Monday, March 13, 2006
And the whistle blows for 2006!!!!!
Well loyal blog readers another soccer season has begun.
This year I shall bring something a little different - nothing from me, but over the years of the team's existance one member has delivered a Monday Game Report that is eagerly read, not only by the team, but by all the teams supporters in Sydney and around the world!!
Even though this was only a trial game, here is the weekly report.
Saturday 11th March officially marked the start of Gymea Baptist Church
Soccer Club's march to the premiership. We dusted off the boots (assuming
we could find them), flashed some larger than last year guts, pulled on the
trusty red shirts and took to the field against Miranda. On an unusually
hot March Saturday ........ (have we ever played a trial in the cool?) we
played 4 quarters of 20 minutes each to record a 5-3 loss. To put this in
context, I refer you to Adam Lewis's correct quote of the day 'I reckon
there is going to be a salary cap audit on us for sure!'
Yes, the cheque book has been opened and I'm happy to report that our three
new recruits, bought sight unseen, are straight off the top shelf, A-grade,
number 1, razzle dazzler beauties!
Marcelo Hoffmann, the Bocos cousin, lets just say I wish we all had a bit
of Bocos blood in us! Brilliant first up display, scored a goal, narrowly
missed another (to prove he was related to Wally), strong in the air, a
distributor and a talker, welcome to the team!! Father Bocos is getting
very happy with the increased Bocos blood in the team, I've never seen him
smile so much as he did on Saturday.
Sam Luccitti who came with the kiss of death, i.e. Bruce rapped him, stood
up to the curse and stood out. You can tell the good players, had a bit of
what I call the Pete Wood/Bruce Mullins style, doesn't get ruffled under
pressure, showed some very nice, silky, deft touches on the ball. Seems to
have the time that other players don't. Defended strong, good in the air,
good passes, Sam, welcome to the team!
Lastly but by no means leastly (yes, I'm allowed to make up words), Murray
Colliss who joined us from the church with no prior form or knowledge to
support the contract papers. Took the field in the coolest looking classes
you'll see on a soccer field and ran all game, and I mean ran. Murray is
not the youngest in the team but man does he put us to shame. Tough
defending, good passing and he seemed to be everywhere, cause he was!!
Charging off downfield on a run, defending in the last line, great support
play.
Now a run down on the game and some observations on the returning players.
We started with the usual major decision to be made by the Captain on
players taking field, who is in goal? The Merchant was otherwise engaged
(he he) and thus it was the time honoured tradition in the Gymea team of
when the Captain asked who wanted to start in goals, there was a mass
exodus and lines heard of 'I left something in the car, back soon', 'I need
to toilet stop before we start', 'I don't look good in green', 'the shirt
is too big for me', 'I'm a runner not a stayer', or the best one, 'get
stuffed, do it yourself Bruce!'. Thus the clear message from this game
other than the quality of our recruits, the only person guaranteed a start
each week is the one and only Mr A Merchant!
Anyway, we started with Greg Horth in goals and the game was willing as we
got used to kicking and running around again. It was very hot starting at
2pm and for once the small field was appreciated. We started with an as
usual formation as possible, though Richard Dwyer and Marcelo up front was
not our usual pairing up front. Miranda scored first after a throw in and
confusion between Greg in goals and a defender saw a Miranda head on the
bouncing ball into the net. The next score not long later was Greg Horth
giving Miranda his usual complimentary early season goal by fielding a ball
in the box, then kicking it straight into the back of a head of a Miranda
player, in the confusion and laughter, Miranda got the ball in the net.
After the first 20 minutes, 2-0 Miranda, however some promising signs. We
had sort of (for so early in the season) settled into a reasonable passing
game, just a little rusty and Miranda had no other chances and they were
fielding their best team, that had been training and running for weeks. We
had created numerous chances with Marcelo, Richard, Jeff Bocos (yes he's
back and stuck in a typical tackle just to show the knee is good!) with the
skills, Wally looking a little unfit but still skillful, Craig A showing
that sticky tape does work in keeping you together.
Second half, Bruce changed the structure with only 3 in the back, 3 up
front and 4 in the middle. Just to confuse us more, there were players in
positions we were not used to seeing and with the new recruits, we
struggled a little to get the combinations going. Craig Abrahams put his
hand up for the green and saw two break away goals go past him. This was
more a result of unstructured play in our backline and the small field. We
though arguably still created good chances. Marcelo beat three players then
just missed the goal with the left foot, Richard Dwyer had a good shot,
Jeff and Wally were showing some wonderful phases of play in conjunction
with Marcelo and had a couple of shots, I got pulled down by the keeper, so
even though it was 4-0 at half time, and given how much we were puffing and
panting, we were encouraged.
Third quarter, Bruce took the green shirt and gave us the instructions, 'I
want us to hold the ball, pass it around, don't go for advancement, let's
just keep it at our feet, support each other, get into position to take the
pass and let the ball do the work'. Now while Miranda brought on a few of
their reserve players in this quarter, there were still the same halves in
place and honestly, we looked like other famous teams in red, Man U,
Liverpool. On a small field, we dominated possession. Bruce I think touched
the ball once, maybe twice. Wally though couldn't help himself, in fact it
was funny from the sideline. Bruce was yelling from the goals, keep the
ball, pass it around. Up the other end, Wally was yelling out, send it
long, send it long and charging up field. Anyway, Craig Abrahams scored a
good goal and Marcelo snapped home a good quick strike for us to win the
quarter 2-0. Some things though never change, Wally kept missing the goals,
even with some real good chances. You've got to love him. Anyway, we looked
good, everyone was smiling and thinking, this is not bad for the first run
of the season. Marcelo, Sam and Murray fitted straight in, Wally and Jeff
in particular back to their skillfull best, Peter Hinton, Greg Horth tough
as usual. John Cox made a comeback in the quarter and after such a long
time out after the broken leg, it was great to see him cutting down Miranda
attack after attack.
Fourth quarter saw Peter Hinton in goals and just to show that Gymea has
retained one of it's traits from previous years, we finished all over the
younger, trained up Miranda team. We put togther some really nice passages
of play, mixing running attack with moving the ball around setting up
support players. We had some good chances and Wally finally found the back
of the net with a nice finish to a good movement. Miranda clawed one back
when early in the quarter a long range shot was not able to be contacted by
Greg Horth and the ball went into the side of the net with Peter Hinton
standing there looking his best in the green shirt. The game finished 5-3,
we won the second half 4-1. An excellent first up run.
Now I shouldn't go on without acknowledging the referee on the day, Richard
Southworth. Richard came along thinking that John Hughes wanted to have a
run practicing his refereeing, not expecting that he wanted to have a full
on run with the team. It was hot and Richard did the whole game so thanks
Richard.
So, our first trial of the year and some really encouraging signs to come
out of the game. A little match fitness all round and we'll be in there
with the best of them.
Player Ratings
Abrahams - ran hard and strong all game as usual. Still held together by
rubber bands and sticky tape however a valuable contributor. Has obviously
be doing some training in the off season as he's looking ready to play.
Scored a nice goal and showed that goalie is not his best position.
Bocos W - turned up looking pregnant himself. Has obviously let himself go
over the off season and it shows when the shirt is off. Wiped the smile off
Dad's face quickly when he saw it. Wally still puffed out a good game,
plenty of skill shown, in particular the skill in missing the goals though
redeemed with a nicely finished goal.
Bocos J - the missing ingredient from our finals campaign from last year.
Has also been to the Wally School of Off Season Preparation though he was
coming off an injury so excuses him. Couple of good tough tackles to show
that the knee is good. Plenty of that silky skill stuff, you know, foot
over the ball, under ball, twirl the baton, stop, twist, turn, back the
ball up, take off with speed, beat the man, and that's just going over to
take the corner kick! Good to see you back Jeff!
Colliss - already previewed above. Ran all game just to show what a level
of fitness achieves. Some lovely touches on the ball, support play and
tough defense. Looks extremely cool in the classes!
Cox - the crowd held it's breath when the veteran class J Cox took the
field. First touch, bamboozled the Miranda defense with his patented back
heal defense. Coxy is back! Played well and covered the younger Miranda
players as if he'd never been away. Leg held up well, which is always good!
Drury - landed flat on his face in the first half and flat on his back in
the second half. The usual inconsequential contribution.
Foxe - turned up late but tuned right into the rhythm of the game.
Performed well, showing a good level of fitness and skill in his time on
the park until having to leave. We'll value his contribution before he
leaves for Navy duty and will be a pleasure to have in the team even for
the short period.
Hinton - looks good in the green, so good he didn't want to get it dirty.
Showed he has lost none the passion for the game by lasting the whole game,
which also shows his fitness. Tough as usual at the back with his head
getting onto many dangerous balls. Couldn't resist the temptation and had a
shot at goal from the corner of our own box. Will never die wondering.
Hoffmann - brilliant debut. Skilled, tough, a talker, Bocos blood!.
Previewed above and a good recruit. Scored a lovely goal, unlucky not to
have another and showed he'll be a real team player.
Horth - maintained the tradition of giving a complimentary goal to Miranda
each year. Thank goodness it was a trial, though it was a good warning to
Miranda to get the head out of the way of goal kicks. Lesson well learnt as
it didn't happen again all game. On the park, showed his usual ball skills,
beating players, setting up play and running all game.
Lewis - has been doing some secret training (or so I was told) and it
showed. Played well in the first half when Miranda threw their best at us.
Had a run in the backs and halves and did well at both, keeping the right
side of the field quiet. Showed that the scars of the green run deep by
refusing to take a turn in goals.
Luccitti - broke down the curse of the Mullins, what more can I say? Showed
some lovely touches on the ball, defending many times with skill by taking
the ball from the Miranda player and then setting up play for attack.
Straight out of the Wood/Mullins book. Get the three of them going in the
back line, look out!
Mullins - Captained the team well, moved players around and the different
set ups for each quarter was a good idea. Showed he'd lost none of the
skill on the park with some beautiful pieces of play, particularly in the
first half when Miranda had a real go down our left side with no success.
Rapped Sam and was right. Perhaps this is our year. Obviously learnt from
last year as Bruce did not say once, do not get hurt!
Honorable Mentions
Dwyer - showed he should be playing with us. Fit, skillful, able to run and
attack all game. Good defense shown as well. Slotted straight into the
team.
Hughes - was supposed to ref but played and for a 50 year old, did a good
job. Did show us how they tackle in the over 35's with one of the best
slide tackles from behind seen in our competition for a long time.
Merchant - superb skill shown by the Merchant. By withholding his
considerable talents, the rest of the team recognised what he brings to the
team. Has sewn up a starting spot on the team for the rest of the season by
not turning up. Impressive stuff.
Well done to everyone and hope that you have all recovered from any little
bumps and bruises. Keep and eye out on the emails for possible training
and/or games. The first game of the season in 1 April !!
Till later, gee it was good to be in the red again!
This year I shall bring something a little different - nothing from me, but over the years of the team's existance one member has delivered a Monday Game Report that is eagerly read, not only by the team, but by all the teams supporters in Sydney and around the world!!
Even though this was only a trial game, here is the weekly report.
Saturday 11th March officially marked the start of Gymea Baptist Church
Soccer Club's march to the premiership. We dusted off the boots (assuming
we could find them), flashed some larger than last year guts, pulled on the
trusty red shirts and took to the field against Miranda. On an unusually
hot March Saturday ........ (have we ever played a trial in the cool?) we
played 4 quarters of 20 minutes each to record a 5-3 loss. To put this in
context, I refer you to Adam Lewis's correct quote of the day 'I reckon
there is going to be a salary cap audit on us for sure!'
Yes, the cheque book has been opened and I'm happy to report that our three
new recruits, bought sight unseen, are straight off the top shelf, A-grade,
number 1, razzle dazzler beauties!
Marcelo Hoffmann, the Bocos cousin, lets just say I wish we all had a bit
of Bocos blood in us! Brilliant first up display, scored a goal, narrowly
missed another (to prove he was related to Wally), strong in the air, a
distributor and a talker, welcome to the team!! Father Bocos is getting
very happy with the increased Bocos blood in the team, I've never seen him
smile so much as he did on Saturday.
Sam Luccitti who came with the kiss of death, i.e. Bruce rapped him, stood
up to the curse and stood out. You can tell the good players, had a bit of
what I call the Pete Wood/Bruce Mullins style, doesn't get ruffled under
pressure, showed some very nice, silky, deft touches on the ball. Seems to
have the time that other players don't. Defended strong, good in the air,
good passes, Sam, welcome to the team!
Lastly but by no means leastly (yes, I'm allowed to make up words), Murray
Colliss who joined us from the church with no prior form or knowledge to
support the contract papers. Took the field in the coolest looking classes
you'll see on a soccer field and ran all game, and I mean ran. Murray is
not the youngest in the team but man does he put us to shame. Tough
defending, good passing and he seemed to be everywhere, cause he was!!
Charging off downfield on a run, defending in the last line, great support
play.
Now a run down on the game and some observations on the returning players.
We started with the usual major decision to be made by the Captain on
players taking field, who is in goal? The Merchant was otherwise engaged
(he he) and thus it was the time honoured tradition in the Gymea team of
when the Captain asked who wanted to start in goals, there was a mass
exodus and lines heard of 'I left something in the car, back soon', 'I need
to toilet stop before we start', 'I don't look good in green', 'the shirt
is too big for me', 'I'm a runner not a stayer', or the best one, 'get
stuffed, do it yourself Bruce!'. Thus the clear message from this game
other than the quality of our recruits, the only person guaranteed a start
each week is the one and only Mr A Merchant!
Anyway, we started with Greg Horth in goals and the game was willing as we
got used to kicking and running around again. It was very hot starting at
2pm and for once the small field was appreciated. We started with an as
usual formation as possible, though Richard Dwyer and Marcelo up front was
not our usual pairing up front. Miranda scored first after a throw in and
confusion between Greg in goals and a defender saw a Miranda head on the
bouncing ball into the net. The next score not long later was Greg Horth
giving Miranda his usual complimentary early season goal by fielding a ball
in the box, then kicking it straight into the back of a head of a Miranda
player, in the confusion and laughter, Miranda got the ball in the net.
After the first 20 minutes, 2-0 Miranda, however some promising signs. We
had sort of (for so early in the season) settled into a reasonable passing
game, just a little rusty and Miranda had no other chances and they were
fielding their best team, that had been training and running for weeks. We
had created numerous chances with Marcelo, Richard, Jeff Bocos (yes he's
back and stuck in a typical tackle just to show the knee is good!) with the
skills, Wally looking a little unfit but still skillful, Craig A showing
that sticky tape does work in keeping you together.
Second half, Bruce changed the structure with only 3 in the back, 3 up
front and 4 in the middle. Just to confuse us more, there were players in
positions we were not used to seeing and with the new recruits, we
struggled a little to get the combinations going. Craig Abrahams put his
hand up for the green and saw two break away goals go past him. This was
more a result of unstructured play in our backline and the small field. We
though arguably still created good chances. Marcelo beat three players then
just missed the goal with the left foot, Richard Dwyer had a good shot,
Jeff and Wally were showing some wonderful phases of play in conjunction
with Marcelo and had a couple of shots, I got pulled down by the keeper, so
even though it was 4-0 at half time, and given how much we were puffing and
panting, we were encouraged.
Third quarter, Bruce took the green shirt and gave us the instructions, 'I
want us to hold the ball, pass it around, don't go for advancement, let's
just keep it at our feet, support each other, get into position to take the
pass and let the ball do the work'. Now while Miranda brought on a few of
their reserve players in this quarter, there were still the same halves in
place and honestly, we looked like other famous teams in red, Man U,
Liverpool. On a small field, we dominated possession. Bruce I think touched
the ball once, maybe twice. Wally though couldn't help himself, in fact it
was funny from the sideline. Bruce was yelling from the goals, keep the
ball, pass it around. Up the other end, Wally was yelling out, send it
long, send it long and charging up field. Anyway, Craig Abrahams scored a
good goal and Marcelo snapped home a good quick strike for us to win the
quarter 2-0. Some things though never change, Wally kept missing the goals,
even with some real good chances. You've got to love him. Anyway, we looked
good, everyone was smiling and thinking, this is not bad for the first run
of the season. Marcelo, Sam and Murray fitted straight in, Wally and Jeff
in particular back to their skillfull best, Peter Hinton, Greg Horth tough
as usual. John Cox made a comeback in the quarter and after such a long
time out after the broken leg, it was great to see him cutting down Miranda
attack after attack.
Fourth quarter saw Peter Hinton in goals and just to show that Gymea has
retained one of it's traits from previous years, we finished all over the
younger, trained up Miranda team. We put togther some really nice passages
of play, mixing running attack with moving the ball around setting up
support players. We had some good chances and Wally finally found the back
of the net with a nice finish to a good movement. Miranda clawed one back
when early in the quarter a long range shot was not able to be contacted by
Greg Horth and the ball went into the side of the net with Peter Hinton
standing there looking his best in the green shirt. The game finished 5-3,
we won the second half 4-1. An excellent first up run.
Now I shouldn't go on without acknowledging the referee on the day, Richard
Southworth. Richard came along thinking that John Hughes wanted to have a
run practicing his refereeing, not expecting that he wanted to have a full
on run with the team. It was hot and Richard did the whole game so thanks
Richard.
So, our first trial of the year and some really encouraging signs to come
out of the game. A little match fitness all round and we'll be in there
with the best of them.
Player Ratings
Abrahams - ran hard and strong all game as usual. Still held together by
rubber bands and sticky tape however a valuable contributor. Has obviously
be doing some training in the off season as he's looking ready to play.
Scored a nice goal and showed that goalie is not his best position.
Bocos W - turned up looking pregnant himself. Has obviously let himself go
over the off season and it shows when the shirt is off. Wiped the smile off
Dad's face quickly when he saw it. Wally still puffed out a good game,
plenty of skill shown, in particular the skill in missing the goals though
redeemed with a nicely finished goal.
Bocos J - the missing ingredient from our finals campaign from last year.
Has also been to the Wally School of Off Season Preparation though he was
coming off an injury so excuses him. Couple of good tough tackles to show
that the knee is good. Plenty of that silky skill stuff, you know, foot
over the ball, under ball, twirl the baton, stop, twist, turn, back the
ball up, take off with speed, beat the man, and that's just going over to
take the corner kick! Good to see you back Jeff!
Colliss - already previewed above. Ran all game just to show what a level
of fitness achieves. Some lovely touches on the ball, support play and
tough defense. Looks extremely cool in the classes!
Cox - the crowd held it's breath when the veteran class J Cox took the
field. First touch, bamboozled the Miranda defense with his patented back
heal defense. Coxy is back! Played well and covered the younger Miranda
players as if he'd never been away. Leg held up well, which is always good!
Drury - landed flat on his face in the first half and flat on his back in
the second half. The usual inconsequential contribution.
Foxe - turned up late but tuned right into the rhythm of the game.
Performed well, showing a good level of fitness and skill in his time on
the park until having to leave. We'll value his contribution before he
leaves for Navy duty and will be a pleasure to have in the team even for
the short period.
Hinton - looks good in the green, so good he didn't want to get it dirty.
Showed he has lost none the passion for the game by lasting the whole game,
which also shows his fitness. Tough as usual at the back with his head
getting onto many dangerous balls. Couldn't resist the temptation and had a
shot at goal from the corner of our own box. Will never die wondering.
Hoffmann - brilliant debut. Skilled, tough, a talker, Bocos blood!.
Previewed above and a good recruit. Scored a lovely goal, unlucky not to
have another and showed he'll be a real team player.
Horth - maintained the tradition of giving a complimentary goal to Miranda
each year. Thank goodness it was a trial, though it was a good warning to
Miranda to get the head out of the way of goal kicks. Lesson well learnt as
it didn't happen again all game. On the park, showed his usual ball skills,
beating players, setting up play and running all game.
Lewis - has been doing some secret training (or so I was told) and it
showed. Played well in the first half when Miranda threw their best at us.
Had a run in the backs and halves and did well at both, keeping the right
side of the field quiet. Showed that the scars of the green run deep by
refusing to take a turn in goals.
Luccitti - broke down the curse of the Mullins, what more can I say? Showed
some lovely touches on the ball, defending many times with skill by taking
the ball from the Miranda player and then setting up play for attack.
Straight out of the Wood/Mullins book. Get the three of them going in the
back line, look out!
Mullins - Captained the team well, moved players around and the different
set ups for each quarter was a good idea. Showed he'd lost none of the
skill on the park with some beautiful pieces of play, particularly in the
first half when Miranda had a real go down our left side with no success.
Rapped Sam and was right. Perhaps this is our year. Obviously learnt from
last year as Bruce did not say once, do not get hurt!
Honorable Mentions
Dwyer - showed he should be playing with us. Fit, skillful, able to run and
attack all game. Good defense shown as well. Slotted straight into the
team.
Hughes - was supposed to ref but played and for a 50 year old, did a good
job. Did show us how they tackle in the over 35's with one of the best
slide tackles from behind seen in our competition for a long time.
Merchant - superb skill shown by the Merchant. By withholding his
considerable talents, the rest of the team recognised what he brings to the
team. Has sewn up a starting spot on the team for the rest of the season by
not turning up. Impressive stuff.
Well done to everyone and hope that you have all recovered from any little
bumps and bruises. Keep and eye out on the emails for possible training
and/or games. The first game of the season in 1 April !!
Till later, gee it was good to be in the red again!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Another Birthday comes and we PARTY!
Well yes devoted readers (all 2 of you), my 33rd Birthday happened on March 9. I am again a multiple of 11. Getting older can depress or aggravate some people, but not me....no way! I plan to stay some respectable age for a long time to come.
As I get older though, my girls are more involved in delivery of present and card. This year was no exception. My new book and socks were delivered to me with joy and excitement.
My day was spent in endless meetings which meant I had to do work when I finally arrived home :(
Managed to do that, then we went out for a very nice Thai dinner. Yum.
Then slipped into the regular routine of our Thursday bible study small group at Craig and Karen's.
It was here that I had a phonecall from Meddwyn's brother in law. Her sister has been expecting child #3 and today was the day. How cool. My newest nephew born on the same day as I was!
Also a bit strange is that my previous employer, Sun, had 4 people having consecutive Birthdays: March 7,8,9 and 10.
Today was also a great day, though for a different reason. Soccer season is starting shortly!!! Yay.
As a result, my team had a trial game against another in our division.
All were a bit rusty but there were no injuries and all had a good, fun afternoon.
The serious stuff starts April 1.
Time to now go and catch some TV or something others may describe as nerdy :) Till next time...
As I get older though, my girls are more involved in delivery of present and card. This year was no exception. My new book and socks were delivered to me with joy and excitement.
My day was spent in endless meetings which meant I had to do work when I finally arrived home :(
Managed to do that, then we went out for a very nice Thai dinner. Yum.
Then slipped into the regular routine of our Thursday bible study small group at Craig and Karen's.
It was here that I had a phonecall from Meddwyn's brother in law. Her sister has been expecting child #3 and today was the day. How cool. My newest nephew born on the same day as I was!
Also a bit strange is that my previous employer, Sun, had 4 people having consecutive Birthdays: March 7,8,9 and 10.
Today was also a great day, though for a different reason. Soccer season is starting shortly!!! Yay.
As a result, my team had a trial game against another in our division.
All were a bit rusty but there were no injuries and all had a good, fun afternoon.
The serious stuff starts April 1.
Time to now go and catch some TV or something others may describe as nerdy :) Till next time...
