IT’S a much over-used word but in the case of Southampton social clubs’ Premier champions Totton Rec A, team spirit is the side’s sixth player.

Listening to the lads’ merciless mickey-taking after their final-frame triumph last Monday reminded me of how a tape of Cornish funnyman Jethro brightened up a six-hour coach trip back from watching Saints lose at Newcastle many years ago.

Captain Darren Pearce recalled a bad result a fortnight ago when he said to teammate Richie Martin: “We need a number four. Shall we ask Steve Allen if he wants to be non-playing captain next year?”

Richie approached Steve and said: “Me and the lads have had a little chat and we’ve all decided that you should be a non-playing skipper next year.”

Team statistician Allen replied: “Well, I’ll go and play for the B team.”

But Richie pointed out: “I’ve spoken to the B team and they don’t want you. But rumour has it the C team in Division 5 are looking for a player.”

And hearing that their friends at Shirley Social had taken four frames off City Transport to gift Totton the title, Richie added: “We’d like to take Shirley Social out for a beer but it would cost us too much money.”

The rest, I’m afraid, is unrepeatable.