During the Christmas of 1998 an interesting football match was played between St. John's College and Government College, Agra. It was the final match of the Inter-college tournament of the year. The two teams were well known for their game.
The match began punctually at 4 p.m. in the sunny weather. For the first ten minutes the two teams were evenly balanced. The ball remained mostly in the central area of the field. The Government College team began to press their opponents slowly. Their two forward players made great efforts to take the ball to opponent's side but the St. John's College backs put up a mighty defence. Thus the game grew more exciting. The spectators cheered and clapped loudly at every fine kick the player gave.
Neither side was able to score any goal till half time. People began to think that the match might end in a draw that day, but that was not to be. When the game was resumed after half time the- Government College team changed tactics. Its captain made some changes in the position of the players on the field. Now the game became very contested. The forwards of both the teams made great attacks while the backs strained every nerve to drive them away. At about 4.45 p.m. the captain of the Government College team gave a mighty kick and the centre forward received it and ran forward.
The players of the other side surrounded him but he very skillfully carried the ball into the semi-circle and managed to give a splendid kick. The ball fell straight into the net, though the goal-keeper did his best to catch it.
Immediately shouts of joy went up into the air. The Government College team had scored a fine goal. And now the other team doubled their efforts to avert the defeat. During the last ten minutes the game was very brisk and excited. But till 5 p.m. neither side could score any other goal. Now we all thought that the final match was going to be won by the Government College.
The St John's players did not lose hope till the last. Their courage and patience was ultimately rewarded. Their captain, a tall, healthy fellow, got hold of the ball and with a strong kick drove it into opponents net. The crowd went wild with shouts. It was now 5.7 p.m. and three minutes later, the umpire gave ten more minutes to play.
During these ten minutes the St. John's player played with courage and skill. They pressed the other team hard and within next five minutes succeeded in scoring another goal. This proved to be a decisive goal. The Government College players failed to score.
As the clock struck 5.20 p.m. the match was over. The Government College captain shook hands with the opposing captain and congratulated him on the victory his side has won.
