The air felt electric as we walked into the stadium, the sounds of cheering and the smell of fresh-cut grass hitting me the moment we stepped through the gates. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the sun was just starting to dip low, casting a golden glow over the field. The energy was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement course through me.
"I'm so excited!" Charlotte says nudging me as we made our way to our seats.
"I hope they win" I grinned, glancing over at Olivia, who was already bouncing in her seat with anticipation.
The crowd around us buzzed with excitement, a mix of rival fans and teammates, the chatter filled with predictions and hopes. I spotted a few of Joey's friends warming up on the sidelines, and there was Joey himself, standing tall in his center position, eyes scanning the pitch as he gave last-minute instructions to the players. His focus was like a steel trap—intense, unwavering.
Beside me, Olivia let out a cheer as I see Joey running to join the rest of the team in the tunnel. "I can't wait for it to start" she laughed. "Hopefully they win"
My own pulse quicken as the players lined up for the coin toss.
The whistle blew, and the game kicked off. Ballygahn had the first possession. The players spread out, their jerseys a blur of deep blue as they locked into position. I could feel the tension as the ball was kicked deep into their half. The crowd went quiet for a moment, the only sound the rhythmic thud of cleats against the field and the low murmur of anticipation.
Joey, wearing the number 13 shirt, was right in the thick of it. As a center, his job was to read the defense, to make the split-second decisions that could either make or break a play. The ball came toward him, and without hesitation, he took it, charging forward. I saw him crash into a defender, using his powerful legs to push through, and then—pop—he flicked the ball off to the winger, who sprinted down the sideline.
But it wasn't over yet.
"Come on, Joey!" Olivia screamed, her voice carrying over the cheers of the crowd.
Ballygahn's winger was brought down just short of the try line, but Joey's team was quick to react. The ruck formed immediately, players piling in to protect the ball. Julian was right in there, securing possession with precision. I caught a glimpse of his determination—he wasn't going to let anything slip past him today. The ball came out clean, and I watched as Joey sprinted to the backline, calling for the ball.
"Joey, pass it!" Charlotte urged, leaning forward in her seat.
Joey saw the gap in the defense, a slight opening. It was a calculated risk, but with Joey as captain, I knew he wouldn't take it unless he was sure. The pass came—smooth, crisp—and the winger dived over the try line, crashing down just as the referee's whistle blew.
"Try!" the referee called, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Ballygahn had struck first.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. That was textbook rugby. Joey's quick thinking and leadership had made the difference.
The match went on like this—fast-paced, physical, and full of moments where you could see the strategy at play. The other team, Ballygahn's rivals, came back strong, keeping the score tight. Their forwards pounded at the line, trying to break through Ballygahn's defense. They worked hard to get the ball out of rucks, trying to stretch Ballygahn's defense, but the Ballygahn team held firm. Julian, in his lock position, was a rock in the scrum, constantly pushing forward, always ready for whatever came next.
Joey was everywhere, calling plays, directing traffic. At one point, I watched as he sprinted to chase down a kick ahead, his legs pumping furiously as he slid in just in time to stop the ball from going into touch. His determination was unmatched. He was playing like this was the final, and I could feel the weight of the moment on his shoulders.
But despite the pressure, he kept his cool.
The game entered the final ten minutes with Ballygahn only a few points ahead. The other team was desperate to get one last try to win, but Ballygahn wasn't having it. Their defense tightened. Joey, with his trademark composure, orchestrated the backline, guiding the ball through the hands with crisp accuracy. I could see the other team starting to tire, their movements slower now, as they tried to stop the onslaught.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of back-and-forth action, Joey got the ball once more. With the defense closing in, he made a split-second decision—he passed to the fullback, who launched a kick over the defense. The ball sailed perfectly into open space, and the winger was there, pouncing on it with a ferocity that made my heart race.
He touched down the final try, sealing Ballygahn's victory.
The stadium erupted into a roar of applause and cheers. We had won.
I found myself standing, clapping as the team celebrated. I caught his eye across the field, and he flashed me a grin, one that made my cheeks heat up immediately.
As the crowd began to filter out, Charlotte turned to me, grinning. "Did I just see Joey Callaghan smiling to you"
I hide my face in my hands, not daring to look at her.
"Oh my god, he totally did!" Olivia added "did something happen between you two?"
I finally dared to look at them and decided it was time to spill the beans about what had happened outside the bathroom.
"He did what?!" Olivia gasped, her eyes wide with surprise.
"I know, it's so weird," I started, pacing a little. "First, he acted like I was annoying him, but then, when Sean asked to do the assignment together, Joey was totally against it."
Olivia and Charlotte exchanged a look, and before I knew it, they both burst into giggles.
"What?" I asked, a little confused.
Charlotte couldn't hide her excitement as she leaned in. "I think he might have a crush on you."
I froze, my mind racing. No. That couldn't be true.
"I'm sure he's just being friendly," I said, trying to sound convincing. I could feel my cheeks heat up at the mere thought of it.
Charlotte gave me a skeptical look. "And since when is Joey Callaghan friendly?"
She had a point.
I exhaled, not sure what to say next. "Well... let's just go see them before we head off to the party," Charlotte said with a grin.
"I don't know, you guys—"
But before I could protest further, both of them grabbed my arms, and without another word, they dragged me toward where Joey, Justin, and Feely were standing.
Oh, great. Here we go.
