On Boxing Day the gladiators made a return to the arena, willing to do battle for the honour of winning the laurels (and possibly the hardys!)  The two groups assembled in the arena (Perry Barr Park).  They were 11th Kingstanding Maximus and the 1st A Hockley Minimus.  Grunting, moaning and ritual stamping was heard and seen - and that was only getting into their kit!  Once assembled in the centre of the arena, Caesar gave all taking part a prayer and blessing in honour of the man they were all about to pay homage to - Capt. David Piearce.  Caesar looked remarkably like Rob Clarke of the 1st A.  The proceedings were to be overseen by Gareth Millington of the 11th Maximus. 
The gladiators took to the arena and proceeded to taunt each other waving walking sticks, Zimmer frames etc., but gradually the game began to take shape There was tooing and frooing, sometimes frooing and tooing, but something had to give…     
Yes, finally, John Wilson's elastic in his shorts and he was consigned to the sideline to offer his assistance to Gareth.  The same happened to Tom McLoughlin of the 1stA except he hadn't remembered to put his shorts on!!! So he was also confined to the sidelines.
Then, wow, the tension was broken as the 1stA Minimus gladiators made a breakthrough.  The 11th rearguard was broken and it's 1- 0 to the 1stA.
So the battle continued but the young lions of the 11th were undone by the wily old foxes of the 1stA three more times in the first half.   HALF TIME  11th 0 - 1stA 4
The tired gladiators trudged from the arena to be greeted by the welcoming arms of
Redus-Crossus to attend to their wounds and the serving wenches giving out, tea, coffee, cakes and bickies.  O.k., so tea and coffee weren't around in roman times - it's poetic licence!  The service was provided by Margaret Clarke, Gwen Piearce, Deb Freckleton, Anne Virgo and Uncle Tom Cobley and all.  Thanks to Sandra McLoughlin for providing all the above sustenance.  Our sincere thanks from all the gladiators and supporters for all who helped.              CLICK HERE TO READ MORE, SEE MORE PICTURES & CHECK RESULT