Julia's Season

an interpretation of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar


by Conrad Toft
with thanks to Michael Peacock and Corinne Handfort



to Poots.



Dramatis Personae



FLORRIE BAKER 

JENNY CARPENTER

MARY-LOU SMITH 

BETH COBBLER 

JULIA CEDAR

CECILY JONES

CALVIN HENSON

TONI MARKS

KELLY WRIGHT 

CASSIE USHER

BEATRICE MARTIN

DORA JONES 

TINA PARKER

LUCY MARTIN

DELIA POTTER

MELISSA PETERS

TRACEY ALTON

PETER MARTIN

LAUREN DWYER

ASHLEY NEASDON 

LEANNE PETRON 

PAM CEDAR

PEGGY LITTLE

TABITHA CEDAR

LIZZIE DWYER

JAYNE STRATTON





















ACT I

SCENE I

Jerome Field, by the changing rooms

[Enter FLORRIE, MARY-LOU, JENNY & BETH]

FLORRIE Hey! Why aren't you watching the match?  Is it all over? [Pause]
Don't you know that only team members are allowed near the changing
rooms during the games? Are you supposed to be supporting us? Who are
you anyway? Come on, speak up, who are you?

JENNY Why, Jenny Carpenter.

MARY-LOU The second eleven right-back. Why aren't you supporting the
team?  Surely you can manage to spend ninety minutes learning how to
play a decent game of football. [Turning to Beth] Do you play too? What
position are you?

BETH [Cheekily] I'm the team's last defence, but not a defender.

MARY-LOU What do you mean?

BETH I play in the worst position when we are ahead but when I play we
are in the worst position. The fate of the whole team is in my hands.

MARY-LOU What position? You stupid little girl. What position?

[Mary-Lou twists Beth's ear]

BETH Ow! Leave go! God, if you'd just let go for a second I could tell
you.  Lay your hands off me and I'll use my hands for your sake.

MARY-LOU What do you mean by that? Why you little wretch.

BETH Get off.

FLORRIE Enough. She's Beth Cobbler, second Eleven goalie.

BETH That's what I said. Why doesn't anyone ever listen? I told you
straight away that I handled the team's assets, and that my handling
was, at times, the team's only asset. I see my role as that of the
guardian of the goal. Not merely the keeper of the goal. When the team
are in great danger, I save them. And after the game everyone neatly
forgets what I achieved and only remembers my success by my failures.

FLORRIE Why aren't you watching the First Eleven? Why are you over by
the changing rooms?

BETH I make no excuse for being here, Jenny is my defence.  But really,
The game is as good as won so we're here to prepare the celebrations
after Julia's triumph.

MARY-LOU What celebrations? What's happened since we left the field?
When I was forced to leave the field we were down to ten players and
worse still down by two goals. What change has come about? Surely we
cannot have turned the game around in the last ten minutes? Well come on
speak! I'm listening, tell me what the situation is: Have we won or lost
? Fallsworth Bridge had us beaten at every turn, their defence was
impenetrable. Their midfield like the wind, and their attack had us
running in circles? Well Come on what happened.  Did you not see Jill
Pomphrey? The way our forwards could not for an instant have broken
through her. Even my light tackle (which any ref. could see was fair)
only brought her to her knees. And now you rejoice? I heard their shouts
from the showers, they must , by now, have scored three or four more
goals? Well?

FLORRIE Get going now you two. The games over anyway so we'll find out
soon enough. Go on, if the coach finds you here instead of in the stand
she'll drop you from the team for sure. Go on. Shoo!

[BETH and JENNY leave]

	I quite enjoyed your commentary on the game that we missed, but
anyway calm yourself now. The others will be back in a minute and if
they really haven't won, then you might be better elsewhere when they
come to lay the blame.

MARY-LOU We can't leave. What about the post-match briefing, Calvin's
bound to be upset.

FLORRIE It doesn't matter. Why bother being here when we know what
she'll say. And if Julia has turned the game around, do you want to sing
her praises when every one will know that it was your vulgar tackle
which gave Fallsworth the lead. I'll catch up with those two and find
out the score, you keep your head down or you may find that Julia's
growing success will pluck you from your wing, and leave the both of us
sore and injured on the bench.

[They leave]



ACT I SCENE II

The pitch.

[Flourish. Enter JULIA; TONI, CALVIN, CECILY,
 DELIA, BEATRICE,
CASSIE, and DORA; a great crowd following, among them a Reporter]

[Cries of Hip! Hip! Hooray! Three cheers for Stamford! etc.

JULIA Calvin!

CECILY Quiet! Go on Julia.

JULIA Calvin!

CALVIN Well done Julia.

JULIA Thanks! Keep an eye on Toni. She's got some great ideas for the
team. I'll send her over to you in a mo! Toni!

TONI Julia! Fantastic game.

JULIA Toni, before you go let Calvin know that set piece you mentioned
to me before the game. This is the right time to catch him, strike while
the iron's hot. A few more games like that and we can be rid of this
losing streak.

TONI I'll remember: When Julia says 'do this,' it is done.

JULIA Get lost. Just go and see him.

KELLY Julia!

JULIA Yeah! What is it?

CECILY Quit all this noise! Be still! SHUT IT!

JULIA Is that the press that calls on me?  No, I hear Kelly's tongue,
shriller than all the music, Cry 'Julia!' Speak; Julia is turned to
hear.

KELLY Julia, as an outsider, it looked to me as though some of your
team- mates felt you were a little greedy.

JULIA What is she talking about?

BEATRICE Kelly is saying that you should have passed the ball more.

JULIA What; let her say it to my face.

CASSIE Kell, get over here.

JULIA What did you to me just now? tell me again.

KELLY You didn't exactly pass the ball much. You should watch your back
in training.

JULIA You're just jealous. Let us pass.

[all leave except BEATRICE and CASSIE]

CASSIE Are you not going for the celebrations?

BEATRICE No, not me.

CASSIE Come on, you'll enjoy it.

BEATRICE I don't feel like it . I haven't go the spirit that Toni has;
that I can turn what was so nearly a great defeat into an even greater
victory. But I'm not stopping you. Go on and enjoy yourself. I'll be off
now. I

CASSIE Bea, I have noticed recently that you haven't been as friendly as
you used to be. Come on, what have I done wrong? Surely you could see
that I could do little against Stamford, and anyway, Julia's hat-trick
must let you forgive me for any errors I did make. You take the game too
seriously.

BEATRICE Cassie, don't think that I'm annoyed. If I look a little down
it is not your fault, it's just that I let the whole team down today. I
didn't seem to be able to concentrate on the game. And when you were
substituted, well that was it for me. I don't know why Calvin let me
play on, I was no use to the attack. But don't worry about it.
Friendship goes a lot further than the length of a pitch. And yours goes
a lot further still. But I'm afraid that neither of us, despite our
friendship will go all the way to the final this year.

CASSIE Then, Bea, I'm sorry I doubted you.  But listen, don't get so
worked up about the game. You're the last person to judge how well you
played.

BEATRICE True, Cassie but I know when I've had a bad 'un.

CASSIE True. But you couldn't see your play on the pitch. You should
have heard them on the touch-line, Bea. If only you could have heard
them whisper that they might follow in your shadow. Everyone knows
you're the best player on the team: and the best captain we've had for
years.  Everyone says so, except golden shoes Julia of course, but she
only ever has a good word for herself. It's about time someone taught
her that no good comes to big-heads and braggarts.

BEATRICE What are you suggesting Cassie? If someone is to teach Julia a
lesson, then who better than a team like Stamford?

CASSIE And what a lesson she learned: The game turned from a dead loss
to victory in three jammy goals. So maybe someone else should do the
teaching. Bea, let me explain. I don't suggest that we should do
anything underhand. But surely as captain you should know that it's not
good for the team to feel that all their success is in the hands of one
person. Especially when that person isn't the captain, whom we all know
truly deserves such praise.

[Raucous singing of 'For she's a jolly good fellow']

BEATRICE What are they singing? I've a horrible feeling that all this is
going to go straight to Julia's head.

CASSIE Indeed? Then I guess you might be upset if she's offered the
captaincy?

BEATRICE Of course I would, Cassie, but she's a good friend. Anyway,
enough of that. What is it you wanted to say to me? If there's something
that you want me to do for the team then ask me, If it's going to help
the team then you can be sure that I'll listen. You know that I put the
team before everything.

CASSIE I know that you do, Bea, And I know how hard you work for us. I
did want to ask you about the team; and more specifically the
forthcoming quarter final match. I want to tell you a little story. I
cannot tell what you and others think of this; but, in my own opinion, I
don't see why the hell we should all be in awe of someone hardly as good
as myself. JULIA is no better a player than you or I; We have both
played for as long as she has, and we can both play through the winter's
cold as well as she: Do you remember the old tree that used to stand in
the school yard.  It was gnarled and twisted like some mythical
beast. We called it Old Tiber after some history teacher or other. Well,
one evening I was in the school yard with Julia and there was one hell
of a storm brewing.  Julia said to me 'I dare you, Cassie, to climb Old
Tiber right now. All the way up 'til you can see the old church.'
Naturally I wouldn't miss out on a dare so I started up and dared her to
follow. After a short pause she did. It was a hell of a night, the wind
was whipping the sodden leaves into our faces and you couldn't go more
than a couple of branches up before getting cut to ribbons. Before we
could get to the top Julia cried 'Help me, Cassie, or I'll fall!'. There
she was clinging to a branch a couple below mine, staring like a
frightened rabbit. I scrambled down, Julia limp over my shoulder like a
coalman's sack. And this girl is now our heroine, and I am a wretched
creature and who must reject my skills in Julia's favour on her
slightest whim.  She is so weak. She couldn't play in half the games
last season. She was constantly ill or injured. A tackle that would
perhaps send me to the ground would send her crying to the bench. And
this skill which gives us both advantage and a substitution is the
quality that we must admire? It amazes me that such a weak and feeble
girl can in the space of ninety minutes become such a goddess. That she
should have our team and its world at her feet.

[Shout. Clapping]

BEATRICE Not more clapping? She won't be able to get her head through
the door.

CASSIE Why, she's got the entire team eating from her hand. Even you and
I are unworthy to do anything but take the scrap. Without her the team
is nothing and we, it's parts are less.  It's not their faults though,
they don't know any better. It's our fault that we let such cheers go
unchallenged. Beatrice and Julia: what should be in that 'Julia'?  Why
should that name be shouted more than yours? Both are screamed from the
bench with equal fervour. Which ever way you look at it Beatrice is as
good name as Julia. So what the hell is it that makes them shout the
name of three times lucky Julia? Anyone can hold onto the ball until it
finds its way into the goal but surely we should be prouder of the
members of our team. She may seem to them to be more than one girl but
even they cannot see her as eleven.  But why am I telling you this, I'm
sure you'll tick her off for being so greedy.

BEATRICE Cassie, thanks for the confidence in me and for your
friendship. At some point soon Julia and I will discuss that fact that
the attack has a duty to defend and that it is easy to pass the ball as
it is to shoot.  However you have said enough. I have to think about the
way to handle this. We'll discuss it later, until then I want you to
think about this. I would rather leave the team than risk its morale and
therefore its success. There is more to think about than the risk of
losing one good player.

CASSIE I could hope for no better response.

BEATRICE Well it looks like they are returning.

CASSIE When they get here grab a hold of Dora and she'll let you know
what happened.

[Re-enter JULIA and the rest of the team]

BEATRICE Sure, I will. Look Cassie, Julia doesn't look too happy and as
for the others, I've seen happier mourners.  Calvin's white as a sheet
and Cecily looks fit to burst.

CASSIE Grab Dora on the way past. She'll let us know what happened.

JULIA Toni!

TONI Julia?

JULIA Look at Cassie. You can tell just by looking at her that she's
been scheming again. She thinks too much, and when she isn't thinking
she talks too much. I don't know which is worse.

TONI Don't worry about her Julia. She's not half as bad as people
suggest.

JULIA I wish she would speak her mind more when I was there to listen.
But I don't worry about her. Yet if I had to worry about anyone, she
would be my prime concern. You know that she knows every bit of gossip
before it happens and yet she's never caught spreading the muck
herself. She never goes out much like us, Toni, and have you once seen
her smile? And the looks she gives if anyone jokes in her company.  She
can't be happy like that and if she can't be happy then she'd prefer the
rest of us to be miserable too. If I were a weaker person then she would
be a constant worry.  Now tell me, what do you think of her.

[JULIA leads TONI off. The rest of the team find corners and chat. DORA
is pulled to one side by BEATRICE]

DORA Did you want something?

BEATRICE Aye, Dora; what happened in the changing rooms which made Julia
to look so hassled?

DORA Why, you were there, weren't you?

BEATRICE Dora, if I was there why the hell would I bother asking you
what went on. If I really wanted to know I could just have asked myself.

DORA She was asked if she wanted the captaincy and she refused with as
much effort as she could muster; and then everyone started singing.

BEATRICE What was the second noise for?

DORA Why, same again.

CASSIE And the third time?

DORA Why, for that too.

BEATRICE Was the captaincy offered to her three times?

DORA Yep, and every time it took her longer to refuse, and every time
she refused the rest of them praised her.

CASSIE Who offered her the captaincy?

DORA Toni.

BEATRICE I see. Tell us more, Dora.

DORA It was just a bit of a muck about as far as I could tell. Toni was
just doing it as a bit of a joke. The first time was when Toni offered
her your place in the changing rooms, as her skill had led us to
victory.  Julia told us not to be so daft, that she was just doing her
bit for the team and that you were still not a bad player. Next was when
Toni took a photo of the team. She told Julia to stand in the middle
wearing the captains armband. Again she refused and said that they
should hang up one of your old shirts and stand round that instead.
Then Toni said she may as well try on the shirt for size as she may need
to wear it soon. Again she refused saying that no matter what happened
she'd always stay at number 7 and everyone hooted and clapped their
hands and threw up their sweaty socks. All very sad.  Anyway in the
midst of all this Julia collapsed. I very nearly laughed the sight of
her almost buried in socks was almost too much to bear., but I didn't in
case it was the smell of them that had got to her.

CASSIE What, did JULIA faint?

DORA Yeah, and it took a couple of minutes to bring her back round.

BEATRICE I'm not surprised, she's always been prone to it.

CASSIE She's not sick but we certainly are if we don't do something
about her.

DORA I'm sure I don't know what you mean by that.

BEATRICE What did she say when she came round?

DORA When she realised that the rest of them were pleased that she'd
refused to do as Toni suggested she got in a right state and threatened
to quit the team if anyone wanted her to, and I was sorely tempted to
take her up on it even though I know she'd take it back.  And then bam!
There she blows. And when she came to she apologised profusely and they
were round her like relatives round a will. She had them eating out of
her hand like the dogs they are.

BEATRICE And that's when she came back?

DORA Aye.

CASSIE Did Cecily say any thing?

DORA Aye, just the usual nonsense.

CASSIE To what effect?

DORA I haven't got a clue, usual claptrap I guess. I haven't told you
the best of it yet: Mary-Lou and Florrie have been thrown off the team.
Florrie had a massive row with Julia and Calvin virtually had to pull
her off. Mary-Lou socked Calvin one for taking Julia's side and the next
thing you know everyone else has voted them out. Let that be a lesson to
us all.

CASSIE Are you coming out tonight, Dora?

DORA No, I've got a date tonight.

CASSIE How about to-morrow?

DORA Aye, if I haven't been eaten alive and you know somewhere worth
going.

CASSIE Good: Come over about eight.

DORA OK. See you both.

[Exit]

BEATRICE She does go on a bit doesn't she. She used to be OK at school.

CASSIE And she is now, if you give her something useful to do, she may
be a little boring but she can be funny at times, and you can be sure
that people notice her then.

BEATRICE If you say so. Anyhow I'll be off now. If you want I'll meet
you after school tomorrow and I'll come over for tea, or you could come
over to my house.

CASSIE OK I'll do that: till then, think of winning that cup!

[Exit BEATRICE]

	Well Bea, at last I know where you're coming from now. You won't
be prepared t help in any of our schemes without some persuasion. I
think we can provide that. We will sort out Julia and you will help
me. Julia doesn't trust me at all but with Bea on my side she'll follow
me to Hell and back (and thank me for it afterwards).  Beatrice you
shouldn't be so naive, but I'll forgive you for it. If I were in her
shoes now I'd not have listened to such a poisonous tongue.  Tonight,
I'll rally the troops and Beatrice will get several worried call, each
imploring her to save the honour of the team and to pluck Julia from our
midst. Julia, be proud while you can for within days you will
fall. Julia - beware, today you are on top of the world but tomorrow you
will surely fall.

[Exit]



ACT I SCENE III

The same. A street.

[Thunder and lightning. Enter from opposite sides, DORA, and CECILY]

CECILY Hi Dora; did you go back to Julia's? Are you all right you look a
little pale.

DORA Does this weather not bother you? I have never been in such a
storm.  Cecily, the wind is ripping trees from their roots in the
park. The canal has overflowed and already most of the roads are
blocked. We should be getting home as quickly as possible. Come on let's
go.

CECILY I've never seen a night more wonderful?

DORA Jeremy Wilson, surely you know him, has already been taken to
hospital. He was flying his kite with some of the others up by Loxely
Fields (stupid thing to do in weather like this). Anyway was hit by
lightning and I'm told his hand burned like a Roman Candle and at the
end of it his hand was hardly scorched. Only a couple of minutes ago I
was running down Coppers Lane and a branch from Old Tiber flew over the
School Wall and I swear it tried to block my path. I ran faster and
faster and as I turned the final bend I saw a heap of branches so
mangled and torn up by the wind that they looked liked the tortured
bodies of a hundred ghastly women transfixed by some hidden power, and
round them blew more branches like angry men. I would have screamed but
I doubt anyone would have heard me above the noise. I'm telling you that
this storm is unnatural and that we are best out of it.

CECILY Incredible isn't it? I could watch the storm all night to see
these wonders. Is Julia coming to the practice tomorrow?

DORA Sure she is and Toni said to tell you that they would both be there
tomorrow - is something going on that I should know about?

CECILY Good night Dora, you'd best get off home before you scare the
wits out of yourself. Tell mum I've gone to Toni's.

DORA OK, Cecily. See you later.

[Exit CECILY]

[Enter CASSIE]

CASSIE Who's there?

DORA Hi Cassie.

CASSIE Dora, I thought that was you.

DORA What is this storm like?

CASSIE Nothing wrong with it for honest folk.

DORA I've never seen such a bad storm, have you?

CASSIE It's not so bad Dora. Personally, I like the idea of walking
about in this sort of weather. It makes you feel good to be alive. went
right into the park and wrapped myself round a tree and shouted `Come
and get me!' to the elements. And when no lightning came to strike me
down I felt so alive. As though I'd been spared for some higher
purpose. Oh, what a night.

DORA Cassie, why tempt fate like that? What would have happened if you
had been struck. It's too much to risk for mere bravado.

CASSIE Don't be so dull, Dora, you have no spark of life in you
sometimes.  Here you are, standing here in the midst of a beautiful
storm and you stare and start at every flash or thunder roll. For Gods
sake get a grip on yourself. No doubt you've already been seeing ghosts
and all the rest of it in the shadows thrown up be the storm. You should
see this as a sign of great things to come. Why, if we could harness the
power of this storm alone we could soon be cutting our opponents to
ribbons, this season the cup the next the league and after that... Who
knows. The first female player in the Premier League - Cassie Usher,
running down the wing, to Shearer, Shearer blasts a long ball through to
Giggs, he can't push through the Brazilian defence, he passes back to Le
Tissier and who crosses it into open space and finds...  Usher who
smashes it right through the back of the Brazilian goal. The crowd are
stunned into silence.  Of course if a certain someone keeps hogging the
ball like in the last game we'll be lucky to even make it through to the
next round let alone win the cup.

DORA Do you mean Julia?

CASSIE I'm not saying. But I will say this. If that certain someone (who
shall remain nameless were running the team I suspect she'd make sure
that she was the only decent attacking player just so that she could get
the glory from all the goals. That second one she scored today was
damned lucky. We all know she should have passed it back to me or
Beatrice. And yet you all cheered her.

DORA Well, I wouldn't have said all of us. But I have a feeling that we
haven't heard the last of it. Toni wanted to make sure everyone was at
practice tomorrow. I think she might want us to discuss the captaincy.

CASSIE Well I'll definitely be there then. I just wish we could sort
this thing out. If only we could think of some way to help the team out
from this mess. Which reminds me, Dora, had you heard that Tracey Alton
had her boots nicked from the changing rooms. Of course it could of been
an accident but it seems a little unlikely. It was a pair of Nike
Pro. Don't you wear those too?

DORA Oh hell. Cassie I've got a horrible feeling I know what's happened.
Cecily normally takes my stuff back with her but when I left the
changing rooms today I noticed she'd left my boots and so I took them
with me. I didn't realise that Tracey wore the same ones. I'd better
take them round to her house tonight.

CASSIE Oh Dora. I think it might be a bit late for that. I believe you
but I doubt that the others will. After all we never did find out who
took Melissa's socks a few weeks ago and they probably think we've got a
thief in our midst.

DORA Socks - what sort of socks?

CASSIE The same one's as you're wearing now.

DORA But I.... Oh Cassie I get in such a muddle over things. I never
meant to take them I thought they were Cecily's and if she's taken the
boots... Well everyone will think that it was me all along and that I'm
a thief. Oh what will they do Cassie?

CASSIE Don't worry about it Dora. We'll sort something out. But I have
to tell you that I heard Julia talking to Tracey earlier, she was saying
that we should throw the `nasty little sneak thief' right off the team.
What right has she got to say something like that when, as you say it
could have been a simple mistake.

DORA What am I going to do Cassie?

CASSIE I don't see that there's anything you can do really. You know,
wouldn't it serve her right if the missing stuff was found in her bag.
She'd really have to eat her words then. That would bring her down a
step or two. Someone's coming. Looks like Tina to me. Don't worry about
the boots Dora, I won't say anything to the others. I'm sure you'll sort
something out.

[Enter TINA]

	Tina, why are you in such a hurry?

TINA To find you. Who's that? Melissa?

CASSIE No, it `s Dora; and she's a friend who knows how to keep quiet
and knows what is best for the team. What did you want, Tina?

TINA What a fearful storm is this!  There's two or three of us have seen
strange sights.

CASSIE What did you want? tell me.

TINA Yes, what was it.  Cassie, we need you to speak to Beatrice to
persuade her to join our cause.

CASSIE Don't worry Tina, between us Dora and I have thought of a way to
sort everything out. Tina, phone Bea, and then tell her that you were
really upset about the way that Julia played today. Then meet us back at
Delia's house.  Are Tracey and the others already there?

TINA All but Melissa; and she's gone To find you at your house. Well,
I'll go and phone Bea as you asked.

CASSIE Right, and then get back to Delia's.

[Exit TINA]

	Come, DORA, you and I will go and see Beatrice at her house. By
the time we get there she'll be only too pleased to help us sort out our
little problem. A few words with us should settle her to it.

DORA Great, if Bea's with us then no-one will stand with Julia. But if
she doesn't agree then I guess we'll have to put up with her until the
end of the season.

CASSIE Dora. We have nothing to worry about. Tina is very persuasive and
once she's given her performance Beatrice won't want to even speak to
Little Miss Hat-trick.

[Exeunt]





ACT II

SCENE I

Beatrice's house.

[Enter BEATRICE]

BEATRICE Lucy! What time is it? Lucy!

[Enter LUCY]

LUCY What's up, Bea?

BEATRICE What time is it?

LUCY About twenty past nine.

[Exit]

BEATRICE We have to do something about Julia. I know that I have to do
something although if I had my own way I'd leave her. After all she's
improving steadily and given a couple of months she'd soon learn to play
as part of the team. If only I could make her do that now.  There's no
way I can keep the team together with her taking the credit for every
piece of luck the team has. How can I change her, that's the problem?
And how soon before the younger kids begin to believe her and make her
captain of the team in my place. No, surely they wouldn't do that. A
captain is more than just a player. She should bind the team together
like glue. Not split them into chattering factions. Why do they have to
put so much groundless faith into Julia.

[a phone rings off-stage]

	Surely I can make her see reason. If only Julia could realise
	the limits
to her talent. Then maybe we could make a player of her and maybe then,
at some point in the future she would have the skill to lead us.  But
instead this foolishness which can only lead to trouble, which for the
good of the team I must nip in the bud.

[Re-enter LUCY]

LUCY Bea, there's someone on the phone for you.

BEATRICE Thanks Lucy, now get off to bed before mum gets home.

LUCY Good night Bea.

BEATRICE Good night Lucy. Now get going.

LUCY OK, good night.

[Exit. BEATRICE picks up her phone]

BEATRICE Hello who is it?  Do I know you?  A talent spotter?  Julia? No,
she isn't normally like that. She normally passes the ball more.  Yes, I
could see that it was causing problems, but we still managed to pull
through.  Yes, well we all need a bit of luck every now and again.  But
surely, keeping someone of her skill in the team shows good captaincy.
I realise that a captain should bind the team together but on the other
hand if a player is good enough to help us win the game then surely...
Yes, I know that a single match is not as important as the whole...
Pardon?  You'll like to come back in a few weeks.  Why, yes I'm sure
that I'll have the team up to scratch by then.  I'd be very interested.
Yes.  What name was it again? Hello? Hello?

[BEATRICE puts the phone down]

	How odd.

[Re-enter LUCY]

LUCY Bea, there's someone at the door.

BEATRICE Good, could you be a sweetie and get it for me, it'll be
Cassie.

LUCY Yes, it's Cassie but there's a quite a few others with her.

BEATRICE Well go and let them in then.

[Exit LUCY]

	If I didn't know better I'd say this were a conspiracy. I hope
	they
aren't here to try and make me drop Julia. I don't think I'll be able to
sort out a decent attack without her. I suppose I could move Cassie up
but that would leave midfield a little short. Enough of that. I'm
probably just overreacting.

[Enter CASSIE]

CASSIE Hi Bea, I hope you don't mind us all dropping in on you like this
but we wondered if you might be watching the England game on Sky?.

BEATRICE What's this the entire team? Sure come on in. I was wondering
why there were so many of you.

CASSIE Well we had the choice of coming here or going to Julia's. And
after today's performance there isn't one of us who would prefer to be
there. Come on in folks.

[Enter TRACEY]

BEATRICE Hi Tracey.

CASSIE Come on, find yourself a space.

[enter DELIA]

BEATRICE Make yourself at home, Delia.

CASSIE And Dora, Tina and Melissa.

[enter DORA, TINA, MELISSA, LUCY]

BEATRICE Well, you're all welcome although you might find it a bit of a
squeeze.

CASSIE Can I have a word?

[BEATRICE and CASSIE whisper]

DELIA Did you see the Newcastle game last night?

DORA No.

TINA I did. It was a real stunner. City didn't stand a chance.

MELISSA A massacre by all accounts and if Julia has her way I think
we'll be at the wrong end of one come Saturday.

BEATRICE Give me your coats.

[LUCY takes the coats]

	Thanks, Lucy.

[LUCY takes the coats out]

CASSIE And let us swear our allegiance to the team.

BEATRICE No, not an oath: Don't be so daft. If we all go around swearing
oaths then the next thing you'll find is that we're acting like some
silly secret society rather than - soon to be - one of the most feared
teams in the league. And believe me if we all stick together then we
soon will be. But lets not bother swearing oaths, let's focus rather on
the swearing that will come from the opposition benches after ninety
minutes at our hands.  Cassie has told me certain things that suggest to
me that Julia's worst crime is not just to have hogged the ball but that
she may be guilty of much worse off the pitch. I guess we'll find out
tomorrow. In the meantime I think that I should draw up the team for
next Saturday with Julia on the subs bench. It's about time she learned
to play as part of the team.

CASSIE But what of Cecily? shall we include her?  She is after all an
excellent defender.

DORA Yes don't leave her out.

TINA No, by no means.

MELISSA Yes, after all she's older and bigger and with her on the team
we won't have to worry about having to score so many goals as last
time. If we use her instead of Julia then it will be a sound change of
tactics.

BEATRICE No, I don't think that's such a good idea. Cassie is the same
in defence as Julia in attack. She won't be satisfied unless she has the
captaincy. We'd be better to leave her out.

CASSIE Then leave her out.

DORA Indeed she's not right for the team.

DELIA Should we drop anyone else apart from Julia?

CASSIE Delia, that's a good point. It might be worth thinking about
changing Toni. She's a good keeper but if there is bad feeling over
Julia being dropped then I think it would be unwise to have Toni as our
last line of defence. It is too important a match to leave things to
chance.  Remove Toni and Julia together.

BEATRICE The whole thing would look vindictive if we are to remove both
of them. Toni is a good player and as such we should make sure that she
still feels part of the team. Without Julia, Toni will still play as
well as before. We can't afford to change keepers at this stage of the
season and anyway, if we did then we could create a rift in the team
that could pull the whole thing apart. Don't worry about Toni, she is a
good friend and a fine player.

CASSIE But so much is at stake with her, she is too close to Julia.

BEATRICE Cassie, don't worry about her. If she is such a good friend of
Julia's then the worst she can do is to leave the team and that in
itself is only as bad as your suggestion of dropping her. Anyway enough
of this we have a game to watch.

TRACEY Fair enough Bea, Toni will stay in the team.

BEATRICE Come on it's time for the match to start.

CASSIE Yep, it's gone 9.30 already.





ACT II SCENE II

[Same, after the match]

TRACEY Excellent game. We should make it through to the World Cup next
year if we carry on like that. Oh hell, is that the time, I'd better get
going my mum will do her nut if I'm not back soon.

BEATRICE I'll get your coats.

	
[Exeunt BEATRICE]

CASSIE Just tell her there was extra time it's not as though she knows
the first thing about football. Anyway, before you go we ought to be
sure about what's happening tomorrow. What happens if Julia doesn't turn
up tomorrow. After all if she's not there then Dora can't stash the
stuff in her bag.  She was being a bit funny about it yesterday
afternoon. She was complaining that she's got a bit of a cold and may
not turn up to training.

DORA Don't worry I'll call for her in the morning and make sure that she
comes over, cold or no cold. I'll tell her that she's too important to
the team to miss even one training session. I'll get her there.

CASSIE No Dora. It might look a bit suspicious. We'll all come to get
her.

DORA OK How about quarter to ten at Julia's?

TINA Right I'll see you then.

[Enter BEATRICE with the coats]

MELISSA Leanne got pretty upset with Julia on the field the other
day. We ought to include her. She's not feeling too well at the moment
but I'm surprised no-one mentioned her.

BEATRICE Melissa pop over there on your way home and tell her to meet me
her in the morning and I'll have a word with her.

CASSIE Right, well I guess we'll see you in the morning then, Bea.
Remember folks, she deserves everything she gets.

BEATRICE If she's guilty, let us not forget that. Go on, get home before
my dad comes up and chucks you all out. See you tomorrow.

[Exeunt all but BEATRICE, who tidies the room a little]

	Goodnight everyone, I'm off to bed now.

[Enter PETER, Beatrice's dad]

PETER Beatrice!

BEATRICE Yes dad? What's the problem?

PETER You shouldn't have invited all your friends round like that. I
don't mind you watching the matches in bed but it's a bit much when you
have half a dozen people here until well after eleven. Especially when
you're supposed to be training in the morning. You spend all your time
worrying about this team of yours. If you're not careful then you'll
make yourself ill and then you won't be able to play at all.  Now get
off to bed and in future, if you want your friends to come round then
ask me first. Do I make myself clear?  Are you alright, you look a
little pale?

BEATRICE I've just got a bit of a cold, that's all.

PETER Well Beatrice, you should be old enough to look after yourself by
now. If you're no better by the morning then you'd better ring Cassie or
Julia and tell them that you won't be able to practise.

BEATRICE I know dad, I'll be alright. Good night.

PETER Right, and we'll have no more of these late night
gatherings. You've got more to think about than just football and if
you've made yourself too ill to go back to school next week then make my
words young girl. There will be trouble.  Now off to sleep and don't let
me catch you drawing up set pieces by torchlight or I'll give you a set
piece of my own.

BEATRICE I wish you wouldn't nag me so much dad.

PETER I wouldn't need to Scruff, if you didn't give me so many things to
nag you about. What am I supposed to do if every time I send you up here
to do homework I come up to find you on the phone, watching T.V. or
mooning over your posters. If you'll do as you're told and not take this
footballing so seriously then I wouldn't have to nag you.  I don't mean
to angry about it, love, but at some point you've got to realise that
there's no career in it for a girl. I just want you to enjoy things but
spend a little more time on something constructive, like your schoolwork
for example. And don't sulk. I'm telling you this for you own good not
mine.

BEATRICE I know, you truly are a wonderful father but can't you try to
be just a little more enthusiastic about my team. After all, you taught
me to play in the first place.

PETER I'll try but you have to promise me that you'll try to expand your
horizons a little. We've got to put up with each other and you'll be
able to put up with me a lot better if you give me less to put up with.
Now bed, and no more arguments. Good night.

BEATRICE Good night dad.





ACT II SCENE III

[Knocking offstage]

BEATRICE Lucy, answer the door would you.

[enter LUCY with LAUREN]

BEATRICE Lauren, how are you feeling. Melissa said that you were a bit
under the weather. Lucy could you go and play somewhere else?

[LUCY storms off]

LAUREN Morning Beatrice.

BEATRICE I presume that you won't be coming to practice today, you
should be in bed.

LAUREN I `m not ill, if you need me to play on Saturday.

BEATRICE Well I was considering it Lauren but you really don't look in
any condition to play.

LAUREN Bea, if you say you need me on Saturday I'll be there. I'm
definitely coming to the practice today no matter what. I should be able
to be even faster with my nose running like this! I'll manage the
impossible if you give me such a task. Tell me, what should I?

BEATRICE A piece of work that make the whole team well again.

LAUREN Are there some of them that will soon fall ill?

BEATRICE Lauren I think you have the right idea. Come to the training
but only to watch. I think we may need you in Saturday's game.

LAUREN Then let's go. I am with you all the way with an open heart and a
blocked up nose. Lead on.

BEATRICE Follow me, then.

[Exeunt]



ACT II SCENE IV

julia's house.

[Enter JULIA and CALVIN]

JULIA Hell, I'm tired. I haven't had such as restless night for a long
time.  The storm kept me awake for most of the night and when I did
sleep I dreamt that I was a Roman senator and that all the rest of the
football team were there. They gathered around me and began stabbing
me. It was horrible, it makes me really nervous about going to the
practice today.

CALVIN Julia, if you don't feel like coming to practice today then don't
come.  I wouldn't be surprised if your lack of sleep is because you're
coming down with something. I'd much rather have you miss the practice
and be fit for the game on Saturday.

JULIA No I'd better go. After all, I was an inspiration to the team
yesterday and I can't have people thinking that I'm a one game
wonder. I've got nothing to worry about.

CALVIN Julia, normally I'd agree with you on everything and I don't mean
to contradict you now but you have to see that the practice is not as
important as the next game. If you are at all worried about your fitness
then stay here, I'll make excuses for you and ensure that you still have
your place in the team. It's been a bad night for everyone but with you
in this drafty room you're bound to have a worse night than most. You
stay here and I'll let you know how things went on when I get
back. After all, you may find that not everyone is as pleased with
yesterday's performance as you are; you didn't exactly pass the ball
around much.

JULIA What? We won the game didn't we. And anyway why should I pass the
ball around. If I'd passed it to Cassie you know damned well that she'd
probably trip over it and we wouldn't have scored. You know none of them
are as talented as I am. You do agree don't you Calvin?.

CALVIN Of course, Julia, but perhaps the others will be jealous of that
fact and we don't want a scene if you're not feeling too good.

JULIA They can say what they like. I'm not worried if a bunch of second
division players can't cope with sharing the field with someone of my
stature. A band is nothing without a decent singer but if a singer is
good enough then she can choose her own band.

[JULIA throws CALVIN a newspaper]

	Come on then, read us Virgo.

CALVIN Aries, Gemini., Cancer, Virgo. Although some people may not like
it, you're taking the limelight wherever you go. However, be wary
because your moon is in Sagittarius which could cause confrontations and
conflicts with workmates. A simple task planned for today becomes a
tedious, difficult chore which will leave you out in the cold.

JULIA Not the best one ever, but they always are gloomy on a Monday. I
guess it's because people are going back to work and they feel a bit
down and want something to blame it one. So it's up to me to go out
there and prove what an utter load of nonsense that claptrap is.

CALVIN Julia I think you ought to stay at home. I know you aren't
worried by the horoscope but if any of the others read it then they
might feel that they ought to help make it come true. Besides if you
wear yourself out training today then you won't be able to use these
cinema tickets with me tonight.

[CALVIN produces two tickets]

	I'll let them know that you're unwell but that you'll be fit by
Saturday.

JULIA Alright, if it makes you happy then I'll stay at home.

[JULIA snatches the tickets from CALVIN]

[Enter DELIA]

	Hello Delia.

DELIA Julia, all hail! good morrow, worthy Julia: I come to fetch you to
the training ground.

JULIA You're in high spirits this morning.  Well I'm sorry to disappoint
you but I won't be coming to training today. I don't feel well enough to
train, but I will definitely be fit for Saturday.

CALVIN It's just a lack of sleep.

JULIA No it's not. I would still go if it were anything so minor. Tell
them that I may be coming down with the flu but no matter how bad I'm
feeling I will drag myself out of bed on Saturday.

DELIA Come on, Julia. You were fine yesterday surely you don't think
they will believe that you can have fallen so ill in so short a time?

JULIA I've had a bad night and that's probably made it worse. Calvin has
said that I should stay at home so that I can make sure I am well for
the next time the team will need me which is on Saturday and if that
doesn't satisfy them well tough luck.

DELIA Julia. I really don't think that that is wise. After all, if you
aren't at training then, as I'm sure Calvin will tell you, we will have
to try to find a formation to play on Saturday that assumes that you
will not be well enough to play. After all, if our plans hinge on you
being well and then you're ill. Well we'd have severe problems.

JULIA She's got a point.

DELIA Of course I have. Surely you don't want the others to think that
you can't be relied upon. After all, if we are going to build the team
round you then we need to know that you'll be there at the receiving end
of the winning crosses. Of course, if you really aren't well enough then
I guess we'll have to try and come up with some other tactics. There is
the possibility of building a defensive side around Cecily but that
seems such a shame after yesterdays performance.

JULIA Of course. Delia. You're right. I can't let the team down no
matter how rotten I'm feeling. Lead the way.

[Enter BEATRICE, LEANNE, MELISSA, DORA, TRACEY and TINA)

	And look who has come to collect me. Morning all.

TRACEY Good morning, Julia.

JULIA Hi Tracey. Has Beatrice even managed to drag you from your pit,
this morning. Good morning, Melissa; Leanne. You two look ready for
action this morning. What time is it?

BEATRICE Just gone ten to ten.

JULIA Well we had best make a move then folks.

[enter ANTHONY]

	Well I never, even Toni is stirring this morning. That should be
	a
first. Toni present for the first half of a training session.

TONI Ha bloody ha. Morning all.

JULIA Well come on. Our training session awaits and at this rate we
could have a full team, with that and seeing Tracey before 10 a.m. this
is a day for miracles.

JULIA Come on then, friends, to battle.

BEATRICE I don't think you realise quite how true those words are,
Julia.



ACT II SCENE V

[Enter ASHLEY]

ASHLEY What am I to do? I must warn Julia that the others are plotting
against her. But what can I tell her? If I tell her that Dora plans to
blame the thefts on her then she won't believe me, after all Dora was
praising her only yesterday. Do I tell her that Cassie is the cause of
it? She would believe that for Cassie can be a spiteful girl. No, I
can't tell her that for she would never believe that the others would
join with Cassie against her. I could mention that they all met up at
Beatrice's house. No, for who in their right mind would believe that
such a girl as Beatrice would have a hand in this. Well, whatever the
consequence I must tell her something. If I wait until she gets to the
changing rooms then I might be able to warn her not to leave her bag
unattended or keep an eye on it myself. Yes, that's what I'll do. They
can't do anything if they can't get to her bag.

[Exit]



ACT III

SCENE I

The playing field, by the changing rooms.

[A crowd of people; among them ASHLEY and the KELLY. Flourish. Enter
JULIA, BEATRICE, CASSIE, DORA, DELIA BEATRICE, MELISSA, TRACEY, TINA,
TONI, LEANNE, and others]

JULIA [To KELLY] Well looks like I made it to training all right.

KELLY Aye, Julia, but you haven't left now.

ASHLEY Julia, can I have a couple of words.

DELIA Tracey wanted to talk to you as well. She's over the other side of
the group.

ASHLEY Julia, I really need to speak to you now, it's in your own
interests.

JULIA Then I will speak to you later, the team comes first.

ASHLEY Julia, I need to speak to you NOW.

JULIA Ashley, what is your problem?

DELIA Ashley, come with me, I want to discuss something with you.

CASSIE You can talk to Julia later.

[JULIA goes up to the changing rooms, the rest following]

LEANNE Good luck, Cassie.

CASSIE Good luck for what, Leanne?

LEANNE Just good luck.

[Advances to JULIA]

BEATRICE What did Leanne say?

CASSIE She wished us good luck. I think someone's been talking too much.

BEATRICE Well keep her away from Julia. I don't want her to find out we
know about the boots just yet.

CASSIE [to DORA] Be quick now, or we might be found out.

Bea, what will we do if she denies it? If she is guilty and gets away
with it then you can be sure that I'll never play for this team again.

BEATRICE Cassie, don't worry so much. Look Leanne is smiling, she's not
warning Julia.

CASSIE I think it's time to get started. Look, Tracey's taking Toni off
somewhere.

[Meanwhile DORA places the boots and socks in Julia's bag]

[Exeunt TONI and TRACEY]

DELIA Where is Melissa? I think it's about time that she asks Julia for
her socks back.

BEATRICE Yes, you're right.

TINA Dora, tell Melissa that now is the time.

JULIA Are we all ready? Then let's get on with the session.

MELISSA Julia, I really didn't want to ask you this in front of everyone
else but I was told that you might know where my socks were. Do you?

JULIA Don't be so daft, Melissa, I don't care where you ask me. Despite
the fact that I should know where your socks are during your time on the
field I have to admit that as soon as you take them off they are as
repulsive to me as they are to anyone. Now if I were a hygienist then I
might be vaguely interested in where they are. Or possibly if I were a
biologist looking for new forms of life but as the situation is I really
don't know why you bother asking me. Perhaps you should try asking your
feet. They were always closest to them!

MELISSA Is that all you can say? To make snide remarks. Well, I heard
that you might know where they are and if you do then I want them now.
Well?

BEATRICE I've also heard that you may well know there whereabouts,
Julia.

JULIA What!

CASSIE Julia, I know this is none of my business but there have been
rumours flying and I think that it's about time that you put them to
rest.

CASSIE What is all this nonsense. I have already told you that I have no
interest in Melissa's feet except in that they should be aimed in my
direction when she's on the field. And that is it. I don't know who's
been saying I should know any different but if you point her out then
I'm sure we can sort this whole thing out. Check my bag if you want...

[JULIA picks her bag up and out falls her kit along with the boots and
socks]

MELISSA Julia, how could you [she picks up her socks]

TINA O Julia!

TRACEY My boots! Julia, I thought we were friends. How could you do
this!

JULIA What! I don't know how this could happen I swear that I didn't
know...

DELIA The thief in our midst. How could you do this to us? I say we
should throw her off the team. Go on, get out.

JULIA Beatrice?

BEATRICE She's right Julia. How could you? But I'm a fair person. We'll
take a vote on it. All those in favour of Julia staying on the team...

DORA Thief!

[DORA first, then the other Conspirators raise their hands]

BEATRICE Those against.

[An equal number raise their hands]

	A tie. Then as captain, I must have the casting vote. [She
	raises her
hand] I'm sorry Julia.

JULIA Et tu, Beatrice! Then fall, Julia.

[JULIA runs out crying]

TINA Ha! That will serve her right. Come on folks we have some training
to do. Let's go.

CASSIE Kelly, when you write this up make sure you let everyone know why
she had to leave and how fair we were.

BEATRICE OK. Let's get some work done and wash the taste of this from
our mouths.

DORA You should do an interview, Bea..

DELIA And Cassie too.

BEATRICE Where's Peggy?

TINA Here, and she's quite upset.

MELISSA Watch yourselves, in case some friend of Julia' should chance--

BEATRICE Don't be so stupid, Melissa, she's learnt her lesson
now. Peggy, don't worry yourself. We don't blame you for any of this,
nor any others of Julia's friends. Get yourself home. There'll be a
place for you on the team on Saturday.

CASSIE Go n now, Peggy. We don't want anyone thinking we blame you at
all.

BEATRICE Go on.

[exit PEGGY]

[Re-enter TRACEY]

CASSIE Where's Toni?

TRACEY She ran off to Julia's as soon as she heard the news.

BEATRICE Well the deed is done, and now to get back to business. We have
a lot to sort out before Saturday.

CASSIE Aye, and now we should each get a decent chance of seeing the
ball.

BEATRICE I accept that Julia's play was a little greedy but I won't have
it said that it is the reason that we've thrown her out of the team. We
are still all Julia's friends and I hope that some of you will be able
to forgive her for this. We all make mistakes sometimes. But still, we
can be happy that we no longer have to suspect one of the team a thief.

CASSIE Right then. Let's get changed and go down to the field. We've got
some tactics to prepare.

BEATRICE I hope that Julia's all right. Maybe we've been a little harsh.

CASSIE Harsh! She was ripping this team apart with her thieving off the
field and her attitude on the pitch. She deserves everything she gets.

DELIA I'm ready, let's go.

CASSIE Yes, come on everyone. Training as usual. Bea, as our captain you
should lead the way and we'll follow on your heels like obedient pups.

[Enter PEGGY]

BEATRICE Hold on, who's this?

PEGGY Beatrice. I just bumped into Toni. She asked if she could come
back to train. She asked that you explain to her how you found out about
the thefts and why you think that Julia did it. She's sure that if you
believe that Julia stole the boots then it must be the case, but needs
to hear it from you.

BEATRICE Well you can tell her that she's welcome back. We need a good
keeper like her. If she gets back for training then she can keep her
place for Saturday's game.  I'll explain everything to her when she
returns.

PEGGY Great. I'll go and get her then.

[Exit]

BEATRICE I'm glad that she's coming back. It would have been a shame to
lose her.

CASSIE If we've got her back that is. I don't trust her as far as I
could throw her.

MELISSA Her she comes.

[Re-enter TONI and PEGGY]

	 Hi Toni.

TONI How could Julia do this to us. After all the effort she has put
into the team. All her glories, triumphs and goals. Forgotten by such a
foolish act? I didn't realise that there were rumours doubt Julia having
stolen the boots. I had heard a different sequence of events myself [she
glances over at DORA] but if you found the boots in her bag then I guess
she must have been guilty. Unless of course someone else put them there
(but why would anyone do that). I came to tell you that Julia's mum has
heard the story from Peggy. At best Julia won't be allowed out until
we're back at school and at worst her mum will tell her dad. He's got a
fierce temper and if he's been out drinking then you'll all have blood
on your hands before the day is out.

BEATRICE Toni. You must realise that she brought this on herself. We
aren't to blame if Julia's family punish her for this. She is still to
blame. I know how her dad can be but we did not tell on her. If Peggy
chose to tell them well then that's her look out.  Come on, and join us
on the field where we can run off some of the steam that we've all built
up this morning. You're still one of the team, Toni.

CASSIE The team is in your safe hands, Toni.

BEATRICE All we ask is that you give us time to explain what
happened. I'm a good friend of Julia's and when I cast my vote against
her I did so as a friend but it had to be done.

TONI I'm sure you thought you were doing the right thing. We're still
all part of the same team. Come on let's get this show on the road.
Everyone gather round: Bea, Cassie, Delia, Melissa, Tina and not
forgetting my dearest friend, Dora, and last but not least Tracey.

[They come into a circle and begin to chant]

ALL S - Strong T- Triumphant A - Athletic M - Marvellous F - Ferocious O
- Oh how...  R - Remarkable D - Delectable STAMFORD RANGERS!

[Break out of the circle]

TONI I don't really know what to say to you all. It feels wrong to
abandon Julia in her hour of need and at the same time I'm sure that
some of you would have preferred that I had left the team with her.
Yes, she's a friend. But I ask you all what is more important a friend
or the team. I doubt that she will understand why I'm still here but I'm
sure she will forgive me and understand when I'm holding the Roma Villas
League Cup above my head. I'm sure then Julia will smile.

CASSIE Toni,--

TONI Pardon me, Cassie. But we must forgive and forget. Surely what she
has done is wrong but I'm sure even she will celebrate our victory.

CASSIE I don't blame you for standing up for Julia, but I would ask
whether we still have your full support. After all we depend on you.

TONI I've already said that I'm with you. But I must know what evidence
you convicted Julia with.

BEATRICE Which is reasonable. How could we expect you to be with us if
we didn't give you an explanation.

TONI That's all I want. Although I would like an opportunity to explain
the situation to Kelly so that she can get a friend's point of view into
the Gazette.

BEATRICE No problem, Toni.

CASSIE Bea, can I speak to you for a moment.  [Aside to BEATRICE] Surely
that's not a good idea. If Toni says anything to suggest that we did
wrong today then that could seriously jeopardise team morale.

BEATRICE Don't worry about it. I'll speak to Kelly first so that she
gets the official point of view. She a team supporter so she' unlikely
to put down anything Toni says in contrast. After all, I'll let her know
that it was my idea that Toni should talk to her. It will make us look
fair.

CASSIE I don't like it, we have no idea what she'll say.

BEATRICE Trust me. I know what I'm doing. [To Toni] Could you sort out
Julia's kit, and then when you've finished join us on the field.



[Exeunt all but Toni, who begins to re-pack Julia's bag]



TONI So here I am. Left to pick up the pieces. I really don't think they
realise what they have done to her. The butchers. If she was responsible
for the missing kit then she deserved to leave the team but not to have
her parents know. Her father is a tyrant. When he finds out that she was
thrown out for stealing then he'll thrash her from here into tomorrow
and that punishment is way beyond necessity.  We'll have our revenge
though. Ashgrove Wanderers have got most of their team out with the `flu
now, if they can't get a team together for the next game then they'll be
thrown out of the cup. A perfect opportunity for me and a few of the
others to create a team to take on `mighty' Stamford Rangers.

[enter PAM]

	I didn't hear you come in - Pamela, isn't it?

PAM Yes, I've come for Julia's kit.

TONI How is she?

PAM Not too bad. But mum's locked her in the cellar until dad gets back.
I think she's going to get a real hiding.

TONI I can see you're upset. Go on home, and take these things with you.
Will you ask your sister, Tabitha, to come round to see me tonight.

PAM Sure. You're not still playing for the team are you?

TONI You can go back and tell Julia that I'll be playing for them for
one more game and after that there won't be a Stamford Rangers. But I'll
need Tabitha's help. Kelly's going to put an article in the Gazette
explaining what happened about Julia. It could make things a lot worse
for her but I think I might manage to stop it. She'll probably to
interview us after Saturday's game. In the meantime we have a lot to do,
come on.

[TONI leads PAM offstage]

ACT III SCENE II

After Saturday's game. Everyone is celebrating after another victory.



PLAYERS `Ere we go! `Ere we go! `Ere we go!

BEATRICE Hold on. Be quiet for just a few moments. Cassie make sure
there isn't anyone left on the field. On second thoughts there's no way
we're going to get everyone in here. Take a few people out and get the
nets put away while I give the team and the Gazette a few words.

JENNY I'll give you a hand, Cas.

BETH I'll hang on here and let you know what Bea says.

[Exit CASSIE with JENNY, LAUREN, JAYNE, and TINA]

DELIA Right the rest of you. Shut it. Go on Bea.

BEATRICE Right everyone settle yourselves. My dear team-mates,
footballers - possibly even friends, listen up. Today we have scored a
great victory.

ALL Hooray!

BEATRICE But it is a victory which we could have easily been denied. I
want you to listen to what I say and take notice of it. Last week we
lost one of our best players. Now I know that some of you might not have
thought so, and I know that she had faults; but Julia Cedar was a
skilful player.  Julia was and is a good friend of mine. I was sorry to
see her go.  However, as many of you know we have been suffering from a
spate of changing room thefts recently and last Monday several of the
missing items were found in Julia's possession. For that she had to
leave the team.  We took a vote on the matter and decided that for the
good of the team she would have to go. As you will have no doubt heard
by now, I was forced to use my casting vote as captain of the team
against her. I did it for the good of the team. A known thief in our
midst would ruin morale and with the Cup Final now only a week away it
seemed foolish to do anything else. If any of you think that I did wrong
then let them say it now and I will not only leave the captaincy but
also the team.

[Cries of no and similar from the crowd]

	Then I must assume that you are all behind me in the quest for
	the
Roma Villas League Trophy, and that quest starts on Monday when we have
a ten thirty training session.

[Groans from the crowd]

	Together we are going to win. This year the trophy, next the
	league!

DORA Three cheers for Beatrice. [the others join in the hoorays] Hip hip
hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!

LUCY Come on you Rangers!

ALL `Ere we go! `Ere we go! `Ere we go!

BEATRICE Peace! Quiet! Hush now! Toni has spoken to Julia and would like
to make some apologies on her behalf. Not only for our benefit but also
for Kelly's. I, myself, will go and help Cassie and the others, the rest
of you quieten down and listen up! Toni.

TONI Beatrice asked me if I would say a few words.

CECILY Well make it brief then!

BETH Shh! And let her talk. Go on.

TONI Friends, team-mates - and for the benefit of the Gazette - anyone
else whose listening. I've come to talk to you about Julia, but not to
praise her. After all, she was a good player and I think it fit that we
should remember that as much as any wrongs that she may have done. On
the field your will remember that Julia was ambitious, some would even
say greedy. But she knew when to pass the ball and when you strike the
ball home. Beatrice has told us all that she appeared to be as greedy
off the pitch and why should she lie, she was Julia's friend.
 After all, friends, look at the evidence. Last Saturday we all know
that Julia was here. She scored the hat-trick that saved us from defeat
against Fallsworth Bridge. We can probably all remember how we all
crowded round her as she changed and, how we mobbed her as she left.  We
also know that the boots were in her possession on Monday morning, so of
course she must have stolen them. Beatrice has told us and she is our
friend. It seems ludicrous that any of the group that brought Julia to
Monday's session could possibly of planted the boots in her bag. After
all, why should anyone want to do that to our best player? I say best,
but I guess that some might say that Beatrice is our best player. With
Julia gone, I suppose she is.  So we know that no-one would want to
plant the boots and yet why would a thief return to the scene of the
crime with the stolen goods still in her possession. That, to me seems
even more unlikely than some jealous person wanting to frame her.
However Beatrice uncovered her friend as a thief, and we were all
surprised that the boots were in Julia's bag. Indeed, no-one seemed as
surprised as Julia herself.  We should remember what Beatrice said and
win the cup behind our friend Beatrice, or should I say team-mate since
we must all remember that the team comes first and that friendship is
some way down her list.

KELLY Toni, was that the only evidence against Julia?

LEANNE She could be right.

PEGGY And if she didn't steal the boots then who did?

ASHLEY It looks as though we may still have a thief in our midst.

BETH We've heard what she said, why would Julia bring back the boots if
she'd stolen them?

ASHLEY And who planted them if she did?

TONI Please friends, calm down. I have only told you what I know for
sure. Indeed, though it shouldn't be the common knowledge, even had
Julia stolen the boots she has had ample punishment at home.

PEGGY What's happened to her?

TONI No I won't say anything. It is a matter of friendship and that
should come above the team.

KELLY Surely, they have a right to know.

PAM I think you ought to tell them Toni, but only the team.

TONI If I must. Pam, tell Kelly something more about the game. I will
tell only those who should and want to hear.

[TONI gathers BETH, CECILY, PEGGY, and ASHLEY around her]

	I feel you should all know that Julia has a broken arm. When she
returned home on Monday, her mother had already found out about the
accusation and, assuming it was true, had locked Julia in the cellar to
wait for her father.  When her father finally came Julia was so scared
that she tried to run past out past him. I'm told that she tripped and
fell back down the steps. The result was her broken arm. But I won't let
anyone say that this was Beatrice's fault. She's Julia's friend and
wouldn't have falsely accused her had she known of the consequences.

PEGGY How could she do that to her friend?

LEANNE That's it. I've had enough of Beatrice Martin.

ASHLEY Who needs enemies when you've got `team-mates' like that?

TONI Hold on. I have said that Beatrice wasn't to know. We all know that
she was trying her best for the team.

BETH For herself more like.

TONI Now, I have said what I wanted kept from Kelly, and I suggest you
all keep it that way. Julia will get worse if the gazette suggests that
her father broke her arm as punishment.

[TONI breaks from the group and addresses everyone, PAM stands by the
door watching the field]

	Under the circumstances, my conscience will not let me stay a
moment longer in this team. I am sorry to abandon you, my friends, at
such a time. I realise that this will put your chances of winning the
cup in jeopardy, losing your goalkeeper so close to the final but I'm
afraid that this cannot be helped.  If it is any consolation I will be
at the final. Not as a spectator but as the goal-keeper for Ashgrove
Wanderers, whose injury crisis has reached such a point that they will
be lucky to field enough people to play. By playing against Stamford
Rangers I hope that I can salvage at least some honour for playing
along-side Julia's accusers today.

BETH I had it with Stamford myself. Are you in need of a defender.

TONI In these desperate circumstances I would be only too glad to be
playing along-side my friends.

LEANNE Then I'm with you too.

PEGGY And me. It looks as though Beatrice will need a new midfield.

TONI But still we are missing a decent attack - without it I'm afraid we
cannot do any more than hold Stamford at bay.

PAM Toni, Tabitha's available.

TONI Is she? Before Julia she was the best centre forward the team had
had.

PAM I heard her say that she will help get Beatrice in any way she can.

TONI Indeed I think she will. Will anyone else join us?

[ASHLEY, PAM, and after a moment's hesitation LUCY raise their hands]



ACT IV

SCENE 1

Julia's room.

[TONI, TABITHA, and LIZZIE, are sat on the bed]

TONI So Beth will mark Beatrice and Cecily, Cassie.

TABITHA We go in hard. Lizzie, do you realise you will be marking your
sister?

LIZZIE Yes, I understand.

TABITHA Another one bites the dust.

LIZZIE Bu ton the condition that Toni is as harsh with Tina, although
she is a friend.

TONI Don't worry Lizzie. If any player comes near the goal the most they
will get is a penalty. Watch her as she tumbles.  But, Lizzie, go down
to Melissa's house and see if you can wheedle any of their tactics from
her. They must have scraped together the rest of the team by now.

LIZZIE Will you still be here?

TABITHA Here, or at St. Phillipa's Fields.

[Exit LIZZIE]

TONI I can't stand that girl. She's only fit to go on errands but I
suppose we must put up with her for the sake of the original team.

TABITHA If she's such a problem the put her on the subs bench.

TONI Tabitha, if we don't let her be in the starting line-up then there
is no way that she would ever let us organise the team. Anyway, if she's
pitched against her sister then she won't last more than five minutes.
Lauren is a strong girl and she has a fierce temper to go with it. With
Lizzie marking Lauren we have as good as put her on the bench.

TABITHA You've obviously thought about it Toni, but I wouldn't like you
to underestimate her. She can be tough as nails.

TONI So are my studs, Tabitha, and with that in mind I use them to walk
on. I run them round in any direction I want. But I'll tell you this,
Lauren is like concrete and If you run with studs on concrete then you
surely wear them down to the boot. And running in boots on concrete is
far more efficient. So, if you leave the planning to me and I leave the
scoring to you then we should all come out of this well.  I know the
weaknesses of Stamford Rangers better than anyone. I see their backs
when they play and from the back you can see the weakness in anyone.
They concentrate to much on skill and hope that they can make up what
they lack in power. We may not have the more skilful team but we have a
team that can run straight through the lot of them and then start to
worry about the ball.

TABITHA I see your point. From here on in I leave the training to
Calvin, the tactics to you and the goalposts to me. As for Lizzie, she
can have an early shower.

[Exeunt]

ACT IV SCENE II

Jerome Fields. The changing rooms. Monday Training session.

[Enter LIZZIE; BEATRICE and JAYNE meeting them]

BEATRICE Hush, someone's coming.

JAYNE I'll have a look.

BEATRICE Well Jayne, is it Cassie?

JAYNE She's on her way but this looks like Lizzie Dwyer, the captain of
Ashgrove Wanderers.

BEATRICE Hello there, Lizzie. Have you lost your way or were you looking
to see if you could poach any more players?

LIZZIE It seems I cannot help but gain your entire team. But I came here
to see my sister.

BEATRICE Well as you can see she isn't here. Jayne, can I have a word?
[to JAYNE] Can we trust Lauren to keep our tactics from her sister.

JAYNE Normally I would have thought not, but considering the friendships
that people have lost this week I should think that they are as unlikely
to discuss team tactics as they are to exchange any comment with each
other. And after all, can we trust you to keep our tactics from your own
sister?

BEATRICE Yes, you are right, Jayne, but I'm seeing treachery around
every corner at the moment. Remember, Jayne, that it is a situation like
this that causes us to examine even our closest friendships. Whilst I
trust myself to keep my word I cannot trust a friend I know to be worthy
in the same circumstance.

JAYNE Lizzie, I think that you will find that your sister is at
Melissa's house.  Let her know that we told you where to find her.

LIZZIE Of course. I shall see you all on Saturday.

[Exit LIZZIE, Enter CASSIE]

CASSIE Evening all.

BEATRICE Evening.

CASSIE Well my captain, you have done me wrong.

BEATRICE What have I done? Surely I do no-one wrong?

CASSIE Bea, don't come all the innocent with me...

BEATRICE Hold it. You don't just come barging in here and expect me to
listen to this nonsense. Now take a moment to collect your breath and
explain what you're talking about.

CASSIE Right ten.

BEATRICE Jayne, give us a few moments alone.

[JAYNE exits]

CASSIE Why have you left Florence and Mary-Lou off the team. I told you
that we needed them. They are both pretty strong and I reckon the match
is going to get pretty tough.

BEATRICE Cassie, you should know my game better than that.

CASSIE Why leave out two such useful players when you know that we will
need them.

BEATRICE Let me tell you Cassie that no matter what happens in the game
on Saturday those people will be our friends again within weeks. But not
if we let a bulldog like Mary-Lou charge around the pitch. By leaving
them on the bench we are showing Toni that we mean this to be a clean
game.

CASSIE A clean game!  With Tabitha on their team. Surely you know that
the whole reason she no longer plays for Stamford is because she broke
Carrie Hampton's leg last season.

BEATRICE So why should we stoop to their level. Surely we are more
sporting than that?

CASSIE More sporting!

BEATRICE Have you forgotten the events of last week. Is your memory so
short? My name was dragged through the mud by the Gazette. They all but
stated that I single handily removed Julia from the team because she was
a better player than me! Kelly will be there on Saturday and I intend to
show her that I am a good sport.

CASSIE Save your breath, Beatrice. You won't show her you're a good
sport. Merely that you're a good loser, which is an entirely different
and much overrated thing to be!

BEATRICE Forget it, Cassie, you wouldn't know how to be a good sport.

CASSIE Yes I would.

BEATRICE And I say you wouldn't.

CASSIE Any more of that and I'll flatten you and not regret it.

BEATRICE You and whose army?

CASSIE Do you doubt that I could do it?

BEATRICE Now shut up and listen. I am setting the tactics for the game
and I say that we will play a tactical game. If anyone so much as gets a
yellow card then they can forget playing for Stamford Rangers next
season. Do I make myself clear?

CASSIE Oh God, do I have to listen to this?

BEATRICE Yes. After all, I have to listen to your complaining all the
time. I've had to try and pull this team from nothing in just two
days. And at every step you've been there. Waiting to see if I fall. Not
to catch me but to trample me underfoot. If I hear one more wrong word
from you before Saturday then it'll be me who flattens you. And that
isn't a threat, it's a promise.

CASSIE Has it come to this?

BEATRICE Try me.

CASSIE You misunderstood me, Bea, I had the interests of the team at
heart.

BEATRICE I don't care if you did.

CASSIE Even Julia didn't annoy me as much as you can.

BEATRICE Enough, Cassie. Unless you wish to put your words into action.

CASSIE Do not presume too much upon my friendship, or I may do something
that one of us may regret.

BEATRICE You may already have done so. Get out of here before I throw
you out for good. You are no help to me now.

CASSIE I see.

BEATRICE If you saw, then you would have left.

CASSIE OK. Then I`ll go. Maybe I'll find some friends elsewhere.

BEATRICE You'll find friendship where you first offer it.

CASSIE Why don't you like me any more?

BEATRICE I don't like your faults.

CASSIE A true friend would never see those faults.

BEATRICE It would be difficult to miss them.

CASSIE Then perhaps it is time for Toni and Tabitha to come and take
their revenge upon me. If we must play in soft boots then perhaps it is
right that you should get your kicks in now before the match, and
believe me Beatrice, you kick harder than that mule, Tabitha, ever
could. I may as well stand alone against Ashgrove for all the good the
rest of you will do prancing about avoiding there steel-capped toes. You
may as well save your precious honour and walk out of here.

BEATRICE Don't be so ridiculous, Cassie. I want us to win but I want us
to win fairly. You should put more energy into your game and less into
your mouth!

CASSIE Is that all I am? A joke to you.

BEATRICE Cassie, I didn't mean it like that.

CASSIE Really?  Bea.

BEATRICE What's the matter?

CASSIE I'm sorry. I'm nervous as hell about the game and I don't mean to
take it out on you.

BEATRICE Indeed then perhaps it's time you thought BEFORE you spoke.
Come on, let's get to work.

 [Enter JAYNE]

CASSIE What's the matter?

JAYNE I have to be back home by seven, can we get a move on?

BEATRICE Indeed. Gather round this plan.

CASSIE But first go and get Melissa. She needs to know about this.

[Exit JAYNE]

CASSIE I didn't think you could have been so angry.

BEATRICE I'm stressed out about the whole thing.

CASSIE I thought you were above such things.

BEATRICE My dad says that he'll coach us until the final but if the
truth about why Julia and Calvin left comes out then I don't think he'll
let me play next season.

CASSIE Do you think he would stop you?

BEATRICE He only needs an excuse. He's already said that I'm too serious
about the game.

CASSIE No wonder you're stressed I'm lucky I didn't get worse treatment
earlier.

BEATRICE And now with me spending so much time planning for the final,
and the fact that Tabitha and Toni will probably have the more skilful
team...  Well I guess we'll know when Saturday comes.

CASSIE Surely you don't think it depends on the outcome of the match.

BEATRICE Even so.

CASSIE Oh hell.

BEATRICE Enough of that. We must bury ourselves in the game plan. It is
not so much winning that will count but the style of our game.

CASSIE In that case I will help you as best I can.

[Re-enter JAYNE, with MELISSA]

BEATRICE Good evening Melissa. We need to get our plans sorted within
the next half hour or Jayne will be in trouble and I will be no further
with my essay on the Roman Empire.

CASSIE Oh hell, I'd forgotten that we had that to do.

BEATRICE Well, let's get this finished and then come round to my house
and we'll do it together.  Right. Melissa, if I know Toni she'll play a
defensive game. After all she's a goal-keeper and knows better than to
leave the team open to a sudden attack.

MELISSA I'd come to almost the same conclusion.

BEATRICE But?

MELISSA But she's built up a strong attack as well. With Tabitha backing
up Ashgrove's top scorers, Caroline Lively and Ann Patterson, they will
be dangerous up front.

BEATRICE Which leaves only the midfield. Lizzie's the only one they've
got left in midfield so I guess they'll be playing long balls as much as
possible.

CASSIE Except that they now have Cecily.

MELISSA Not Cecily as well. That leaves me as our only midfielder. What
about Lucy, Bea? She's small but she's quick.

BEATRICE No, Melissa.

MELISSA Why not?

BEATRICE No reason, Melissa.

MELISSA But we need everyone we can get.

BEATRICE She's playing for Ashgrove.

MELISSA Oh.

BEATRICE Now, who else is there?

MELISSA We could pull Jayne off the subs bench. Claudia used to play
midfield.

BEATRICE They'll have to do. This really doesn't look good.

MELISSA We can manage with them.

CASSIE We'll have to pull back from attack to help out.

BEATRICE And so we end up being forced into a defensive game. I'd much
prefer to play an attacking game.

CASSIE I don't think that's such a good idea.

BEATRICE Your reason?

CASSIE Well: We'd be leaving ourselves wide open. They're too fast for
us to pull back from an attack in time. We've got a batter chance trying
to catch them on the hop. Their defence if fairly weak. Toni's good in
goal but she can't stop every shot.

BEATRICE Fair enough, but surely if we play an attacking game we'll be
in the defence like wolves amongst sheep. They won't stand a chance -
and as you say Toni can't stop every shot. No, we should play an
attacking game. Our defence is strong enough to hold them off until we
can pull back.

CASSIE Beatrice, Tabitha will just run straight over the defence.

BEATRICE Cassie, if we think like that we may as well not turn
up. Tabitha's just one player. We'll just keep her closely marked: Dora
can do it.

CASSIE Dora's half Tabitha's size! Come on, Bea, we need to support the
defence.

BEATRICE The decision's already made. We have always played an attacking
game. Changing it now would be suicidal. Anyway it's time we let Jayne
get off home.

CASSIE Well. I'm not happy about it.

BEATRICE Good night folks. Cassie, are we going to sort out this
homework?

CASSIE I'm going to leave the work until after tomorrow.  Bea, I don't
want us to fall out over this game.

BEATRICE I know..

CASSIE Good night.

BEATRICE See you, Cas.

MELISSA Good night.

[BEATRICE begins to gather up the plans and tidy the changing rooms.
CASSIE and MELISSA exit.]

[a moment later. JULIA enters]

BEATRICE What have you forgotten now, Cassie?

[BEATRICE turns and sees JULIA]

	Julia. I didn't expect to see you her. What are you doing here?

JULIA How could you do that to me, Beatrice?.

BEATRICE What do you want?

JULIA Just to say that I'll see you at St. Philippa's Fields.

BEATRICE Well, then I guess I'll see you then.

JULIA Yes, tomorrow.

BEATRICE Tomorrow then.

[Exit JULIA. BEATRICE pauses for a moment and then rushes to the door]

	Julia!
Wait for a moment!  Julia?

[She turns back and picks up her things and leaves]



ACT V

SCENE I

	
The street near St. Phillipa's Fields.

[BEATRICE enters. CALVIN catches her up]

CALVIN Bea! Wait up!

BEATRICE Calvin.

CALVIN Are you off to the match?

BEATRICE Yeah.

CALVIN Mind if I join you?

BEATRICE No, go right ahead. I don't see why you want to, though.

CALVIN I just wanted to say good luck for today. I don't think the match
will be too pretty.

BEATRICE No. But I guess we deserve it.

CALVIN Bea there's some people on the team that do but it's about time
that you realise that the only thing you did wrong was to get mixed up
with Dora and Cassie.

BEATRICE Thanks, but I don't think Julia sees it that way.

CALVIN No. But there again I don't really blame her.  Look I just wanted
to say that after today's game I figure that things will be pretty ugly
at the Rangers. Well, there's a place at Ashgrove if you want it.

BEATRICE I don't think that would go down too well with Julia and Toni.

CALVIN Well, just think about it. And don't worry about them , they've
got the whole Summer to come round. Let's go.

[BEATRICE and CALVIN]

SCENE II

The changing rooms. Before kick-off.

[Enter TABITHA, TONI]

TABITHA Toni, our prayers are answered. They've moved Delia into
midfield.  That means they'll be on the attack. You were right.

TONI Of course. Bea couldn't change tactics now. All we have to do is
let them come forward and then wait for an opportunity.

[Enter PETER]

PETER Right girls. It's almost time for kick-off. Can we have you on the
field now.

[Exit PETER]

TONI OK Mr. Martin. We'll be out soon. Tabitha, make sure Caroline holds
the right wing.

TABITHA No, I thought we had this sorted. I'm on the right and Caroline
on the left.

TONI It's a bit late to change it now.

TABITHA Caroline already knows. She's on the left and me on the
right. It's as simple as that.

[TONI and TABITHA prepare to leave. Enter BEATRICE, CASSIE , MELISSA,
and others]

BEATRICE Come on, let's wish them luck.

CASSIE I rather wish them break a leg.

TABITHA Toni, we have company.

TONI Well let's find out what they have to say.

TABITHA Why bother?

BEATRICE I just thought we'd come over and say hello before the game.

TABITHA You needn't have bothered.

CASSIE Toni, I just thought you'd like to know that we had no trouble
replacing you.

TONI You may not think that after the game.

BEATRICE At least we'll know which side she's on.

TONI How can you say that. You stab Julia in the back and then you
accuse me of being two-faced. I'll see you on the field.

CASSIE Enough. Come on Bea. Let's go win a game.

TABITHA Are you not staying for the cup final then?  I can't wait to see
your faces when we lift the cup.

BEATRICE Does theft run in the family, then?

TABITHA Why you little...

[TONI holds TABITHA back]

BEATRICE Cassie, have you noticed the family resemblance.

CASSIE At least this one's got brains. If Toni counts as brains.

TONI Shut it, Cassie.

TABITHA Come on, Toni. They'll get there punishment on the pitch. Watch
it Beatrice, you're going down.

[Exeunt TABITHA, TONI, and their team]

CASSIE Come on, Bea, we'll show her.

BEATRICE Tina! Come with me I want a word before the game.

TINA Sure thing, Bea.

[BEATRICE and TINA converse apart]

CASSIE Melissa!

MELISSA [Standing forth] What's up, Cas?

CASSIE Melissa, today's my birthday. I really wanted this victory to be
my present, but they way things are going I don't really...  Well
anyway. I want you to remember that I said we should have played an
defensive game. Bea wouldn't listen to me.  When this is over I want
everyone to remember that.

MELISSA Sure. Happy birthday to you.

CASSIE Some birthday.  Bea. Are we about ready for the off? Let's get
out there and kick ass.

BEATRICE The philosophy of Cantona. Not entirely appropriate but who
cares.  Folks, let us get out there and `kick ass'.

CASSIE And if you can't see their asses, then kick ball!

BEATRICE And on that note, let's get out there and beat those snivelling
wretches!

[Exeunt]

ACT V SCENE II

The same. The just off the side of the pitch. A ball rolls onto the
stage..

[A whistle blows. Enter MELISSA, followed by BEATRICE]

BEATRICE Not even half time and we're already two goals down. Melissa
get up the wing and warn Delia to hang back more. Tabitha has too much
freedom on the wing; there's no way Dora can hold her.  I'll take the
corner. run back as soon as you get the chance.

[Exeunt]

ACT V SCENE III

Whistle goes. Half time.

[Enter CASSIE and JAYNE]

CASSIE What a mess. Two goals down and two yellow cards. Jayne find
Lauren and tell her to calm down a bit. How can she be like that with
her own sister?

JAYNE Cassie, Beatrice is really screwing this up. She pulled us back to
defend when we had the one half reasonable chance we've had all game.

[Enter DORA and TRACEY]

DORA Cassie, Toni's really got it in for you after that foul on Beth
Cobbler.  Watch yourself next half.

CASSIE Toni had better watch out if she tries anything.

DORA She will.

CASSIE Dora. Do me a favour, go and hide one of Toni's gloves. She'll be
talking to all the others so you should be able to get away with it.
That should slow her down a little

DORA No problem, I'll be back in a minute.

[Exit DORA]

CASSIE Tracey. How is everyone doing?

TRACEY You know that Claudia's ankle was pretty messed up. Well, it's a
lot worse now. Tabitha was walking over to get a drink and `tripped'
over Claudia's leg. I think she's out of the game now. We'll have to
bring Florrie on.

CASSIE That's it. That's the final straw. The sly cow.

[TABITHA enters with PETER in referee's kit]

PETER And I'll have less of that in the second half young lady. This is
a football match not a brawl.

CASSIE Tabitha, I want a word with you.

PETER Cassandra Usher, do you mind? You can speak to Tabitha in a
moment.

[CASSIE rushes at TABITHA and knocks her to the ground. PETER grabs her
and yanks her off]

PETER That's it. I've had enough of you. Red card. Get yourself out of
my sight and off the grounds. Now.

[CASSIE exits]

	Are you alright, Tabitha?

TABITHA Yes, Mr. Marten.

PETER Well maybe that will teach you a lesson. Football is just a game
and if you're not careful you will get yourself hurt.

TABITHA Yes sir.

[Exit PETER, TABITHA]

[Re-enter LAUREN with MELISSA]

MELISSA Well, what do you reckon. Personally, I reckon we've still got a
chance. Bea and Cassie are playing themselves into the ground.

LAUREN Well, we've still got to get the ball past Toni.

MELISSA Cassie will manage that. She can do a cracker of a long shot
that beats Toni every time.

LAUREN Yeah, but she needs to get the ball to try.

MELISSA Where's Cassie?

TRACEY She's just left!

MELISSA Where's she gone?

TRACEY Mr. Marten sent her home. She set on Tabitha right in front of
him.  There wasn't much else he could do. Tabitha deserves it though.
Have you seen what she did to Claudia's leg? She's probably not going to
play for the whole Summer.

LAUREN What! No Cassie. Great. Well we may as well forget the whole
thing then. Ten players against that lot.

MELISSA We've still got a chance. Once we get Florrie or Mary-Lou on the
pitch instead of Claudia limping about, it'll feel like we've got twelve
of us out there.

MELISSA I'd best go and tell Beatrice what's happened. She'll to have to
make some changes. I don't suppose anyone else fancies going? [they
shake their heads] I didn't think so.

[Exit MELISSA]

LAUREN Nice one Cassie. I bet she didn't even injure Tabitha. Well?

DORA Know but if Bea's dad hadn't been there I reckon she would have
made mincemeat out of her.

 [Re-enter MELISSA, with BEATRICE and JAYNE]

BEATRICE Right then, where's Cassie.

MELISSA Already left. Your dad sent her packing.

BEATRICE Damn it all. With her gone we're going to be in real
trouble. Right, gather round. We've got some planning to do.

LAUREN I say we take the lot of them out. Let me mark Tabitha. I'll soon
bring her down.

BEATRICE Don't be so stupid. We're already down to ten. Any less and
they'll take us to pieces. You've already got a yellow card, Lauren. If
I see any more of that then I'll have to replace you. I'm bringing Mary-
Lou on instead of Claudia so we'll be playing a more defensive game in
this half. Watch their left flank. Caroline's useless on that side and
she's our best chance of getting through. Dora mark her, Mary- Lou's
more of a match for Tabitha. Come on guys, we've got forty- five minutes
to turn this game around.

[Exeunt]

ACT V SCENE IV

Ten minutes into the second half.

[Enter BEATRICE, MARY-LOU and LAUREN]

BEATRICE Are you OK?

MARY-LOU I'll be fine. She just winded me that's all. I really thought
we were getting it back together as well.

BEATRICE Don't worry we'll get another. If you hadn't got that ball up
to Tina then we'd have been 3-0 down, rather than 3-1.

[Exit BEATRICE]

LAUREN Are you sure you're alright? That was quite a collision.

MARY-LOU Not enough though. She still made it through.

[Enter LIZZIE and ASHLEY]

ASHLEY Are you coming back on the pitch or what?

MAY-LOU Give me a second.

LIZZIE Come on. It wasn't much. Tabitha got worse than you and she's
already back in position.

ASHLEY If you can't make it back then get Bea to sub you, we're not
waiting all day.

[Exeunt]

ACT V SCENE V

The changing rooms after the match.

[Enter BEATRICE, and JAYNE]

BEATRICE I've had it, Jayne. That's my last game.

JAYNE Come on Bea, we did the best we could.

BEATRICE Forget it Jayne. Next year's exams anyway.

JAYNE No way.

BEATRICE Listen, I screwed this game up. If I'd listened to Cassie and
played a defensive game to start with then maybe we could have done
better.

JAYNE You know that's ridiculous.

BEATRICE No Jayne, I've had enough. You're captain now, do the best you
can.

JAYNE I can't Bea. Why me? We need you out there on the pitch.

BEATRICE If I hadn't started this stupid thing in the first place then
you and I would be cheering Toni and Julia as they lifted the cup. This
isn't just a game we've lost. By now my dad's probably got a fair idea
of what was going on before the match. I doubt that he'd let me play
next season anyway. I'm not staying round here to watch Tabitha and Toni
gloat. See you a school on Monday. And thanks, you played well today.

JAYNE Sure Bea. And think about it. You can still change your mind.

BEATRICE Jayne. Let me be. At least this way I can keep my honour. Bye
Jayne.

JAYNE Give me your hand first. Good luck, Bea.

BEATRICE Thanks, Jayne. Maybe now I can look Julia in the eye again.

[BEATRICE LEAVES]

[Enter TABITHA, TONI, LUCY]

LUCY Jayne, where's Bea.

JAYNE You just missed her. I don't think she'll be coming back. She's
left the team.

TABITHA It seems that there aren't many of the team left, now. Well, you
played pretty fiercely today. You're all welcome to join us next season.

JAYNE I will, if you want me. There isn't a team here any more.

TABITHA Well Lucy, what do you think?

LUCY Who did Bea want as captain, Jayne?

JAYNE She asked me but I refused.

LUCY Then Tabitha ought to take you on Bea's recommendation.

TONI You know, Beatrice was the only one I still had any respect
for. All the others were envious of Julia but she really believed that
she was doing the right thing for the team. And this is her reward.

TONI Come on. We've got some serious partying to do. Lucy, run off and
find Julia for us. She has as much a right to hold the cup as anyone.
After all, this was our victory but it has been Julia's season.

[Exeunt]