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Henleaze Corinthians

Forman Servate et Conveni Aut Abi

                                                         
**** September 7th 2002 Henleaze Corinthians CC   versus YMCA ******

05/05/02 - The Irish Tour
25/05/01 - Amended Rules from AGM
25/05/01 - AGM Agenda and Minutes + Letter from JG
25/05/01 - Match Report Sangette 2 Henleaze 4

At the antipathies of Premier League football, we can be found languishing in the Bristol Casuals League. A league formed by our founder (Sir Harry Mottram) in 1993 to promote football for players probably well beyond their sell by date. Believe it or not this team trains every week at the Bristol University all weather pitches in Westbury-On-Trym. Home matches are played at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pitches in Failand where average crowds are a rarity (even Ken Tilley has not been seen following a failed bid to achieve chairmanship).

The boys in France May 1998

Click on this pic to see the big version

In The Beginning

The Corinthians were spawned by eccentric advertising boss Harry Mottram in early 1993. Comic Relief Day that year was March 12^th and Harry thought it would be a good idea to arrange an Edwardian football match. An open challenge to the world was laid down in the form of a letter to the Bristol Evening Post. One reply was received; from The Golden Bottle in Lockleaze, Bristol.

Legend has it that old Harry incorrectly thought that Lockleaze was a sleepy village in Somerset with village green, thatched roofs, W.I., etc.. In fact Lockleaze is one of Bristol’s larger council estates with it’s team regulars in the Bristol District Sunday League. Harry’s conceptual brain visualised an Edwardian game of "Real Football"…." Leather ball, dribbling, no kissing when goals are scored, high scores, gentlemanly conduct, smoking and drinking encouraged, no practising, Edwardian Kit ".The Golden Bottle saw it a little bit differently.

Undeterred, Harry rounded up a stalwart team of social workers, Bristol City Council employees, chartered surveyors and other good eggs. Pre Match preparation included a photo shoot for The Post and a friendly "recce" and drink at The Golden Bottle. The chaps at The G B seemed friendly and were amused by Harry's silk waistcoat and bowtie (what a F***ing ponce!) and his partiality to gin and tonic (Hey! Ernie! There’s a bloke here who wants a gin and tonic!).

Nevertheless, the scene was set and The G B (H?) kindly invited The Corinthians to their Comic Relief fund-raising extravaganza post match breakfast and entertainment comprising bare knuckle fighting in the skittle alley.

Harry had considerately arranged for the kick off to be on The Downs at 6.30a.m.. This was so the Henleaze chaps could get to work on time. A glamorous model had been hired to kick off the game. Unfortunately it was cold and dark at that time of day and she didn’t take off her hat and scarf. The Corinthians arrived, suitably attired in Edwardian garb, long sleeved cotton blouses, plus fours, flat hats etc.. The G B arrived in Sunday League kit of blue and white striped shirts, shorts, shin pads and tattooed knuckles.

After 27 seconds Peter Jones, fast, skilful, self employed and probably the best player we ever had, went down in midfield and broke his leg in two places. Rumours have it that as a result of the break he lost his job, girlfriend and had to leave the country. Comic Relief indeed.

Ninety minutes later and ,surprisingly only 9 -1 down The bold Corinthians skulked off making apologies for not being able to take up the opposition’s thoughtful invite to breakfast.

Incredibly after this most inauspicious start The Corinthians went on from strength to strength. The rest, as they say, is history.

Floreat Corinthians!!

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Last Updated: 17 June 2002