Men’s PC v MHSOB (R6)
Kew Pennant C vs MHSOB (score 5-0)
There’s nothing like checking the fixture and seeing “S2″ listed as the playing venue for your weekly game. Its kind of like playing a match in downtown Chernobyl.
It contains cold concrete bunkers and labyrinth like passageways, inspired no doubt by the magnificence of 1950′s Soviet architecture. Its also crammed with hidden features like cold showers, semi-functioning lights and exposed viewing areas. And for some reason, its usually as windy as the 16th at St Andrews. And there are guards at the door who will shoot if you don’t provide your $3.70 at the earliest moment.
Yep, its always a pleasure to play at the SHNC.
The warm up was subdued and relaxed. However, Captain Hubba seemed a little confused by the slow build up, “Kew, three cheers for… who are you guys again?”. The Melbourne High School Old Boys didn’t seem to mind. (How could he forget the famous Claret and Racing Green?)
Kew was staring at a real danger game. Fielding a very young side without four stars from its recent winning run (Tags, Ash Reid (B2), Cam Nelson and Winny) meant it was time for some players to assume a little more responsibility. Reidy responded in kind by ensuring he had the full four hours sleep.
The match was light on tension and skill. Kew skipped to a comfortable early lead thanks to a ‘tomahawk’ from Jonny Hyatt that had to be seen to be believed. Despite a four on one numbers advantage, Jon decided the best thing he could do was ignore all available passes, dribble to a 15 degree angle and have a shot that would go in on perhaps 2% of occasions. Lesson learned, the young fella turned provider with a sweet centring ball which Stevie Wonder trapped and flicked into net in double quick time. Two-nil at half time.
The second half was memorable only for its continued near misses, as Lachie, Hamish, Reidy (B1) and Jono all peppered the goals for little rewards. Three team goals balanced the score sheet and provided some sense of perspective to the general play.
In a surprising post match twist, Alex Tan only ate three pies. He claimed he was going out for lunch, but some have their doubts.
The team now sits comfortably on top of the ladder. If the group can maintain focus and improve its goal scoring it will be a real threat. An SOS hence goes out to Simon Cleave to provide some specialist goal shooting coaching. The Panther, as he is known, is fondly remembered for his ability to turn his defender and finish with polish. Nine out of ten times, he scored all the time.
