Mens M2E v MHSOB (R3)
The Sopranos had been given the tip that car parking could be at a premium at the SNHC due to the Pacific Rim Gymnastics competition, this elite competition likely to draw thousands of spectators and the Sopranos playing at 5.15 on a Sunday saw the threat of a car park lock-out, so leaving early, car pooling and public transport was the order of the day and environmentally responsible. The lock out was not to be – no-one was there for the gymnastics and the majority of the team made it with oodles of time, except for serial late comer Doc Johnno, who was distraught as Carlton capitulated to the Pies
while he was on the way to the game. The Sopranos line up saw some changes during the week with Peter “Yabba†Dabner unavailable due his engagement party which I am sure he held on a Sunday to avoid having to invite any of the team, Clance out injured, Joey out with a bent nose and Barney enjoying the football in style. We welcomed back Fitzy to the net after a prolonged off season and Seeka from his Asian tour.
With last weeks loss behind us the Sopranos lined up against the team in second spot on the ladder and set out to make amends. A through ball from MHSOB saw a nervous moment for the Chief who called leave it – after last weeks call no-one was taking it for granted and the ball safely crossed the back line. With that out of the way the back line began to build the play through our midfield and into the forward line. Some terrific efforts from Will and Gil down the right caused a few headaches for their older and less nimble opponents, and resulted in a goal for Gil, a well struck corner goal edged past Fitzy back to one all, a cover drive from Charlie and a solid rebound from Drew saw the good guys go to 3 -1.
Hockey is a game of two halves – however the second half saw no change to the scores so it might as well have been a game of only one half. Except we would not have seen a run by Charlie which was only thwarted by the keeper who rather than take him on at the top, ran out and then just stopped and stared Charlie down; a surprise tactic that worked as the shot sailed just inches wide. Fitzy also played a part in the second half making a good save of a raised corner shot and then saving the raised rebound shot all while lying down.
With the three points in the bag it was off to the car park for the after match debrief and traditional 2 cans, this time with a health warning from Jim who informed us there are 3 beers in every 2 cans, those driving heeded the message, which was reinforced by the local boys in blue doing a well timed lap of the car park and the esky closed early.
