West Wight FC Centenary

By Mal Butler

West Wight FC celebrated their centenary on Saturday with a match between two teams of former players taking part at their Camp Road, Freshwater, headquarters.

The teams were led by captains Mark Orchard and Ben Thurman and managed by Dave Rice and Robbie Dye, who was also manager when the club won seven successive league titles during the 2000’s. Other former managers at the event were Dave McArthur and Vernon Bert.

Mark, who first started playing for the club in 1970, said: “I was proud to be asked to play. As the oldest player at 73 years they made me captain and let me kick off.

“I only played 10 minutes or so and fell on my back and grazed my knees but it was worth it. It was good to see so many people watching and caught up with a lot of old friends. There were many happy memories of my time at the club and all the people I met. Long may it continue.”

The match ended 3-3 with Andy Rann and Simon Pilcher putting the Whites 2-0 ahead before the Yellows hit back with a Ben Thurman penalty and Danny Neale to make it 2-2.

Pete Miller, who had been commentating, came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch, a header, to put the Whites ahead again. But Casey Tyrell made it 3-3 with a long-distance effort. Simon Smith, at 64, was a stand-out performer.

Players and supporters enjoyed a barbeque and there was plenty of reminiscing to be had in the bar over a drink.