The Man v Fat football league in Carlisle is witnessing a nail-biting conclusion to its seventh season.
The twists and turns over the last three months have saw this season unfold into the most exhilarating and tightly-contested since the initiative started in September 2021.
Incredibly, with just one gameweek remaining, Fatarselona Oranges, Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, Fatburn Rovers Blues and Scran United Reds are all still in the running to clinch the coveted title.
This week’s scores saw Fatarselona narrowly fall to Saint Eat-Again, 9-10. Borussia Muncheneverything claimed victory against Parmesan Belgrade with a 12-9 win, while Scran United lost 8-12 to Fatburn Rovers.
With the end of the season fixed firmly in sight, the league table shows a close contest with every point crucial.
Fatarselona Oranges and Borussia Muncheneverything Whites lead with 11 points each, with Fatburn Rovers Blues and Scran United Reds hot on their heels, with 9 points apiece. Given that a win is worth 2 points, the title race is on a knife’s edge.
Goal difference, which also takes weight loss into account, might just tip the scales in this captivating race.
As the curtain prepares to drop on an enthralling season of Man v Fat Carlisle, the fixtures on Monday 16 October promise a dramatic showcase.
The evening will kick off at 7pm with a crucial clash between Fatburn Rovers and Borussia Muncheneverything. Both teams will be seeking a win to stake their claim on the title, with the latter currently sharing the top spot with the Oranges.
Lewis Whittaker, captain of Fatburn Rovers Blues, said: “The Blues season has been a positive one, especially on the scales.
“We’ve had a few fresh faces join the squad with Rob and Dan coming in. It took a little time to get used to, but things clicked and results started going our way which brought a fresh motivation.
“This has been especially highlighted by our new keeper, Shane, who’s consistently delivered on and off the pitch and helped us move forward as a team.
“As far as Mondays preparation, the guys know what they need to do this week. I’ve asked them to enjoy it, but enjoy it by being disciplined.
“We still have a part to play and in the final fixture and I can tell you that we’re still fighting for this title, he’s got to go to Parmesan Belgrade and get something, and I’ll tell you honestly, I will love it if we beat them, love it!”
Simon Patrick, captain of Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, said: “We had a slow start to the season, but once we got going and settled new players into the team, we have done well on and off the pitch.
“Unfortunately we’ve drawn three games, but it shows how competitive this season has been from all teams. As a team, the Whites have really gelled and support each other through the week in our weight loss effort; this week will be no different as we look to finish the season strongly. Good luck to everyone in their games.”
At 7.30pm, Saint Eat-Again Greens will face Scran United Reds. The Reds, sitting on 9 points, will be eyeing up results elsewhere, as a big swing could even see them rise from fourth place to take home the title.
Paul Sewell, captain of Scran United Reds, said: “We got off the a slow start this season both on and off the pitch, being near the bottom of the league at the half way point.
“The introduction of some new faces – Mike, David, and Oliver – has really helped us, with each receiving man of the match awards. We have started to build great chemistry as a team with everyone providing energy and encouragement during the week.”
The night’s final showdown at 8pm promises to be electrifying.
League leaders Fatarsealona Oranges will battle against last season’s invincible league and cup winners, Parmesan Belgrade Blacks. An Oranges’ victory would seal their position at the summit, but any slip could pave the way for the Whites or even the Blues or Reds to snatch the title.
Steve Wright, captain of Fatarselona Oranges, said: “I think this year the oranges have had a mixed bag on and off the pitch – lucky for us when we have dipped on the pitch we have managed to do well off it and vice versa.
“I also think there has been a real team spirit within the team, which has changed quite a bit over the season with leavers and new players.
“Stand out performances, I have to mention both Jack and Ben. Without their goals we would not be in for the title. Also a big shout out to Jon – our only defender – who has worked so hard over the season and embellishes our work hard mantra.
“Finally a shout out to Mal who joined later on: he has not only achieved goals off the pitch, he has also had some great performances helping us out in goal. A real team player!
“One game left, we are hoping to stay top and finish what has been a great season for the oranges. Looking forward to hopefully celebrating!”
With the unique blend of goals on the pitch and weight loss contributions, fans should brace themselves for unexpected twists.
Focusing back on this week’s fixtures, several standout players illuminated the pitch with their skill and determination.
The RAW Insurance Brokers Man of the Match accolades went to Marcus Beattie from Parmesan Belgrade for his tenacity in steering his team forward, Rhys Ash of Borussia Muncheneverything for his strong defensive work paired with impressive forward runs, and David Longworth of Scran United, who was likened to an indomitable wall on the field.
Furthermore, Ash Clarkson of Saint Eat-Again showcased an exemplary blend of attack and defence, while Mal Brown from Fatarselona frustrated opponents with his series of top-tier saves. Karlin Williams of Fatburn Rovers was a force to reckon with, making his presence known across the entirety of the field.
This league isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s also about shedding pounds. This week’s leading weight-loss achievers were Mal Brown with a commendable 3.5kg, followed closely by Dennis Craik at 2.2kg, and George Portsmouth at 2.1kg.
Special accolades also go to Rob Ullyart of Fatburn Rovers Blues for achieving the significant milestone of a five per cent body weight loss.
Coach Beverley Young said: “The last three weeks has been so hard to predict the league winners, as the teams have been deliberately focusing hard on their off the pitch scores.
“Losing weight and tracking their food has even earned some teams up to four times their pitch goals! It’s the only football where losers win!”
Man v Fat Carlisle is a weight-loss football league for overweight or obese men with a BMI of 27.5 or above, and provides a supportive and friendly environment for men to lose weight and improve their overall health and wellbeing, with over 1400lbs lost so far.
The league – which combines football with a weight-loss programme that includes diet and exercise advice, weekly weigh-ins and support from fellow players – has been a resounding success, with over one hundred players from across Cumbria experiencing improvements in their physical and mental health.
The matches take place on every Monday evening at the Harraby 3G pitches on Edgehill Road in Carlisle. The initiative is for all abilities, and there’s no age limit. Players can go completely at their own pace, regardless of their fitness levels.
For more information, or to join the programme, visit www.manvfatfootball.org/carlisle or search ‘Man v Fat Football Carlisle’ on Facebook.
Readers of this article can receive a special discount when signing up, by using code CUMBRIA when prompted on the Man v Fat website.
