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What a year!!!

We would like to thank ALL our members for without YOU, we wouldnt be the club we are…

1ST DIVISION MENS Grand Final Winners

2ND DIVISION MENS Minor Premiers and Grand Final Winners

5TH DIVISION MENS Minor Premiers and Grand Final Winners

PREMIER WOMEN’S Grand Final Runners Up

4TH DIVISION WOMEN’S Grand Final Winners

16/17 1ST DIVISION BOYS Grand Final Winners, Kanga Cup Winners

15 2ND DIVISION BOYS Grand Final Winners

14 2ND DIVISION BOYS Grand Final Winners

12 2ND DIVISION BOYS Grand Final Winners

15 2ND DIVISION GIRLS Grand Final Winners

What a finale to the Bluedogs 2011 season, with a week that saw 10 teams competing in Grand Finals. Up until Saturday, 7 trophies had been raised triumphantly. Our job was to be the 8th & 9th, after the Prem girls unfortunately had no luck on Friday night, and went down to a very fortunate Alstonville side. A great season nevertheless.

That disappointment aside, the 1sts and 2nds were keen to keep the the trophies coming, and on an extremely hot Saturday morning we gathered, players and supporters , at Bangalow Hotel, ready for the bus trip to Oakes Oval.

Due to a recent bout of heat stroke my recollection of the days events maybe a little hazy, but here goes……..

12.15pm was the kickoff time for 2nds against Italo Stars, and with the temperature gauge apparently into the 30′s, the priority was to get as much fluid into our systems as possible. The team had the previous week off and everyone was reasonably fit and ready, but the conditions were definately going to be a major factor, and thankfully, we also had the young legs of Mori and Zeb from the 16′s on the team sheet. Jarryd started up front with slippery Steve, Campbell filled the right side midfield, which pushed Shep into the middle with Dustin, and Paz moved into the holding role in front of Anthony Jarvis. So the team certainly had a strong and experienced look to it.

The middle of the pitch was extremely hard, so playing to the flanks was the go, but in the heat, Campbell and Simon found it  tough to make any incisive runs out wide, so the linking with the front 2 was a rare thing, and longer range balls became both teams’ main ploy. Not really our style, but understandable. As both teams suffered, the interchanges would be crucial, and after around 20 minutes, Jarryd was replaced by the nimble Carey who’s energy and fresh legs began to test the Stars defense. Eventually, this payed off, with a neat 1 on 1 finish to liven up the game, and gave our supporters something to cheer about. At 1-0 the game got bogged down into a struggle with the conditions again, till with some relief, the half time came, and we could take shelter in the shade of the changerooms to rehydrate and reflect.

Young Mori had entered the game just before the break and the same team went back on for the 2nd half. Soon we were pressing again into opposition territory and much like the first goal, after an interchange of passes, a neat ball by Dustin found Mori in on goal after beating the last defender, and The Black Pearl finished brilliantly. 2-0 but still not comfortable, Zeb moved to replace a tired Dustin. Again the freshness proved vital, and with Nathan Burvill’s ability to run, it made life difficult for our tiring opponents. Eventually Nathan got the last touch to score our 3rd and put the game safely out of reach. The boys consolidated and played out the remaining time with little concern. The whistle blew, relief from the exhausted team, and jubilation in the stands.

So many good players, so much effort, and a just result in the end to this bunch of players, who with so many changes through the year, battled hard every week to keep the momentum right to the end.  I feel very fortunate to have coached and played with this group, and am delighted to share the spoils with them. Mori got the reward on the day, but every player deserved their medals for an outstanding performance in unbelievable conditions. Well done lads!

One down, and one to go! Lennox Head were going to be a difficult opponent for us, and, like the 2nds, the conditions would also effect our style of game. Taha was moved to the right midfield, and Smithy was pushed up front with Marco, and a doubtful Mat started in his usual left mid position, but succumbed only minutes into the game with an ongoing leg muscle problem. Young gun Mitch, was forced straight into the fray earlier than expected, and soon after, as the play was not suiting our change in line-up, Smithy and Taha swapped positions, and the game became more balanced.

Lennox Head played their usual direct, but effective long-ball game, and with their experience and understanding, were pushing us back, and we found it tough coming out of our defense with any real effect. Leo and Josh had their work cut out, as the as the big guns tried everything to break them down, and awaited a mistake that they could capitalise on. Eventually it came, and they scored after we could not clear the ball cleanly from our box. This seemed to spur our boys on, and suddenly our game burst into life, and more possession saw the game swing back our way. Taha and Marco had more involvement, which paid off when Taha’s trickery saw him bought down in the box, and Samwell stepped up to equalize.  Like the game before, the faces showed the relief when the half time whistle blew, and we could head to the change rooms to recover.

Even though it was getting late in the afternoon, the heat was relentless, and the second 45 would be as tough to play in, so I called for a strong metal approach to the remainder of the game, as, when the body tires, the mind must stay focused,  and if we kept doing the simple things better and more often, the win was still there for the taking. Unfortunately, shortly after kick-off in the second half, we allowed another sloppy goal, as tired bodies again couldn’t clear our lines. Again though, and after some convincing play, we received a free kick about 40 mtrs out from Lennox’s goal. Samwell picked up the brilliant goal poacher Leo, who glanced the ball into the net with his head, and the supporters went nuts. The opposition were changing players regularly, to try and keep their strength, and  with only a thin bench and two players backing up from 2nds, it meant I had to be more conservative with our changes.

Some heavy challenges saw injuries to both Leo and Taha, and both were replaced. Smithy and Slippery Steve brought more energy to the weary team, and the game went from end to end with no breakthrough to either side. The scores were locked at 2-2 at full time, and luckily, the extreme temperatures had reduced to a balmy 25 degrees. Now it was survival of the fittest, and so it went on again with the same intensity as both sides tried to get on top of the other. To be honest, we did look the more likely, although there was some brilliant goal-keeping by Richie, who was having a blinder to keep us in the contest. Taha, Leo, and Sam Mamone came into the game for our final assault, and again, we looked more likely. Then, with only about a minute to play, after a brilliant through ball, Carlos found himself one-on-one with the keeper, and a flash-back to the Burringbar final, which saw him score a great winner, the bench went up in anticipation of the net bellowing again, only to see his shot deflect off the keeper’s legs, straight to Slippery, who’s own shot, also goal bound, was again saved spectacularly by the Lennox keeper.

Game over. Penalties.

This time I watched, and thankfully so, as despite a hiccup with the referees count, we all saw a fantastic display of goal keeping, as Richie saved three of our oppositions’ penalties, and with Josh, Marco and Slippery scoring their respective attempts, the Bluedogs had the win, the trophy, and the club’s 9th Grand Final victory for the season. Bloody amazing!!

What a team! What a cub! What an achievement!

To all those involved, particularly my hard working players, thanks for a great season. Unfortunately, sadly, we will say goodbye to Leo, who returns home to Chile. What an inspirational player. And a great fella. We will miss him, as we did when Tomas left us. But with fuzzy wuzzy Gonzo back, and a few other new specials on the horizon, bring on 2012!

For now, lets bathe in the glory, and for Pazza, “We’re live’n the dream!”. Well done Presidente for your support and mateship. See you all on presentation night, 7th October.

Over and out for this year.

In sport,  a very proud, very satisfied, Shep.

An incredible weekend for Bangalow FC had many highlights, with six teams contesting their respective grand finals, and six out of six raising the trophies. But it doesn’t end there, as another four teams will go round this coming week with the 4th Division girls on Thursday, Prem girls on Friday, and now, the 1st Division Men join their 2nd Division mates at the Oake’s Oval finale on Saturday, after disposing of Burringbar.

Putting our last meeting behind us, we needed to lift in this tough encounter, as the Bandit’s game never lets you relax for a moment, and in very warm conditions, it was not going to be easy. Disappointingly, big Josh McInerney succumbed to a virus, and was unavailable, and, with a few other niggling problems in our ranks, we certainly weren’t going into the game fully fit. Still, we knew if we supported each other, and kept our focus, we had the team to progress.

The game began much as expected, as both teams set a furious pace that went from end to end, and, although with the heat, our game plan was to control the ball and dictate the middle of the park, it wasn’t to be. The Bandit’s, being ultra competitive in the centre, made life tough for Leo and Dustin. The heat eventually got to Smithy, himself not a 100%, and young gun Mitch went to the right flank, where he began his usual surging runs into opposition territory, but couldn’t quite link up with either Taha or Marco in the final third. Finally the half time break came with the game scoreless, and it was a relief  to get into the shade to rehydrate and gather ourselves for the second period.

A slight reshuffle moved Samwell forward in the midfield to try to link up with the strikers, as Leo was beginning to feel the pinch after also being sick during the week. He was replaced soon after, and Sam Mamone entered the game at fullback, and Glaz moved to the middle with Dustin. Marco and Taha worked the house down up front with little reward, and kept the pressure on the Bandit’s defense as much as humanly possible, and there was a sense that the Bandits were just starting to fall of slightly. With about twenty minutes to play, and still no goals, Leo reenterred the game after fuelling up on fluids and a few Mars Bars, Glaz went back to fullback with Sam Mamone to the bench with an ankle problem. A scare saw a goal to Burringabr disallowed with an offside decision. Matt and Carlos had swapped roles with each other as Matt struggled to get his heavy legs up and down the left flank, but Carlos seemed to have more running left, and began putting himself further up the pitch.

Ten minutes to play, Dustin tiring, Ricky almost spent, others hurting, and now Glaz is replaced by Shep after copping a ball in the eye. Then the break through… a great ball from Dustin finds the flying Carlos clear on the edge of the box, and he finishes superbly with a clinical right foot strike beyond the keeper. Relief, and an injection of adrenalin to finish the job. And although it seemed an eternity, the full time whistle blew and the contest was over.

It was a gutsy performance all round, and we’re Grand Final bound, but we know Lennox Head will be ready for us this game after the hammering we dished out in our last encounter. Whatever the result, I’m very proud of the efforts of both 2nd and 1st’s teams, and indeed, the whole club with our amazing achievements this year. So let’s finish it off the best way possible. Good luck to the four teams left.

Go the Dogs!

In sport, Shep.

Having finished a creditable third in the competition rounds, the Bangalow Bluedogs Grade 13 Boys First Division qualified for a home-ground semi-final encounter with fourth-placed Mullumbimby Brunswick on Saturday 27th August.

And so it was, after a dark and stormy night, that the players, coaches and supporters from both teams met at Bang West for the game to decide who would go on to the preliminary final, and who would bow out.

Despite sporadic precipitation during the morning, even the hardy spectators, bolstered by coffees and hot chocolates from the Coffee Van, were happy for the game to proceed, and the players of course revelled in the idea of getting down and at least getting wet.

The Game: A hard-fought game followed the ref’s starting whistle, with our three guest players, Ethan, Jarrah and Callum from the Bluedogs Grade 12 “Ninjas” more than pulling their weight to contribute to, at the thirteenth minute, Tom Mc putting an emphatic ball into the old “onion bag” (Thanks, Steve!), and the score was ONE – NIL!!

As the rain and wind manifested themselves on and off through the half, some tight play eventually saw Mullum get the ball into the net at the twentieth minute, and again three minutes later. This put the score at 2-1, where it remained to the break.

Back on the field, and try as both teams might, the goals just weren’t coming, but just before full-time, Mullum succeeded, to take the score to 3-1, and that was that.

Congratulations to all our Bangalow players for your commitment throughout the season. It’s wonderful to see that you are all still enjoying the game, keeping fit, and improving your skills - plus learning how to get up early on Saturday mornings!

Super thanks to our coach Dustin for all the time and expertise you have contributed to the team, and likewise to our assistant coach, Lyle for all that you have done for the team. Special mention also to Mick R for helping out whenever required, and also to Chris for the half-time healthy refreshments for the players. And everyone else!

See you at the presentation on Tues 20th September, and we look forward to another great season next year.

P.S. Have a look in the website’s Photo Gallery for some shots of the team in action earlier in the year against the Richmond Rovers.

Well, what a week! After what can only be described as a successful but heavy-going season, we found ourselves up against 3rd placed (11 points behind) Burringbar in the first of the finals on Saturday, only to have the heavens open up, and a wash-out was declared.
The subsequent rescheduled game moved to Tuesday night with a 7pm kick-off under the No1 field lights. With thunder, lightning and impending rain, we took to the field and soon, had wracked up a handful of opportunities, eventually rewarded with a fine headed finish by Leo from a free kick. The first half however was cut short by the ref due to the worsening weather, and we took shelter in the change room to await the second half call-out.
With heavier showers continuing, we kicked off, and both teams found the going more difficult as the ball movement was thwarted by the ever increasing puddles. The opposition seemed to enjoy these conditions, though, as it kept them in the contest, and after a couple of one-on-one’s with their keeper, that on a dry track would have seen us increase our lead, and also following a few suspect challenges by our now desperate opponents, the ref, wisely, called an end to the game with only twelve minutes played, and the scoreline at 1-0.
Not happy with this decision, our Burringbar opponents decided that at 1-0, the game was still in the balance, and rather than deferring to the Football Far North Coast directive of “the higher team goes ahead, no questions, sorry, but that’s that”, they protested, and the game was again rescheduled, this time to Wednesday night. However, as our field was unavailable due to AFL finals, we found ourselves traveling up the highway to play Burringbar on their home ground. Unbelievable.
With four changes to our line-up, but attempting to put all the circumstances in the past 24 hours behind us, we were determined to overcome the situation. With Anthony Jarvis, Dustin and Matty Campion coming in and Ricky, Samwell and Smithy out, we still had the team to take on the locals. First half, fantastic. And even though we appeared to be on top in the general play, we couldn’t convert the dominance. The ref and his associates on the touch lines weren’t being entirely balanced with their decisions, but finally, an obvious foul in the box saw Taha step forward for a spot kick. Again, no conversion, and half time came with the score at 0-0.
In good spirits, the second half began, and more of the same was called for. Unfortunately, our concentration at the back lapsed momentarily for the first time in the game, and the isolated pair of Burringbar strikers took advantage and slotted a goal for the home team.Shaken, but not stirred, we resumed the game harder, and pushed the opposition defense with more determination, and the long-ball seemed their only outlet. Unfortunately, one of these balls found their No1 Player, Hercombe, who converted brilliantly (luckily), and pushed the score out to 2-0. Again and again we pressured, and again and again we failed to convert, and again, from a long ball, Hercombe was found unmarked and isolated, and shot from about 35mts through the slippery gloves of Richie in goals, to take 3-0 lead. The game, good as gone, and only 25 minutes to play, the boys still pushed hard and fought all the way with amazing determination. Really, the scoreline did not reflect the true nature of the contest. As coach, I have nothing but praise for every player who was involved. We showed a real team spirit that the club can be proud of, particularly under the circumstances.
Putting that one behind us, we were determined to turn things around against the green hooped South Lismore, on home turf. With all players available, although battle weary, the Saturday clash would be tough, with only the two day break. Controlling the ball was the key. As instructed, we moved the ball well, and were soon in control against the giant and physical opponents. Once again our reliable Leo put us in front, but unfortunately, soon afterwards, it was cancelled out by a slight goal keeping mishap, and a soft goal against the run of play took us to half time at 1-1.
2nd half, and Mitch on for Smithy had an immediate impact, and a fine finish to Hutch after a great pass from the mid-field found him in space down the right flank. As the team struggled with the physical presence of the opposition, and the legs began to tire, we had to dig deep to keep control. But after some intimidating tactics, which should have resulted in at least the yellow plastic being shown, we conceded a second goal and looked slightly rattled. Somehow, the team regained some strength, and began forcing Souths more in their own half. Despite the missile throw-ins and long balls, very little else came from Souths, and we finally broke through for a third, and Leo’s second goal, to take the game and move another step closer to the final at Oak’s Oval. The last hurdle, a re-match with Burringbar at Bangalow on Sunday.
Let’s do it boys!

2nd Division vs Stars

The battle lines drawn, it was all down to this game to see who would be first into the Grand Final, and certainly a tough Stars outfit were here for the contest. With the usual changes to our line-up, altered but capable, it was just a question of how long it would take to settle into our roles. The rhythm was not there, but the determination was, and it became a too-and-fro game that neither team could take advantage of. Although we had a slight majority of the play, we couldn’t set up Slippery or Carey for any clear opportunities. Our new recruit goalkeeper, Pete Morris, from 5th’s, already Grand Final bound, stabilized our defense, and we held strong to move to half time at 0-0 after only one scare that saw Jimmy G helped from the field after a goal line save and collision with the upright.
The 2nd half half, with the breeze at our backs, we were able to press Stars into their own half, and made many raids on goal, only to be repelled time after time. After a few changes made, and a few positional alterations, Bangalow still looked the more likely though no goals resulted in the 90 minutes, and extra time was to be played. Mori Kone was heavily involved since coming on, and both he and Slippery had goal line opportunities, but couldn’t convert either. Even a penalty awarded to Bangalow, saw Slippery step up, but again no result, as the keeper manged to get a trailing leg to his attempt.
The second period of extra time saw more of the same, with Bangalow applying all of the pressure until the final whistle, and it was time for the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
I’m not going into details, as I didn’t watch the process, I only know the boys kept it together, and, deservedly, took the match 4-2 in the final shoot out.
Well done to all, and particularly in this one, to youngsters Nick and Mori from the 16s, and old boy Pete, who all stepped up in our hour of need.
On to the Grand Final at Oak’s Oval Saturday week.
Look out! More Dogs are coming!

In Sport, Shep.