Football fever hits Caister

News story published: 23 June 2010

Police in Caister have emulated England legends of the past by getting a thrashing in a penalty shoot-out.

Officers from local Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) were reminded their footwork is better served on the beat rather than the pitch after they were defeated 3-1 in a match against John Grant School.

The World Cup was put aside as police and pupils went head-to-head in the annual match on Monday, June 21, with both teams aiming to improve on last year’s 5-5 draw.

A lacklustre start from the boys and girls in blue saw John Grant take an early lead and spark goals frenzy with pupils leading 4-2 at half time.

Officers started the second half two goals down but were able to pull level during a short burst of energy – which wasn’t to last long with John Grant firing in their fifth goal to take the lead.

Inspector Nathan Clark was controversially sent off for what the referee described as a deliberate handball and was forced to watch from the sidelines where he laughingly told supporters “a booking would have done!”

In the dying minutes of the match the police pelted their fifth to the back of the net taking the game to penalties.

Despite his best efforts PC Martyn Oliver was unable to keep the high-powered shots out of the net with John Grant beating the bobbies 3-1.

The annual event, now in its third year, finished with both teams enjoying a barbeque with food supplied from Tubby’s Butchers in Caister and Allan’s Butchers of Hemsby. The event was also supported by the local Tesco and Co-op stores.

Officers from the Caister and Coastal Villages and Rural Flegg Villages SNTs took part in the match which aims to forge better links with young people and the local community.

Insp Clark said: “Sport is a great way to interact with young people and this event provides us with an excellent opportunity to meet with the local community.”

Commenting on his team’s performance Insp Clark said: “I think we lacked passion – I can certainly sympathise with Fabio Capello!”