By Sean Wozencroft
July 30 2003

The SleepingGiant footie team was born 12 months ago when the lads from JackArmy challenged us to a friendly match. We took them up on their offer and enjoyed two quality legs of soccer. We're doing it all again this year, with the first leg taking place this afternoon in Gower.

After picking up a few new quality players, we were confident of success this time round after some encouraging training sessions. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and JackArmy deservedly kept hold of The Harry Griffiths Memorial Trophy, but we gave a good account of ourselves and the score would've been very different if we had converted our chances.

The Jacks, wearing their club's black away strip, took an early lead and they soon doubled their advantage. It looked as though the home side might run away with proceedings, but SleepingGiant bravely weathered the storm and slowly started to create chances.

Some brilliant work by the Cardiff midfield sent Porto through on goal. There was never any doubt that the Portuguese-genius would convert, and he did so with some finesse. This gave the Cardiff boys something to cling onto and we could've brought the scores level on numerous occasions.

But the Jacks are a strong side and they dealt a killer punch with half time approaching, smashing into the top corner to make it 3-1.

The match was certainly fiercely contested but there was no unpleasantness and the first period passed with just two bookings made - one for each side.

The second half was one-sided with the Jacks doing the majority of the attacking in the early minutes. Some good finishing saw them extend their lead to 6-1 before a freak goal by twistedblue brought the deficit down to four.

With tired legs on the SleepingGiant side, the Jacks added two more in the dying minutes to make the final score a very flattering 8-2. We put up a fight for the majority of the match, but eventually their experience shone through. Nevertheless, the Swans still rate us as the best team they have played to date - they have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Wrexham.

Next week could be a very different story with a few of our squad back in action. If we were to take a lead, I would fancy our chances. Why not turn up and support the SleepingGiant team? The second leg is on Sunday at the Civil Service Ground on Sanatorium Road with kick off at 11am.

The SleepingGiant Man of the match, as decided by team captain Mozzer, was lanky defender MikeyBlue. He was our rock at the back when others grew weary.

A special mention must also go to PortoBlue who is in a class of his own. At the age of 17 he may have what it takes to "make it". Who knows, I am no professional football scout, but he certainly had the crowd in awe with some amazing control.

But this event is not primarily about the football itself - it's about brining Swansea and Cardiff fans together and improving our relationship with our local buddies. There were some hard tackles on the pitch, but the after-match events were very different with Swans and Bluebirds mixing together and enjoying some friendly banter. Our Division One status was the main topic of conversation, with one Jack claiming that he is glad that Swansea are in Division Three.

Roll on next week when we will hopefully give them a run for their money! A special thanks to Mozzer and Reeco for all the work they have put in over the last month or so.

Links - The JackArmy report / JackArmy photos / Armchair's photos