Round 11 - 19 June 2010
St Michaels 0 v 1 West Pymble
Mimosa Oval, Turramurra
Goal scorers:
n/a
Since joining the team at the beginning of last season I have learnt a great deal about not only the skill set of our players but about how inventive a number of you can be when preparing these match reports.
In breaking with tradition and despite the unbelievable urge to mention the World Cup I won’t!
How did we go? In short, we lost.
That said, and while I know West Pymble aren’t the flavour of the month when it comes to the St Michael’s team (and for that matter probably the rest of the competition) this was an excellent game of football between two quality teams. Consistent with the general experience this year there was little niggle but in contradistinction a healthy respect between the players.
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Therefore while we posted a loss I have to say it was an enjoyable and extremely competitive game of football.
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As usual before the game the West Pymble lads were seen to go through their usual lengthy drills. If our skipper was to require that of us I for one would struggle to get on the pitch! While we observed the Pymble lads the St Michael’s team were engaged in a lively debate about the overnight English
soccer result and whether the team and manager should be sacked. Anyway, as I said I wouldn’t mention the World Cup – I will leave it at that.
The first half was a close contest and in fairness we were unlucky not to score at least two goals with the chances that were created. Middo hit the cross bar after skilfully evading a couple of defenders (I note they played two defenders on him for most of the game) and Scott went close shooting just over the bar. The other close opportunity laid at the hands of Bowdy whose shot went just wide from long range.
So at half time the teams were locked at nil all with the St Michael’s team clearly having had the better opportunities. While we continue to have the best defensive record in the League, full credit goes to our midfield who were tireless throughout the game. They were constantly first to the ball and created numerous opportunities for our forward line. I really feel they outplayed the opposition and kept us in the game.
During the half time break it was clear that there was a significant degree of optimism as to the end result. An ankle injury to Hughsie was of concern particularly given the lack of numbers on the bench.
The second half was again a tight affair. The wind played havoc in St Michael’s seeking to clear the ball out of defence. This wasn’t assisted by the up hill run.
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While St Michael’s were under continued pressure during the half the defence stood tall with few opportunities created by the opposition.
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But alas, it was not to be.
In the end it came down to one unfortunate mishap in defence when the West Pymble striker out-jumped (yes me) and also beat Sayley to the ball. For a fleeting moment I thought Greg might be able to clear before the ball crossed the line but…
Lads, we certainly from my perspective played well and this was as I say despite the loss (and yes I hate losing) a really good game of football to play. We certainly missed a couple of key players and the big field certainly tested our fitness.
Nevertheless as they say, we will get them next time!
Paul Ba.