Christmas Truce charity match won by Jack Whitehall's team penalties

Royal Fusiliers Commemorative Eleven v Jack Whitehall's Celebrities & the Olympic Choir

Around 800 people attended the charity event on Sunday (23 December) which started with Christmas carols from the Olympic choir and military drums and a minute's silence for all who died in World War 1.


Lawrence Dallaglio OBE checks out the odd shaped ball

It looked like the Commemorative 11 were going to run away with the match as they scored two early goals at Rosslyn Park, whilst the celebrities captained by Putney's Jack Whitehall appeared to struggle to make an impact, despite the best efforts of the team's professional Jamie Redknapp.


David Hamilton with Michael and the current Mrs Whitehall (and Winston)

Any Fulham fans would have recognised the commentator David Hamilton who had a little assistance from Jack's Dad Michael. At half time Jack's mum thought a little alcohol in their break drink might help - Michael felt a large donation of money to the opposition may be the only way!


A family day out with Mum Dad and 'brother' Winston supporting Jack and his team

What ever happened at half time the team came back keen to win, Jamie Redknapp scoring from the half way line! The second goal came from Captain Jack and soon it was 3 all. The celebrity '11' did appear to suffer numerical dyslexia as at times we counted 12 red shirts on the pitch and towards the end ref Lee Dixon donned a red bib! Goalie John Bishop came off early in the match with an ongoing knee injury and was keen to "have a drink with his wife". Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing described himself as a ' jammy dodger' in the programme proved a useful and nifty player. There were times I am sure when Lawrence Dallaglio (85 caps for England's rugby squad) wished he could pick up the ball and run for goal - especially as Rugby goal posts were standing just beyond the temporary football goals!

Penalty shoot outs did not deter the celebrity team and resulted in them winning the match as replacement goalie Stuart Boyd kept his team in front.

The Oak Centre for Children and Young People at The Royal Marsden Hospital will benefit from the event - it is a 31-bed facility and is one of the largest comprehensive children and young people’s cancer centres in Europe.

Sandi Bloomfield

December 28, 2018