It was the replay of the previous final. The champion versus the runner-up. Both teams had been preparing for this, and it was a close-fought battle. The battle was tough. The battle was hard. The battle was fair. Sometimes even leading to team-mates clashing on the pitch.

At the final whistle, the score was even, and team-mates became friends again.

The poem

They fought like / true gladiators for / ninety minutes and some extra time. / And when the match was done: / friends again.