Live Review: 2016 Reclink Community Cup

Starting as a small charity match in Melbourne 23 years ago, the Reclink Community Cup returns to Sydney for its fifth annual game.

Musicians (Western Walers) and media types (Sydney Sailors) give their time and put their fragile bodies on the line in a game of football. Money is raised in a series of concerts preceding the event and by the many volunteers on the day, to support the outstanding work that Reclink do to help the disadvantaged.

For three months prior to game day, the teams venture down to an oval on a weeknight to practice their kicks, handpasses and stretch those tight hamstrings. It's a bonding exercise more than anything, but provides the basis for a competitive duel.

The dressing rooms have a nervous energy. Sailors' Captain Alex Dyson has just arrived from running the City 2 Surf, and all wonder how he finds the energy. Adam Spencer's flight has been delayed from Melbourne. Will he make it?

Following a somewhat relaxed warm-up, the teams are presented with their jerseys and Spencer, fresh off the plane, delivers his pre-game motivational speech: "They want to win so bad, but we're not going to give it to them." There may have been extra swearing.

The teams can talk tactics all they like, but when it comes down to it, the game is a scrappy affair. Clean ball is rare as players scramble over each other for a touch, kicks fly over the sideline, handballs are dubious at best. It comes down to a few obvious players that step up and look like real footballers. Dyson is one of those, hailing from Warrnambool, his skills are silky smooth and he pops up all over the paddock.

It's a tight contest. Shots at goal are not forthcoming, however, as defence is solid and kicks go astray. Finally, Kelvin Barnes nails a six-pointer and the Sailors are away.

The action starts to get a little heated and when innocent banter is misconstrued by the umpires and Barnes is sent from the field. Fortunately, there were no major injuries on the day, other than the Walers' pride.

Spencer's infectious passion as he stalks the sideline provides for some of the fruitier language during the day, but it's this attitude that has helped the team win, year after year. However, this will be his final Community Cup as he announced his retirement "effective immediately" in the sheds after the game.

The final score of 52 to 37 hands the Reclink Community Cup to the Sydney Sailors for the fifth straight time. Straight kicking was the deciding factor on the day, but the good nature of the players, supporters and organisers exemplify this fantastic annual event.