Trivia Night

For those that weren't at training last night I mentioned to everyone that after our 'derby' in Round 9 (23rd May) we're going to have our first official fundraising/social night of the year with a Trivia night to be held at 7.00pm.

Venue is to be confirmed (I just need to check with the Bowlo at Wombarra if we can have it there, if not we'll either be at Coledale Surf Club or Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club)

You might want to let your wives or girlfriends (or both if you're game) that the night is on and then get in early with your babysitter as they could be in high demand for that night. Friends and supporters are also welcome.

Last night there seemed support to the idea so hoepfully everyone can make it - we'll charge $10 each to get in and ask that everyone bring along a $5-$10 box of chocolates or bottle of wine or something that we can hand out as prizes on the night.

It'll serve 2 purposes, firstly to make a few dollars for the club but secondly to have some fun as a newly formed club, and I'm sure it'll be a good night.

More details to follow but consider the date and time locked in - Saturday 23rd May 7pm

Cheers
Ant

White nite

After our home game this weekend a team bonding session has been proposed, mainly to introduce SteveB to the backs (got the Micks worked out yet Steve?) . One suggestion is Beaches at Thirroul, and going by the age of the crowd there on a saturday night we will fit right in. Lets hope the 60 year old fit bird wants to dance with you again Hucky. Seeing as though we have the late game we will have a few snag sangers if Ant buys enough then up the pub. Any other ideas are welcomed.

Shout to the top.....

...after some very quiet performances in recent weeks the White's finally found their voices on Saturday and the points (well point) followed. A much more vocal display from the boys with plenty of talking and shouting lead to a far more combative and solid performance all over the park.

After playing most of our other games with a million dollar view of the ocean on the touch line, Saturday saw us playing at possibly the ugliest ground in the Illawarra. IFS' pitch is on a bog between two main roads with a cracking view of the steel works in the back ground....the poms in the team were feeling a touch home sick.

Blending in almost seamlessly to the ugly surroundings was the IFS team and things got even uglier for the them on 10mins when Whites midfield hard man Doug slammed in his first goal of the season...."I don't have to do a naked lap now" he said at half time. No one is too sure what he meant but lets be thankful for small mercies!

Even uglier than the momentary lapses in defensive concentration by the Whites was the amazing shooting display by the IFS strikers. 4 times we allowed them space to shoot from 3 yards out and 4 times they cleared the bar by some 8 feet....on one occasion it seemed a sneeze would of been enough to get the ball over the line but the deft touch of the IFS striker swung the ball high and wide in a what has to be admired as the greatest miss of all time.

As time wore on and legs wore out you had the feeling it was going to be our day and when the whites rattled the woodwork twice in quick succession it seemed like were going to finish them off...but no. Football is a cruel mistress and she kicked us right in the b****cks with 2 mins left as IFS scrambled home an equaliser and we were kept winless for the season.

But another baby step has been taken, the lads have found their voices and there's another white point on the table.......roll on Saturday arvo!

Capt Les

Fernhill win second in a row, Balgownie Crowing

We are still awaiting the results of the top two teams - Old Boys met Uni and the Makos faced City in the Shellharbour derby - but the other two scorelines made for interesting reading.
Balgownie Crows, edged 1-0 by the Maroons two weeks ago, hammered Russell Vale 5-1. Fernhill, fresh from a 2-0 win over the Whites strung together a second win in a row with a 4-0 victory over Figtree. As Fernhill won just one match last season and none the year before that's some winning streak and perhaps proof that they've added some strong players this season.
The competition remains very tight and I'll update when we see the remaining results.

One all round

Both teams claimed away 1-1 draws on Saturday, the Maroons at Helensburgh and the Whites against IFS.
Shaky scored from Paul Empson's cross inside 10 minutes at the Burgh but the goal was soon cancelled out and on a bumby and high bouncing pitch the rest of the match was an even and frustrating struggle.
Doug H scored an opener for the Whites who were three minutes away from their first win when IFS came up with a late equaliser.

Come on you whites!

whites check the ground change post below

By Captain Les (aka No. 21)

One pt from the 4 games…..as an England supporter I’m full of blind faith and optimism about this situation. We’ve been in worse positions than this and still managed to lose on penalties in the semis so all is not lost.
I arrived at the Whites late in the day, although no one seemed to mind……or at least no one said anything, mainly because no one actually talks. Following a trial game played in almost HSC exam like conditions it was decided that the loudest bloke should be skipper and as the only one talking I duly accepted. After 4 games of shouting myself hoarse some of the squad are now starting to chirp up, but we still have work to do on the communication front as was proved by the question I got mid way through the second half on Saturday, “Hey Les, who’s the guy playing on the left for us?”
Still, we’re getting to know each other slowly and let’s face it, we are all very different. I used to think that the line “A Columbian dentist, a Welsh nurse and a Turkish chef walk in to a bar” was the beginning of a very bad joke, but no….
Saturday was definitely “one of those days” but despite losing we take away some plus points. We battled harder, won more tackles, created more opportunities and had several decent shots on target. Baby steps, but all moving in the right direction.
As we walked into the bizarre surroundings of the Towradgi bowling club where armies of grey haired bowlers in matching shirts politely abused the bar staff and called a spade a spade, I couldn’t help but think we’ve got all the makings of a great pub team......a South American, 3 hamstring injuries, a star player who’s never available and fantastic punditry such as... “he’s unique in so much as there’s no else like him”.
As the prolific striker and raging alcoholic Jimmy Greaves used to say, “it’s a funny old game” and I’m sure we’ve got many more laughs to come. Onwards and upwards boys…

Whites ground change - Urgent

The Whites' venue is incorrect on our blog. The game will be at 1pm at darcy Wentworth Park Warrawong. This is on the main road on the left heading south, just past the Westfield shopping centre. You enter from Carlotta Crescent. Please alert your team mates. Apologies for the mistake.

Maroons return "home"

The Maroons have been boosted by the return of several fit players for the journey to Helensburgh on Saturday. The squad is up to 16 from 12 a week ago and 11 played for the Burgh last season.
The grounds are open as I write this (Fri 3.45pm) but the situation will change if there's significant rain overnight. We have a 1pm kickoff. Check the breaking news section by 11am - I'll only post if it's off.
We will gather into five groups of three as we did in the opening two rounds but this time we have a squad heavily weighted towards midfielders and strikers. This will mean some players more used to those positions will have to play at the rear this game.
With Pete in goal the rest of the groups (2 from the 3 on the field at once)
Central defence: Dave D, John B and Gary J
Outside defence: Gary H, Phil C and Ian S
Midfield right/ central: Graeme D, Fergus R and Mark D.
Midfield left/central: Dave C, Jon S, Paul E
Attack: Ant, TH and Dave McC.

The Burgh are a notoriously prickly lot and often bereft of a proper referee. We should try not get caught up in any of their aggro. The match is scheduled for the back ground - one many of us know well. It's small and uneven but good enough to play the on-ground football which got us past Balgownie last weekend.

Results and table up to date

Thanks to Kev, the table and results are now up to date following the weekend game. You can check them out by visiting Fixtures and table sections of the stats centre.
The Maroons are sitting in third spot on nine points behind the two unbeaten teams Makos (12)and Old Boys (10). The Old Boys thumped the Maroons next opponent (weather pemitting) the Sweat Hogs 5-1 on Saturday but all results should be taken with the school holidays in mind.
The Whites are second from bottom with a point from the opening round draw. A few Maroons were remembering our opening steps three seasons ago when we came out and lost our first three games, then strung together a few wins. It was interesting to read AB12's comments about finding everyone's right position. So true and everything will become a lot clearer when you have achieved that and worked out the best way to use fresh legs (when available).

Rest those bones

There will be no training on Wednesday regardless of the weather during the day. It has bucketed down most of the day at Wombarra and the field is as wet as I've seen it.
Much more of this and it looks like a weekend off. If it is cancelled the usual procedure is to play the catch up game on the Sunday two weeks later. If that's the case and you can't play it please remember to add that to your dates away.
Cheers

Whites still searching for first win

Hopes were high that the whites would break their duck this weekend but it wasnt to be. Again we outplayed the opposition for long peroids but couldn't put the ball in the net. Fernhill started the best and scored after 15 minutes, then the whites settled and played much better into the wind for the rest of the first half. A 1-0 halftime score had us confident but we couldnt control the ball with the wind and Fernhill scored a nice goal with good lead up to go ahead 2-0 with 20 minutes to go. We had plenty of chances, with a great Andres corner being missed 1 metre from the goal by Les, Steve and AndrewH, with all 3 getting in each others way. Les also fired a bullet from a set piece in the first half that shaved the post.
The post match analysis at the Towradgi bowling club concluded that we didnt play that badly and after 4 games we still havent worked out the best positions for everyone. Glen C was a revelation at right back, Mick C improves every game, John seemed comfortable in central defence and Kirk played nicely in the midfield. Another conclusion was that we played the best in the trial against the Albion Park Cows and why cant we do it again?
When we have some luck in front of goal the flood gates will open and I pity the opposing team.

Maroons battle through for 1-0 win

The Maroons rustled up 12 men for Saturday's match against Balgownie Crows and at least eight of them were fit. After a first half of heaving and blowing, poor passes and few chances at either end the halftime concensus was that a 0-0 draw would be a point well won.
The Crows, marshalled at the back by Richard Lloyd, who played in the NSL for the Wolves in the early 90s, played some decent football and had the advantage of four subs.
We had a feisty halftime discussion and the theme that emerged - keeping the ball on the deck into a strong wind - worked well.
As Lloyd was pushed forward into attacking midfield, the Crows lacked pace and guidance at the back which we started to exploit.
The wide boys, Dave C and Dave M, were finding space behind the fullbacks and getting good ball into the box. TH10 was set up on the edge of the area and his shot was destined for the bottom corner before the tall keeper fingered it around the post.
Soon after the Maroons felt they had gone ahead as Ant headed powerfully and the keeper fumbled it over the line before dragging it back to safety. The ref and linesman were out of position and the ref ruled in favour of the keeper.
At the other end Kev, Dave D, Dean, Paul, GJ and Tom were getting everything in the way of the advancing Balgownie hordes while Pete was holding firm as they swung in high balls at him.
Fergus was flying into tackles, regardless of the eight or nine separate injuries he thought might rule him out of the match, and winning virtually all of them.
He then created the only goal of the game, drifting forward on the right and clipping a through ball at chest height to TH10 who cushioned it down past the last defender, took a few steps and hammered it past the advancing keeper.
Fatigue started to tell over the final quarter hour and it stretched an eternity. Dean was hacked down from behind, Paul E went down in agony and Dave M tried to hobble off but was told to get back on and have a rest up front (how come everyone thinks forwards rest?).
Pete brought off a stunning save as Balgownie's main man surged forward looking for the equaliser and GJ was lucky to escape when the ball was smashed into his hand in the penalty area. No intent and no time to move, but as Dean said, "I've seen 'em given."
At the death Tom's strong header allowed TH10 to sneak between the two central defenders but he snatched at the shot with his weaker left foot and it squeezed past the post with the keeper beaten. No one was more relieved when the whistle went seconds later.
Next week we welcome back several players and those needing a week to rest injuries should think about taking the opportunity with some players needing to be rostered off. It's another tough match, against Helensburgh Sweat Hogs at the back field where we had so many ups and downs in a previous life.
Meanwhile, AB12 reported that the Whites fell 2-0 to Fernhill. That's all I know so he can post on that match.

This weekend

Both games are at 1pm this weekend. The Whites are playing the bottom team Fernhill. Although they can be quite a challenge at full strength, the Foxes usually struggle for numbers, even in weeks not affected by school holidays.
If they have subs the will be tough to break down (as we found in their only win last last season, a 1-0 home loss by the Coastal Hogs).
The Whites play here
Basically turn left off the Northern Distributor at Towradgi Road, go all the way to the end and park in the carpark.

The undermanned Maroons play here.
Go down Balgwonie Road and a kay or two on the right there should be a sign for Judy Masters Park. There are several grounds out the back off Brian Street but I have a feeling we are playing inside on the ground with floodlights this week.See you Maroons there and dressed at 12.40. We only have 12 by my latest count so both a good warmup and having enough bodies ready to go on the whistle are essential.

A much better performance from the whites yesterday with the return of the mercurial Alex bringing more flair to the midfield with everyone lifting around him. After the whites having the better of the first 15 minutes, a superb volley from a mako corner saw the visitors up 1-0, then a dubious goal (whites concensus miles offside) saw a 2-0 deficit at halftime. I still cant believe SteveB's deflection from 3 metres missed. The whites struck first in the second half with AndrewB turning in Grants cross from close range then the match turned when a penalty call for a challenge on SteveH was ignored and the makos scored from the next play. The whites were then down 4-1 soon after and regained some pride when MickC scored in the final 10 minutes after some nice lead up from Les and GlenC. A 2-2 second half showed signs of better things to come as we become more familiar with each others play.
In fear of being relabelled the Coledale mutes, this weeks training will feature a lesson on field talk from Les, easily the most recognisable and loudest of the team (crowds verdict). So bring along your most authoritative and constructive voices fellas.

Maroons edged 5-4, Whites down 4-2

Two games two reverses for our teams on Saturday. I didn't see enough of the Whites, excpet to comment that they were the better team despite slipping two goals down early on. They got back to 2-1 (I think) but conceded a couple of crackers before coming home with a second goal.
The Maroons had a flying start - 2-0 up within 10 minutes of kickoff as we caught the Old Boys cold. It wasn't long before they were level and then took a 3-2 lead with a couple of long range efforts and a neat volley from a freekick aimed at our defensive heart.
GJ leveled mid way through the second half, with his second of the game, and we had some chances to go ahead before they took a 4-3 lead when we failed to clear a corner and they came up with another well taken volley.
Dave Mac scored an excellent equaliser on debut, beating the keeper one on one and again we pushed for the winner. Again, however, it was the Old Boys who edged us by a goal for the third time in four meetings, their big striker getting some room in the box and thumping yet another volley home past Pete. There were six minutes left and we came close twice but ultimately could not come for a third time in the half.
Overall a gutting result, as it always must be when you knock in four goals, hold a two goal lead and stuff it up.

Whites' kit in 'it's all here' shock

Yep, the White playing kit has arrived and will be handed to a responsible adult (ie not J O'Neil) at training on Wednesday night. Looks spiffing, I must say.
I must also say: The Whites will need to bring back their temporary playing shirts (washed please). These will be used as a spare kit.
Also, if someone sends me your list of playing numbers I can put them on the team list at right.
Cheers

And then there were 22

With eight Maroons missing this week and almost as many gone the week after, we've decided to add another member part-time to the squad.
Dave McCann, who played some games with Gibson Park Rangers last season, and took part in the trial game against us in preseason, will come in as a relief player.
This means he will only play when we have fewer than 15 available for a game. I know some players are happy with a small squad but it's a long season and we should be trying to pace ourselves. Also, we have always produced better results with a good subs bench to rotate.
Dave will hopefully be registered in time for this week's match and should play the next two. As far the rest of the season goes he will then be registered and able to come in if we suffer several injuries, as we did last season.
Please make Dave welcome at training tomorrow night.

Camera. Action. Photos by Sue Phillipson

Click on an image to see the full picture. Thanks to Sue for some excellent shots

White out

By AB12

The Whites roadtrip to Oak Flats to take on Shellharbour City was one to erase from the memory and start again fresh next week. Pretty much nothing went right and the writing was on the wall before the game started with Mark Groves having car problems, a few late arrivals and John O'Neil's shed leaking on the shirt box giving those who wore one a chilly start to the match.
We started slowly and basically never recovered. Everyone seemed flat and didn't show enough urgency to be first to the ball.
After a 15 minute opening where both teams checked each other out Shellharbour decided they didnt have much to worry about and stepped on the gas. A cracking header from a corner and a free strike from inside the box gave them 2 quick goals, then a period were the whites decided to string some passes together saw our best peroid of the first half, Steve H coming the closest with a ping from just outside the right corner of the box.
Just before halftime a stray goal kick gave Shellharbour another easy goal. The second half saw Andrew H step into goal and pull off a string of fine saves, indicating he will be no. 2 goalie for the year. The second half was decidedly better than the first, with their goal coming from a mix up at the back leaving a one on one with the goalie. Admittedly Shellharbour City had a lot of chances they should have put away in the second half, but credit to the boys for only letting in one goal in the second half. Special mention to Dave Fildes playing the whole match with a rib injury dosed up on painkillers.
When we stretch the ball wide we looked a far better team, with a few inroads being made in the last 20 minutes when Shellharbour tired. The 4-0 scoreline probably flattered us in the end. A few things to work on for next week.
AndrewB

Maroons endure in a thriller, Whites hit by slow start

John Brandman's spectacular strike in the dying minutes gave the Maroons a rollercoaster 5-4 victory over Uni Gangrenes at Corrimal on Saturday.
The Maroons were 2-0 up in no time through Shaky and Fergus and should have been out of sight with TH10 wasting three clear cut chances with over-eager shooting. A defender also put the ball against his own crossbar and Ant slid another ball across the face of goal without anyone managing a touch.
The Gangrenes, a nemesis late last season when their 2-2 draw cost us any chance of playing in the finals, hit back with a stunning long range strike from their mouthy but creative No.7.
Just before the break TH10 took a through ball and slotted past the advancing keeper for a 3-1 lead. We were cruising and the jovial mood at half time reflected this but we were caught cold in the second term and the game changed completely.
Our passing became weak, we started to dither on the ball and struggled to get a foothold as the Uni side started to play better football.
Uni walked in a second goal as a succession of Waves failed to clear and then they got back on level terms when the No.7 was given space inside the box and drove a low shot past Pete.
With eight minutes left Ant had a break away down the right. TH10 stayed behind him then ran onto the inside pass and shot past the the keeper for 4-3.
The home side complained bitterly about the absence of an offside call (see post from a couple of weeks back), although the linesman got it spot on, and there was a sense the the ref might have agreed. Just two minutes later he gave a free kick to Uni and when they swung it into the box he immediately called a marshmallow penalty against Graeme P for holding the hand of an attacker.
The No. 7 scored to level the game at 4-4 with five to play.
We had couple of close chances, the Uni keeper tipping an Ant header wide and the defenders blocking a couple of goal bound shots. One of the blocks reulted in a corner, taken by JB and as it came back out to him he made himself a slight angle and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. This time there was no denying the Waves from a second win to start the season.

Dave and Kirk from the Whites reported that the team gave up two very soft goals early against Shellharbour City and never got back into stride, trailing 3-0 at halftime. They said the heads went down and it took a while for the team to lift at all, but they put in an improved second half effort. If any Whites player wants to do a more involved match report please leave as a comment or email it to me and I'll post it for you.
For those not away this week, we'll see you at training.
Cheers
Tony

3-2-1s

Thanks to those who have cast their 3-2-1 votes for round one. You can still vote on either or both games if you haven't yet.
We have decided to make the total votes hidden from now on. This will hopefully add some suspense to our end of season awards night - can Shaky and Goalie Glenn hold onto their early leads?
The way it works is this: The top scorer of the round gets three points towards the end of season award, second gets two and third gets one point. This system prevents a player winning based on one or two games where they get everyone's vote nd leaves six points up fro grabs in each team every round.

Weather forces Waves indoors

According to weatherzone.com.au we don't look like getting much soccer in for the next 7 days. Here come the double headers!!

Training cancelled tonight!

Go the socceroos . . .