floor in their various football kits. Despite the lack of kit unity, team spirit was high as all 5 lads were ready to go!

The first half saw Richard Jervis in net for the most part (making many a vital save) whilst the experienced sweeping skills of Fausto Pelusi and Charlie Rose allowed Jamal and Stefan to steam forward, bombarding Pi's defence with fancy footwork and some powerful shots on goal. Unfortunately, the Pi boys put up a good offence also, capitalising on most of their goal opportunities due to the occasional slip in the Rare defence, whilst Rare's shots narrowly missed many a time as if some mysterious force was deflecting the shots that were seemingly on target! Despite this, Stefan, Jamal, Charlie and Richard all picked up goals, with Fausto narrowly missing. Late into this half, one of the Pi players picked up a injury which led to a 4-a-side match in which Rare were advantaged in their availability of a rolling sub.

When half time came about, the score read a disappointingly 11-6 to the Pi team. Shaken but not shattered, the Rare boys kept their heads up and vowed to tighten the defence and improve the accuracy of shots.

The second half line-up saw Charlie Rose in net for the duration, while Fausto remained as solid defence. Stefan played his defensive-midfield role well along with Jamal, as Richard Jervis decided to try his chances up front. This half displayed a remarkable turn around in play, as Stefan, Jamal and Richard (showing tendancies of Stephen Gerrard, Drogba and Carlos Tevez) hammered many a goal in whilst Fausto and Charlie (akin to that of Rio Ferdinand and David James) did a inspiring job in keeping the Pi players out of the danger zone. At full time, the score read 16-15 to the Pi boys, with 3 minutes of extra time to be played.

In a disastrous mistake, Jamal chipped a cheeky ball towards the Pi goal where their goalkeeper mishandled the ball and subsequently let in an own goal...the tension was at its zenith. After a heavy bombardment from the Pi boys, the Rare defence retained control and dealt with the threats well. In a last minute attempt, Charlie rolled the ball to Richard, who ran from the defence to the left midfield, where he unleashed a stinger with his left foot which hit the bottom right corner of the Pi net like a bullet from a gun. Rare wins the game!

After an inspirational display of endurance, passion and skill from both teams, they all shook hands and congratulated each other on their play. A re-match was vowed but for now, Rare FM celebrate a 100% victory record with a well deserved win. Now looms the inter-society football tournament in January on the new year, where the team intend to go on and represent the proud Rare FM group. Congratulations to the boys, and c'yermon the Rare!

Above: The Rare FM Team (left to right): Charlie Rose, Stefan Arif, Richard Jervis, Fausto Pelusi and Jamal Ali

Above: The Pi Media Team (left to right): Tom Day, Oli Smith, Chris Blanchard, Jamal Saleh, Hanif Alam