JT's New Shirt

by Tracey Maguire

It was early morning and JT was already up and about. He was very excited as today was the day that the Castleford Tigers team were going to be presented with their new shirts for the 2007 season. JT had been helping to organise the event and he'd been given the job of keeping the shirts safe. He'd treated them like his most prized possessions packing them into a box and putting them on one side until the day when they would finally be unveiled. JT would also be given a new shirt and he couldn't wait. As he made some breakfast he pictured himself running out with the Castleford Tigers in his bright new shirt.

After breakfast he decided to do a few last minute checks, he wanted everything to be perfect for the big night and his first task was to ring the clubs captain Andrew Henderson. "Im just checking you and all the team are going to be there tonight," said JT when he'd answered. "We'll be there," replied Andrew, "everything's sorted, you just make sure you remember those shirts." "As if I'd forget," laughed JT. After a couple more phone calls he was satisfied that everything was ready and all he had to do now was wait.

Later on in the afternoon JT decided to get the shirts out and he went to find the box. As he picked it up he couldn't resist having a little peek, but when he opened it he was shocked to see a pile of old t-shirts. "Oh no!" panicked JT lifting out the tops only to see pairs of trousers and shorts underneath them. "Where are these from?" he wondered, then suddenly he realised what must have happened and a feeling of dread washed over him. Yesterday he'd been packing some of his old clothes into a box to give to his local charity shop, which he'd then put outside ready for them to collect, however he must have got the boxes mixed up and put the shirts out instead. "Maybe they haven't gone yet," thought JT racing downstairs. As he opened his front door he hoped that the box would still be there but to his disappointment it had gone. "What am I going to do!" he cried, "The presentations ruined and the players aren't going to have any shirts." There was only one thing for it he was going to have to go to the charity shop. Time was ticking by but if he hurried he should make it there in time, he just hoped that they hadn't been sold. JT grabbed the box that was meant to have gone and set off on his mission to get the shirts back.

Meanwhile at The Jungle everything was being set up for the presentations. All the players were there and the fans were starting to arrive. In a short while they would be due to start and people were starting to wonder where JT was. "Please still be here," pleaded JT as he reached the door of the charity shop. He'd run all the way there and was breathless as he burst through the entrance. "Please tell me you still have them?" he asked the bewildered shop assistant. JT explained the situation. "You're in luck," said the assistant, "today's things haven't been unpacked yet." She found the box and swapped it for the right one "Oh thank you" he said with a sigh of relief before setting off to the ground.

Back at The Jungle the presentation was almost ready to start, "Where's JT?" asked the teams coach Terry Matterson. "He should be here now." The clubs announcer was on the stage addressing the crowd while the players nervously waited behind the curtains. Suddenly the doors flew open and in ran JT. "Where have you been?" asked Andrew Henderson, "We're ready to start and you're on first." "No need to panic," he smiled handing over the box, "I'm here now," He made his way ready to go on stage when he was called, "What a day," he thought to himself. A big cheer rang around as the announcer called JT's name and he stepped out to collect his new shirt. He couldn't wait to put it on and he immediately changed into it. JT waved to the crowd as he stood there in his new black and amber top proudly displaying the badge of the Castleford Tigers. "We should thank JT for taking such good care of all the shirts!" shouted the announcer. JT smiled sheepishly while the crowd applauded. As he walked off the stage he began to think of the new season, he couldn't wait to get out on the pitch in his new kit and one thing was for sure after today's events he was going to treasure his new shirt.

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