The half term report

I'm not much of one for mid season reports. If we've been rubbish then no amount of gibberish will lift us up the table. If we are sitting pretty, then our focus needs to be ahead, not behind. But the Whites did one so now we have a request to follow suit from a Mr (or Mrs.) "overdue" in the shoutbox. I'll have a crack but in return have a request of my own. I want everyone to get on here in the comments box and tell us one thing that has stood out for them this season so far - good or bad, happy or sad. Do more if you like but if you read it then give a little back and give us an insight into your season so far.



Overall

With 13 games down for the Maroons we sit in second place, two off the leaders the Old Boys. We have suffered two defeats, drawn twice and won nine. Over the same period last season we started with five wins to top the table and then won just one of our next eight to be outside the top four for good.




Best win

It's fresh, of course, but who could go past Sunday's epic against the Old Boys. I'd rate the 1-0 win over Balgownie earlier in the season highly as well. Although it's good to have 16 players to share the load, both of these games ended with 12 fit players, which might suggest that everyone lifts as one when they know the saftey net is threadbare.





Lowest point

The fifth goal conceded against the Old Boys in the home match was painful to watch. Considering they had scored a fourth one in similar fashion minutes earlier which we had managed to cancel out.

I still can't get over how miserable wet weekends are. Even worse must be those beautiful sunny Saturdays when it has belted down all week and the grounds are unplayable.


The new boys

Although you old blokes from the Hogs are alright, I've really enjoyed playing with the new guys this season. If I live to 100 I'll remember Tom's stepovers, Dave C's straining with every fibre in his body NOT to punch out that bloke at Balgownie, Paul throwing himself into every tackle like it was a monster wave, and the crunching sound of his opponents bones' jarring, Shakey heading the pill harder than I can kick it, Langy for his knowledge and Dave McCann for his stretching sessions which last longer than the game. Oh and Jon for just bloody well giving in to three years of begging and agreeing to join in the madness.

Most sensible Maroon

Winner: Tom for packing a gun to the Helensburgh game. For a while I thought it might be needed and he had a little glint in his eye.

Runnerup: Langy, for listening to the doctor who informed him that stress fractures in his back were probably a sign that he should give it up.

Best goal

Ant's freekick against Old Boys. He reports it was 10 out from the box and 10 from the sideline. Shane told him to cross it and Ant called far top corner, which is where it finished.

Best dive

Graeme P against IFS in game one. If you don't believe me look at the photo. If you still don't believe me then you didn't see the two against the Old Boys.

Best save

Sorry Pete, but Kev pulled one out in the first half against the Makos that was absolutely astonishing. (Note the fact Pete is missing a couple of games soon has nothing to do with this answer).

Best almost goal

Dean's flying header against Uni at home. The chip came in, I think from GP, the keeper came out, Dean got airborne and... the ball just missed his noggin. We'd be talking about that one forever if it went in.

Worst miss

There are too many to count here but I'll nominate Gary H's against Uni (in fact he probably would too), Ant's against maybe the Burgh (?) and mine against Old Boys.

Worst own goal

Still time for Graeme Duncan to make his move but Fergus is miles ahead here for his headed rocket against the Whites.

Friendliest opponents

You know who you are.

Biggest dummy spit

Who throws an empty bottle of water? Has absolutely no dramatic effect at all.

Worst refeering decision

Phil Jordan. J-A-N-Z-O-O-N. (Does not rhyme with M-A-R-O-O-N)

Luckiest win

The first game against Uni. What on earth were we thinking? Needed an absolute screamer from John B at the death to get us three points.

Worst use of his company's time

Winner: That Tottenham supporter who has come up with the world's ugliest and most confusing graphic on the table page. He has done some good things though (including the save of the season).

Runnerup: That Sp*rs fan who spent a week and a half failing to convince anyone that Maroon rhymes with Janzoon.

Best quotes
"You guys are a disgrace," a certain Helensburgh official, upset about how we fell over after being hacked down by his teammates. Just a week or two later he allowed a player registered in a higher grade to play in the Sweat Hogs' 4-0 win over IFS.

"You guys are just like Helensburgh" from an Old Boy. Maybe they're both right...

"You're so stupid you don't even know my name" - World famous Rolando or Orlando from the Burgh.

Worst linesman
That Irish dag who was holding a flag, and a fag and trying to blag a snag. While his beer bottle was on the field. In a game played by two members of the IAFA committee.

Best fan
Gary Ray. Travelled to Warilla despite not being married to one of the players and politely declined an invitation to join the Whites out of loyalty to us.

Wished he was here
David J. Offered the head coach's role and a place in the heart of defence, went to the Div 1 Old Boys instead and cuts a forlorn figure in a team lacking any noticeable fitness, speed or talent, despite their position at the top of the Div One table ... Certain to transfer next year, having achieved everything there is to achieve in M1.

Old Boys 2, Maroons 5

Without doubt this was the highlight of our 2009 season and perhaps the best result from us in three years. After a draining and dispiriting loss to the Mako's on Saturday, and the sorrow drowning trivia night, we arrived with heavy legs and some sore heads, knowing that defeat would leave us in third place some eight points from the summit.
A day earlier we had huffed and puffed for 75 minutes before finding the target but it took us just two to get moving on Sunday. Jon S, one of the few operating on fresh legs, got to the byline down the left and crossed for Ant to power home a header.
In the earlier game against the Old Boys we went 2-0 up before surrendering 5-4, and the first part of that scenario was playing out again as Gary J sped through the centre and played a perfect ball into Ant. His shot squeezed through the keeper and in for 2-0.
We kept pushing forward, Ant almost grabbing a first half hat-trick when his right foot curler grazed the outside of the post with the keeper beaten. A third did arrive when TH10 was flattened just outside the box. As Ant prepared to take the freekick, the Old Boys moved a defender back into the goal and TH10 moved to the six yard box. The keeper spilled the ball obligingly in front and TH10 poked it home.
The Old Boys remain the best team we've seen playing the ball out from the back and through the midfield but our defence was giving little space or latitude to their strikers, including the niggling brute up front.
The ref was blowing up for regualr freekicks and we suffered a second soft penalty in two days when a ball bounced up into the arm of Jon S as it was tucked tightly to his body.
Their No.14 placed the penalty weakly to Pete's left and the keeper continued his amazing run of success in penalties. A rough count makes it four saved from about eight faced.
Just before the break, however, the Old Boys clawed one back. Another handball call outside the box, this time against Paul E, allowed them a freekick which went around the wall and straight in. Getting a wall set and the keeper in the right spot has never been one of our strengths and certainly one for training this week.
It was 3-1 at the break and Paul E departed along with injured Dave D. Gary J had been flattened (he always is by the Old Boys) and was forced to sit out as well, leaving us down to 12 players for the second period and mindful of our past failures to hold onto good leads.
We dug in for the start of the second half but were under enormous pressure which intensified when the niggling brute finally found some space and crashed a shot into the bar, only for the No.14 to bundle in the rebound.
At 3-2 we started to wobble but with Fergus sitting in front of defence and Dean, Phil, Ian, Graeme P and Kev all throwing themselves into challenges we were just doing enough to keep them out. The midfielders were helping us clear quickly and threaten on the counterattack and with 15 or so to go we restored our two goal cushion. Jon got clear down the right and lifted the ball into the box. TH10 apparently gave the defender who was about to head clear a little nudge (this is unconfirmed - TH10, the ref and linesman all claim to have been unsighted but everyone else is convinced there was a foul) and then headed wide of the keeper for 4-2.
OThe Old Boys were enraged and in the aftermath the referee threatened to take his ball and go home before order was restored.
Again we battled at the back, clearing a succession of corners before we finally got the breathing space we needed. After a foul five yards outside the area, Ant stepped up and curled a screamer into the far top corner for his perfect hat-trick (left foot, right foot, header).
TH10 should have helped himself to a hatrick as well after Shane's clever pass left him bearing down on the goal like Willem Janzoon sailing full bore at the Australian coastline in a successful bid to become the first European to sight the mainland...
The defenders fell away (like the 'oon' in a certain trivia question answer) and TH10 had a few minutes to pick his spot. Unfortunately that spot was some 15 metres wide of the far post.
The Old Boys were whingeing and moaning at the final whistle but those of us who had the energy were laughing. Especially when No.14 came out with the comment of the day. "You guys are like Helensburgh..."
Could it be a compliment?
The fun didn't end there. Paul E, having rung in for a report, received an SMS saying we had lost 5-3. Think it spoiled his lunch.

Trivia Night

On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank everyone who attended the Trivia night at the Bowlo on Saturday evening, the prizes supplied where also gratefully received.

We managed to raise over $1,000 for the hire of our home ground and referee costs, great turn-out and lots of fun throughout the night.

Thanks again to Phil for running the evening and the help provided by Ant & TH.

Towards the final rounds, TH & Fergus started to object, which cost them $5 per objection, this took us beyond the $1,000 target, but the moral of the story, don't Googling when your drunk!

Social Dave

Old Boys 6 Whites 0

Hard to say anything good about this result so I'll let the stats speak for themselves.

12 players (13 second half)
4-0 at halftime.
2 own goals, 1 offside goal, 1 slipped under the goalie, 1 cracker from the old boys dwarf and cant remember the other.
1 SteveH shot hit the post
2 penalties should have been given (1 for each team).
Figtree next week.

Latest table

The Maroons' victory over Old Boys kept them in second despite a loss to third place Mako's earlier in the weekend.
To update the final table situation as it stands, if Old Boys and Maroons are level then Maroons would get the higher placing based on a 9-7 aggregate. If the Maroons and Makos finish level the Mako's have a 4-2 aggregate score and would take the higher place.
Meanwhile, Uni drew 1-1 with Balgownie in the major surprise of the round, to move off the foot of the table.
Russell Vale continued their rise with victory over IFS while the Sh*t Hogs were held 0-0 at home by the resurgent Figtree. Shell City beat Fernhill and still have two games in hand of the top three. The Maroons v Old Boys game was the only round 11 make up played Sunday with the two other matches scheduled for the next two Wednesdays.

Old Boys 31
Maroons 29
Makos 26
Bal Crows 23*
--------
Russell Vale 23*
SHogs 18*
Shell City 17**
Figtree 14
Fernhill 12
IFS 9
Uni 5*
Whites 4

Slip slidin away

The Maroons slipped to a second defeat of the season, 3-1 against the Makos on Saturday, failing to gain a foothold on a treacherous St James Park.
The teams were closely matched in the first half as the main challenge for the players was to stay on their feet.
There were few chances at either end, Kev, in goal for the missing Pete, pulling off a fine point blank save when the Makos eked out their best chance of the half. With the backline doing well to hold out the Makos tricky forwards despite dodgy footing, the midfield worked hard to present some chances up front.
Ant fizzed a shot just wide of the upright after breaking through on the right, and the half ended with Shakey playing in TH10 who smacked his shot through the keepers fingers but onto the crossbar.
The second half continued as a tight struggle until the 65th minute when the whistle sounded for the second time for a foul. Unfortunately this was inside our box as the Mako's striker pushed his way between Tom and another defender and ended up on his belly.
Their number 10 struck the penalty weakly but it just had enough to slip under Kev.
There was no controversy about their second - a midfielder player picking it up 25 metres out, taking a touch and curling a wonderful strike beyond Kev's outstretched arm and low into the corner.
We pushed forward and enjoyed our best period for the next quarter hour, getting to the byline several times and winning a few corners. The ball just wouldn't fall in the box and the Mako's defence dug in well to scramble away the dangers.
Dave D, getting into the penalty area, laid a ball for TH10 whose smashed strike from the edge of the box was tipped onto the bar by the keeper. Soon after Dave dinked a ball into Tom who showed the strikers how it's done with a sweet strike.
"It's easy," Tom reports. "Just kick the ball into that big net." Cheers for that.
We got back up for a couple more half chances before we were killed off in the final minutes. A mistake at the back let in their forweard who calmly rolled the ball past Kev to finish the contest.

A little Australian history lesson and a bit of basic geography too

History
Willem Janszoon
Born
1570
Died
1630
Nationality
Dutch
Occupation
Navigator and colonial governor
Known for
Discovery of Australia
Willem Janszoon (c. 1570–1630), Dutch navigator and colonial governor, is the first European known to have seen the coast of Australia. His name is sometimes abbreviated to Willem Jansz. (with or without the full stop).[1] He was probably born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Geography
Penguins (order Sphenisciformes, family Spheniscidae) are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, especially in Antarctica, where they are most well-known for living.

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native to the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas.

Whites note this IAFA announcement please

"Gents,

Due to the rescheduling of Junior games at Harry Graham Park, Figtree on the weekends of 28 June, 4 July and 11 July, alcohol will not be permitted to be consumed at or taken to the ground.

Please advise your players and spectators of this to prevent unnecessary incidents and issues.

Regards Neil Webster IAFA Secretary."


This affects the Whites' round 15 match on July 4. Not sure if you take an esky away, and this would probably be more earth shattering for the wives of the Maroons, but there you go.

Maroon team news

It's a huge weekend for the Maroons, up against the third and top placed teams within 22 hours on a couple of very heavy tracks.

After much debate the Maroons have the following players sitting out the games, giving us 16 for each match and all 20 involved at some stage, an ideal situation with three hours of football to play.
Sat vs Makos at home: out are Peter H, Gary J, Jon S and Dean J.
Kev and Dave will share keeping duties.
Dean will play if anyone else wants to miss the game.
Sun vs Old Boys away: Out are Graeme D, Mark D, Paul E and Tom A.

Double trouble

Hi all

Due to difficulties securing grounds for makeup matches, the IAFA has postponed the round 13 matches missed last week until SATURDAY August 29.

This is for the Maroons' match against IFS and the Whites match against Helensburgh. Contrary to what was on our fixture list, August 29 was a designated spare weekend for catchups and now becomes the final round of fixtures before the three-week finals series.
Kev will update the fixtures when able.
The Maroons are still to play a makeup game against Old Boys and this is still scheduled for this Sunday at 1pm at Guest Park. The IAFA statement is in full below and no more information is available in the event that games are washed out again this week.

Meanwhile, Council grounds remain shut today. If they open tomorrow notification will appear in the shoutbox.

"Attention all Clubs

Rnd 13 Games will be replayed on Saturday 29 August. Due to the fact a complete round needs to be replayed and the difficulties in scheduling games because of clashes with Juniors/Womens, the whole of Rnd 13 will now be played on the spare weekend before the finals, Sat 29 August, which was set aside for this purpose.

This will eliminate the need for an additional double header to be played in July.

Rnd 11 wash-out games will still be played next Sunday 28 June.

Regards IAFA "

At least there's one way to play football this weekend

Take Action Play the game: Hat-trick Hero ComePlay!

Posted using ShareThis

Now what

Yes Hitman Hardie got the scoop. All WCC council grounds are closed all weekend. We tried Rod at Warilla but his SMS was short and sweet - "Grounds are soaked".
The Hitman's next call was a beauty too. Let's play at Jim Allen on Sunday morning (as long as the rain mostly holds off tomorrow), say 8.45am for a 9am kickoff.
So, grab a bike, have lunch at a pub, take the kids to the Kiama blowhole or slouch on the sofa watching your DVD copy of "49 - The Invincibles: Highlights of every game of Arsenal's unbeaten run" or taped episodes of MasterChef.

And, to soothe the pain of another footie free weekend, a treat.
TH10's pancake recipe
250g flour
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups of milk
60g butter
pinch of salt.

Heat milk, butter and salt until butter melts.
Put flour in a bowl and make a well in the middle. Break the eggs into the well and slowly incorporate into the flour (use a wooden spoon not a whisk at this stage).
Add the warm milk and butter mixture and keep working with the wooden spoon until mostly smooth. Use a whisk to smooth the batter further, eliminating any large lumps.
The batter should run like cream.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Let it come to room temperature and stir (if too thick add a little more milk). Heat a pan on medium-high heat put in a little knob of butter (each time) and slowly pour mixture into the pan, as you hold it on a slight angle and rotate to make a large circle. Let cook for about a minute and then flip to finish off.
Should make 10-12 lacy crepes.
Serve with strawberries dusted in icing sugar and maple syrup, or your preferred pancake topping.

New ad for World Cup campaign

Bowen wins rebels open

At least one of the whites won something this year.....
"In freezing conditions at Camden Lakeside Coogee Bay Rebel Cricket Club Immortal Bowie won this years open yesterday firing 85 off the stick including a 3 over back nine to beat Cobbler by 2 strokes and Meeksy a further stroke behind."

Just a little quote from the official Rebels website there. To the football, well most people were there to see another 15 minutes of madness midway through the second half from the whites. Right in the game at 1 all, 3 quick goals including 2 penalties to Shellharbour finished the match as a spectacle. We dominated the last 15 minutes, AB12 hit the post, Mr21 and Mark both had free kicks just go wide and GlenC had a point blank chance bounce off his knee and go wide. As Ian from the maroons said when asked for some advice on how to win from a seasoned masters peformer, "score more goals".

Thanks to Jon for sitting out when asked late and running the subs first half, and heres hoping goalie glenn recovers from his concussion quickly, which I dont think was the only injury against a tough side.

Maroons 5, Uni 1

Routine wins aren't really our thing, but this was as straightforward as it gets.
Despite missing a host of clear chances in the opening 15 minutes, the Maroons settled into a rhythm and were only knocked out of it for a brief period just after halftime when the 3-0 lead briefly became a two goal margin.
Ant tapped in from close range for the first goal of the game and Shaky added two more before the break, including a superb looping header which came off the keeper and ended tucked in the net on top of the crossbar.
The Uni keeper made several top quality saves, and we missed a couple of chances as well, but we have been a team with a good range of goalscorers this season and two more players got on the sheet in the second half. Jon S worked his way through to the byline on the left and cut back a perfect chip for Paul E to head home and Fergus put the icing on with a great solo goal, jinking through several players before picking his spot in the bottom corner.
Graeme P had a late shot tipped wide and Deano came for a spell up front, launching himself spectacularly at a ball into the box but failing by a hair to get a decisive touch and join the scorer's list.
Dave C narrowly missed a couple of shots and Ant celebrated a second goal - prematurely as the keeper made one last special save.
At the back, Kev, Shanus and Dave D, handled the pacy Uni forward well on their sporadic breakaways, Tom treated us to a special stepover and Pete H could do little about the goal - a freekick thunderbolt into the top corner.
Next week we have two games - Saturday against IFS at Warrawong and Sunday against the Old Boys at Guest Park. Two wins would put us top of the table, two poor results would throw us back into the mix.
Apologies to those who told me about their plans for next week yesterday. I wasn't really with it (as you tell by this report). I'll email the team lists later in the week.

Latest table, plus rules and regs:UPDATED

The Old Boys suffered their first loss of the season and the Makos were slammed 5-0 by Figtree
as the Maroons strengthened their position in the top four.
The Sh*t Hogs were big movers with two wins over the weekend, including one of their makeup games.
The form of Russell Vale in knocking off the Old Boys and Figtree, beaten 4-0 by Fernhill just a few weeks ago, will be of concern to the Maroons, who are yet to play either team this season.
Meanwhile, at the risk of jinxing the team, the semis and finals series go across three weeks, not two. The top two play in the major semi with third and fourth in the minor semi. The winner of the major semi goes straight through to the Grand Final two weeks later. The loser players the winner of the minor semi for a second chance to make the GF.
I can also confirm that 2-way ties on the table will be decided in the first instance by head to head record and then goal difference. Also the top two on the regular season ladder will be promoted, not the teams in the grand final.

Latest table. The asterisks are catchup games due. Shell City and Uni's makeup game is due to be played midweek on July 1, according to the official website.

Old Boys 28 *

Maroons 26 *

Makos 23

Bal Crows 22*
--------
Russell Vale 20*

Sh*t Hogs 18*

Shell City 14**

Figtree 13

Fernhill 12

IFS 9

Whites 4

Uni 4*

Trivia Night RSVP

Hi All,

Just a quick post to get some momentum with this trivia night - Dave has got it all happening so hopefully everyone gets on board and tries to comes along. At this stage we've only had about 10 rsvp's and considering we have 40-odd players in the club that's not a great repsponse (early stages I know).

Our aim is to get 60 plus on the night as this will raise us some funds to cover the years senior expenses - the more the merrier so ask around your friends and family to see if they'd like a night out

It really will be a bit of fun - we've got Phil 'Bola' Jordan hosting the trivia and for those who have seen him in action previously you'll know he always puts on a great night.

We're all at home this weekend so we'll be asking around then as we'd like to go back to the Bowlo with some ideas of numbers after Saturday

Ant

World Cup at the Bowlo

Have spoken to the Bowlo manager and he's happy to stay open for the match against Bahrain tomorrow night. The kickoff is 8pm. If enough turn up by 8pm they'll show the whole game.
Perhaps we might start training about 6.15pm and go to 7.45pm.
Cheers

Midseason Manager Musings....

As I sat in the sun at Dunk Island last week one question that I have been repeatedly asked by various opposition teams kept repeating itself. "How the f**k are you blokes coming last?" I thought long and hard about this issue over numerous cocktails with umbrellas and chunks of fruit stuck on the side of them. Then out of the blue the answer hit me. Man up and go back to beer.

To the football. How to sum up our first half of the season. We have gone from a bunch of strangers to most guys able to at least recognise half of the team on a first name basis, although SteveB still struggles with the Micks and few remember what Alex looks like. Our season started with much promise with a draw against the Sweat Hogs, then the Oak Flats debacle brought us back to earth with a thud. The Makos had the rub of the green and Fernhill played smarter than us in gale force winds to record there first win in 10 years at Towradgi. IFS home and away was split with two draws, then the match I still have nightmares about, the 3 all draw with Uni, which we should have won 12-0. Old Boys and Balgownie taught us that if you bitch and moan at the ref all day you eventually wear them down and decisions go your way, and the odd hack from behind is good for the soul. The hurricane that is TH10 struck in our game against the Maroons and texts from Les and Hucky tell me we were unlucky to lose to the Makos rematch. So in blunt terms 4 draws and 7 losses and equal last on the table.

Why? Im not sure. Ive played in a lot of sporting teams over the years and have never been in one with absolutely no luck like this one. They say teams make their own luck and this is true, so time to start making this happen. A horror run with injuries hasnt helped and its time referees started giving penalties for handballs and for when the goalie kicks Doug in the back while hes on the ground. At the start of the season I thought we would win a few, lose an few and draw a few. We have the loses covered fellas, time to put a few wins on the board.

Personally I am enjoying myself no ends. Its like im 7 years old again, the feeling of anticipation every saturday knowing I will be playing the best game on earth with a great bunch of blokes who are giving their all. In the long run it doesnt matter what the outcome, we still have a beer, blast Dave Fildes for having his customary shocker and eagerly discuss the next match. Time to wrap this up, the ice pack Ive had under my hammy for the last hour has gone warm....

Latest table

The Makos were the only team of the top seven in action this weekend and their 1-0 win over the Whites took them above the Maroons and into second on goal difference.
Fernhill, who struggled for goals earlier in the season, registered a fourth victory with a 5-2 win over Uni.
Figtree fell 1-0 to IFS in the only other match played. The Hogs and Shell City face double headers over the next two weekends. The teams with one asterisk have one catch up game.

Table

Old Boys 28 *
Makos 23
Maroons 23 *
Bal Crows 19*
Russell Vale 17*
Sh*t Hogs 12**
Fernhill 12
Shell City 11**
Figtree 10
IFS 9*
Whites 4
Uni 4*

It's all about composure

Well the Maroons need something to keep them occupied this long footy free weekend and the Whites are going to be bouyant as all get out after beating the Makos, so I thought it might be time for a little friendly competition.

The task is to come up with a song for a player or a team or the club.
A few of our lads have mentioned that we could do with a club song to belt out in the rooms after a win, but there is also likely to be a need in the near future, when we start packing out St James Park, for the fans to show their appreciation to their favourite players.

When we have some entries (if we have some entries) we can have a short list and a vote and, who knows, maybe the winner can stand up and sing it nice and loud on presentation night. Or not.

Now I know that for most Australians, singing and football equates to "get 'em back the 10 ya @#$%" so for those who are a little unsure you can read here for some inspiration.



Meanwhile, I have a couple to get this party started.


"His tackling is quite naughty, he's only just turned 40, he puts on quite a party, he's hitman Har-ar-die" - To the Addams Family tune.


"Let's talk about Johnny B, let's talk about big Shakey, Jon Stanfield and Paulie E. Let's talk about Waves. Let's talk about Graeme P, let's talk about Maroon 17 let's talk all day long about our central three. Let's talk about Waves." - To Let's talk about sex.

"Dewey, Dewey! Oh! Won't you blow that whistle! Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Dewey, Dewey! Oh, won't you blow that whistle". For our ref, Mr. Ian Dewey.

"Who are the Hogs now? Cheats, cheat, cheat, cheats!"

"Who scores the goals when the time's running out and you think that you'll no longer score?
"And who scores the goals when the Burgh breathe on him and he falls like a clown to the floor?
"And who gets the goals week after week and you think it'll never end?
The answer my friend is TH10, the answer is TH10." - to Blowing in the Wind.

Good luck Whites, rest up Maroons

It appears that the Whites will get to play their match at the dry as a bone Morley Park Warilla, but the Maroons' game is OFF.
The most likely date for a rematch is Sunday, June 21, so if this is a problem for you to get to please mark it on the When I'm Away section.
Updates will appear in the shoutbox.
Cheers TH

Whites Match Update

Gents

At the moment the game is expected to be on. I've spoken to Shellharbour City Council and they currently expect to have the game on.

I'll call/text everyone in the morning IF THE GAME IS CANCELLED. If you don't hear from me then the game IS ON.

See you pitch side.

Mr 21

Whites Team News

Calling in all Whites....your team needs you!

At the moment we have following missing..

Alan, Kirk, Alex, Andy B, Dave, Mick M, Mick S, Hucky...and Trev is doubtful.

This leaves us with 12 for tomorrow. If any of the guys above can change plans to make the game let me know ASAP. If anyone I haven't mentioned is also away please let me know urgently....not sure what I'll do, but let me know anyway!

I'll update the blog and email those people I have addresses for this arvo with details on if the game is on but if you hearing nothing then assume the game is ON.

At the moment it looks like we'll all be play 90mins so bed by 8pm with no beer tonight please.

Mr 21

Coledale Raves Trivia Night

Coledale Raves trivia extravaganza is set for Saturday June 27th at Wombarra Bowlo.

The flyer has been emailed for all to RSVP their attendance.

So everyone can win on the evening, can all team members from the club bring along something up to the value of $10 or just bring a prize i.e. wine, beer or funny prizes, it can be anything............not your used Jock Strap TH!

These should be brought to our Wednesday evening training sessions, our next home game or deliver to Ant's or my house (3a Murrawal Rd, Stanwell Park)

We require these prizes, at latest by Wednesday 24th June.

And remember, its not how smart you think you are!

But how good you are at cheating!

Social Dave

The error of my ways

Please take a close look at the updated sections on the right which outline upcoming games. A couple of mistakes made earlier have now been corrected. Among these: I missed out our round 12 home games for June 13 and leapt us forward to round 13.
Also, we had the Maroons game this weekend listed as 3pm. Kick off is 1pm so please reassess your availability. At this stage we have two of 21 definitely taking a RDO and a couple more happy to. You can take the RDO by going to When I'm Away, sending me an email or letting us know via the Shoutbox.
Ian has suggested an early start to training this week to allow those with an interest the chance to get away to watch State of Origin or Masterchef. So the Maroons will start at 6pm this week. The Whites should be guided by AB12 or LC21.

Latest table

The Maroons' hopes of a minor premiership will likely rest on this weekend's game after the top two scored wins over the weekend. The leading two meet this week coming off the back of victories. The Old Boys have now gone 10 games without a loss and the Maroons' only defeat was the 5-4 result against OB at home earlier in the season.
A Maroons win would leave them two points from the summit but a loss would mean an unlikely eight points to make up on the leaders.
The Sh*t Hogs held the Makos 1-1 at home to put the Shellharbour team three points off the Maroons after dropping five of their last six points.
Russell Vale thumped Uni 7-0 to make a move on the top four, up into fifth on 17 points and remaining just two behind fourth placed Balgownie.
Figtree scored a minor upset in a 2-1 win over Shell City, a spy reporting that the match was very open and either side could have won it.
No change at the bottom with the last three and Fernhill all suffering losses.
The teams with an asterisk have a make up game on June 14.

Old Boys 28
Maroons 23
Makos 20
Bal Crows 19
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Russell Vale 17
Sh*t Hogs 12*
Shell City 11*
Figtree 10
Fernhill 9
IFS 6*
Whites 4
Uni 4*