It was a lovely sunny afternoon at Kiln Park, Tenby, last Sunday, when the Pembrokeshire Police (cops) took on the local taxi drivers (robbers) in a football match in aid of Children in Need.

Dressed in masks and convict outfits, the local taxi drivers, not known for their fitness, took to the field expecting at least a 9-0 defeat, but it was not to be.

The game started with the police under pressure from the off. There were lots of goal attempts from both sides, but 'man of the match', Mr. Tyrone Edwards, kept them at bay like an agile cat.

There was lots of good ball play, but it was not always under control.

Simon, Evans and Duffy weaved their way through the defence, but to no avail.

Sadly, 20 minutes into the game, police officer Keith Barclay had to leave the pitch with a hamstring injury (allegedly).

A well-struck curling shot by Steven Hartland then almost gave the taxis the lead.

After the half-time fags and oranges, the second half started like the first, with the taxis breaking every speed limit to score, but with a goalkeeper like Mr. Russell not a chance.

At the other end of the pitch, the youngest 'police officer', Master Toby Russell, showed no fear of playing against adults our size.

One injury to the taxi side was the loss of 'keeper Tyrone with a cut to his head needing three stitches. He was replaced in goal by Steven Hartland.

Simon scored a goal after a lot of nice passing play to put the taxis 1-0 up, but not too long after, the youngest player, Toby, equalised for the police.

After a little more play, the whistle blew, and so it was all down to penalties.

Tyrone returned to keep goal, but sadly we went down 2-0. Nevertheless, players and supporters had a great day alike.

Thanks go to: Tenby police for their time; Kit Bag for the trophies; Tenby Autoparts and Rob and staff at the Lifeboat Tavern for the food; Robby and Alan Ormond the referee; Damien-Angela for collecting; Kiln Park for the field; Norman for the flags; and everyone else involved in the day, which so far has raised the excellent sum of £1,084, with more to come.

A.M.B.