There was a lot of nervous energy on Saturday as the players gathered at Gore Creek one of the worst playing surfaces on the north shore for the O35’s 2R’s Final against Lane Cove. The word on the street was that we would have to many players for the big match and Coach Goodman would have to break the news to one player that there 2009 season was over…Wayne Sandy on hearing the news arrived early fully stripped with boots on and sprinted from his car to the side line only to see Blake packing up his tent and sleeping bag from his o’night stay. As car tyres screeched down to the creek time was running out and the unfortunate player to be sidelined was P.O.T.Y Hilly who by his own admission wasn’t 100% fit having turned an ankle on the dance floor on presentation night dancing ironically to Jeff Becks 70’s hit from the Midlands “Silver Lining.” Hilly was keen to play but being the true professional he is and recognising that the team came first took the decision on the chin and took the linesman’s flag with one hand and a fag with the other.

St Michaels started the game well and clearly dominated the opening half without really testing the Lane Cove keeper. MM banged over a few corners which created panic in the defence and Bowdy had a shot just over as St Michaels tried to break down a stubborn defence. It was a typical finals game with lots of passion but as much as we tried the pitch wasn’t conducive to skill and the ball bobbled all over the place. Marc Bineham was toiling in defence and was explaining to bandana man about how his “ Ray Martin” hair doesn’t move when he heads the ball, Jock extended himself and pulled a “Sandy” and the rest of the team worked hard but without result. As the H-T whistle blew neither keeper had been tested.

Lane Cove having absorbed much of the St Michaels pressure started the second half with a few changes and were a much stronger side but it was St Michaels who looked sharper with. Hughesy and Smithy tearing the midfield apart, Chris, MM and Scott pushing their defense back and our defence under the stewardship of Baker marshalling from the half way line. Somehow the script changed and against the run of play and in one sweeping move the ball was played down the Lane Cove right and their midfielder who had been pretty quiet turned inside and hit the ball into the roof of the net with Mark just unable to push the ball over the bar. 1-0 down game on. St Michaels pushed forward and from a cross from the left Scott jumped superbably to cushion the ball onto MM’s path and 2 yards out with only the keeper to beat somehow lifted the ball onto the 9th Tee at Lane Cove Country Club….The next move saw some loving passing from midfield and Rohit was taken out just outside the penalty box. Scott took the ball, placed it down, picked his spot and placed the ball with precision accuracy in the back of the net with the keeper stranded. 1-1. St Michaels sensing victory pushed forward but again Lane Cove seized the initiative forcing a few corners and a few shots ending up in the car park hidden under the 18” wheels of one of the many luxury cars in the car park.

With 8 minutes to go things changed again. The ball was crossed from the left and Gregg and the LC Forward seemed to get entangled with the LC player hitting the deck. At best it looked clumsy but Referee Rick was standing close by thought about the incident for a few seconds and pointed to the spot. It was a tough call and could have gone either way but Rick called it as he saw it and their forward ran up and smashed the ball straight down the middle 2-1. From then on Hughesy & Smithy came close with mazy runs into the box and angled shots, Greg had a header cleared off the line and MM had some award winning Matthew Mitcham (MM coincidently) moments waved away late on in the LC box but the result stayed the same and the boys trudged off, heads held high but without the win.

After the game beers were consumed and the English boys seizing the moment started up about the cricket and watching the 5th day at Bish’s house…..The season had ended but the banter was only just beginning.

Prior to the season we would have been happy with being the minor premiers, with only losing one match in the regular season & making the final .Thanks to everybody for a great season. To Scott and Dom for running the side keeping us updated with all the games and venues, to Mark for organising the nights out and to Rick for his refereeing which has been of the highest standard.