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.