[199 words without title - as per MS word / 205 words without title according to busy.org - this creates a bit of a dilemma for me, so I'm not changing anything - hopefully MS word is the standard ]
All IS NOT LOST
“That was a hell of a fight you boys put up today!” Coach Ted announced as he walk into the dispirited change rooms – trying to cheer everyone up.
“I know losing isn’t easy but, you did yourselves proud – You didn’t let them settle in for a minute...” he paused, “...You did something far more important than winning today!” he paused again ensuring he had everyone’s attention – “You earned your opponents’ respect!”
“Hey! Robert – Hell of a tackle you put in there towards the end” trying to weave some positive elements into his pep talk, “He he he!” he chuckled, “You rattled that defender alright!”
“I guarantee you boys if you play all of next season the way you played today – we can start engraving your names on that cup!” coach Ted seemingly getting lost in his own thoughts for a moment - relishing the prospect.
“Now, stop mopping like a bunch of Patsies”, he instructed, “Get out of here and go have some fun – you’ve earned it!”
As, the final player left, Coach Ted, thought to himself, finally after 15 years of coaching,” I finally have a bunch of boys I can take all the way to the Top.”