Meeting update from Dec 14

Thanks to all who attended last night’s meeting.

Below is a summary of what went down

* Team allocations and divisions

There are 7 divisions – four open and 3 masters – 2 x35s and 1 x 40s

We have been allocated Div 1 and Div 2 O35s which means grading is a reality.

Both Div 1 and Div 2 have a space in the draw and there is an opportunity to perhaps recruit a few more players, trim back the squad lists from the usual 20 or so and enter three teams. We had 44 players involved last season and so far I’ve heard of THREE who don’t wish to play.

The reality is that the Maroons and Whites have been split and an A team will be chosen from the two squads. I’ve already had one player decide not to return based on that – if there are others who don’t wish to play please let me know as soon as you can so we can make a judgement on whether we nominate a third team.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining the club please have them contact me asap.

* Preseason competition

There is always a preseason comp, we haven’t entered previously because it has just mixed in all teams from all divisions. This year they will have a separate mini comp for the masters teams.  This takes the form of two weekends in preseason 2 x 40m games each weekend. We will nominate one or two teams.

* Competition dates

Preseason Feb 25 and March 3.

Season starts  March 24, ends Aug 18. Finals from Sep1-15.

* Fees and Rego

They have not been set by FSC yet. They are flagging an increase but at this stage we will hold ours at $220 – this includes a $20 fundraising fee. A reminder that the fees pay for ground hire of 1500 per season, refs/linesmen fees of $1100, equipment and lights at training etc.

 We will have more details on how and when to pay and the registration process soon. The plan is for everyone to be paid up  by Jan 31 – the date of the next FSC meeting – and to complete rego forms soon after that.

* Grading process

A five man panel was elected – two each from the previous Whites – les and AB - and Maroons – Ant and Paul - and me as club president. The grading process was discussed with all present having a say in their preferred options. More information will follow ion this soon.

* Kit

As shirts will need to be redistributed please give to me or Vinny asap. You can put them in my mailbox at 547 LHD if this suits.

Voting

Well, no voting was required but we have emerged with a committee that looks like this

President/ Sec: TH

Treasurer: Keith

Registrar: Fergus

Social/ fundraising director Dan

Gear steward: Vinny assisted by Shane with lines etc

Grading officials: as above

Cheers

TH

MEETING TONIGHT WED 14 DEC

Hi all a reminder that we will have a meeting tonight (WED Dec 14) at the Scarborough Wombarra surf club, Monash Street

Beer will be served!

The meeting will be held at 7.45pm, following the conclusion of the Wednesday night kick around, so please make it if you can regardless of your participation in the kickaround. It is for current players and those interested in joining the club. If you have a playing shirt from last season please bring along as these will need to be audited and redistributed. If you aren’t coming please arrange to drop the shirt to me at 547 LHD asap.

As well as being an information night about pre-season and next season we will also be electing a committee to run the seniors.

I have already received nominations for certain roles but will be happy to accept any more on the night or beforehand if you are not available tomorrow.

The positions we want to fill are as follows

President/ secretary

Treasurer

Registrar

Social/ fundraising director

Gear steward

Grading officials x 4 (two each from 2011 whites and maroons plus club president to form a grading panel)

Voting will be open to all players who have played for Coledale seniors either in 2011 or previously who are returning in 2012.

The grading officials will determine how best to arrive at teams for 2012 to play in the Div 1 and Div 2 over 35s competitions.

Please feel free top raise any issues during the evening.

AGENDA

1 An update on business from the FSC meeting on Tuesday Dec 13, including

Team allocations and divisions

Preseason competition

Competition dates

Fees

Registrations

2 A report from the grading subcommittee of Ant, TH, Les and AB

3 Voting for a new committee

See you there

  

Updated Update: Senior club meeting 7.30pm Wed Dec 14 JAO

Hi all

Football South Coast will have a meeting next Tuesday Dec 13 where we will receive confirmation of divisions etc for next season. I have been unoffically informed today that there will be 2x O35s divisions and an O40s division. It has been suggested that we should expect a team in div 1 and div 2 of the O35s.

I would like to call a meeting of all team members for Wednesday evening, Dec 14 7.30pm at Jim Allen Oval. We will do this after the usual 6pm Wednesday kickaround. Hopefully those who find the kickaround too early because of work commitments can make it down for an hour from 7.30pm.

At this meeting I’ll update you on news from the Tuesday meeting. I would like to hear any feedback anyone has on the club’s progress next season, grading, registration, anything. Please feel free to speak your mind on any aspect of the seniors.

Following that meeting we’ll come up with a plan on how to proceed.

Update

Hi all

Here’s an update on the seniors…

1. If you know you are not coming back please let me know (if you haven’t already).

2. Help: I’m looking for assistance in several areas next season and want to hear from some volunteers. Thanks to Fergus who has put his hand up to be registrar. He will be responsible for making sure all your paper work etc is sorted, setting a date for rego etc.

The other pressing position I need filled is that of senior’s treasurer. That will involve collecting and banking the money, and/or helping set up a Bpay service for registrations, and ensuring our outgoing fees are paid up. This includes our home ref fees in cash and commitments to Football South Coast.

I’ve done most of this stuff for a few years now and could do with a hand. I’m more than happy to help out and advise this coming season with a view to the jobs being taken over fulltime the year after.

I’d like to hear from someone to help with fund raising/ social planning as well. There will also be some spots open for a possible grading panel. If you have an interest in being involved in that process please let me know as well…

3. teams: Nominations will go in to FSC in the next week or so. Whether we grade or not will likely depend on what divisions are available – that is if our two teams are in different or same division. This will remain a decision of the grading steering committee of myself, Ant, Les and AB and will be made closer to the start of the season.

4. team blog. Next season we will drop the blogger site and move to a team management system at teamer.net This is easier to get the message out and to keep track of who is in and out each week. It has a blog section as well for chat. I’ll let you know when that happens but probably will be after registration.

5. Sunday kick arounds are now on each week and the guys there this week were talking about starting up on Wednesday evenings again soon as well. If you can make Wednesdays and are keen to have a run that evening please let everyone know in the shout box on the blog

Final tables

Division 4
Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points
Port Pumas Massive	22	16	4	2	52
Oak Flats	22	16	3	3	51
Uni Brewers	22	13	5	4	44
Puckamia Bay Dugongs	22	12	4	6	40
Jamberoo Jets	22	12	3	7	39
Warrawong Wizards	22	10	3	9	33
Sandon Point Utd	22	10	2	10	32
South Coast Utd	22	9	5	8	32
Razorbacks FC	22	6	4	12	22
Coledale Waves White	22	4	4	14	16
Albion Park Cows	22	3	1	18	10
Unanderra Silver Foxes	22	2	0	20	6
Over 35's
Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points
South Coast Utd	22	18	3	1	57
Bulli	22	15	0	7	45
Shellharbour City Falcons	22	13	4	5	43
Russell Vale FC	22	13	3	6	42
Shellharbour Makos	22	12	2	8	38
Fernhill Foxes	22	12	2	8	38
Figtree Giants	22	11	3	8	36
IFS Utd	22	9	2	11	29
Coledale Waves Maroon	22	8	0	14	24
Jamberoo Redbacks	22	4	2	16	14
Old Boys FC	22	4	1	17	13
Uni Rhinos	22	2	0	20	6

POTY etc

Hi all

We are fast approaching the end of the season and will celebrate the finish at the Wombarra bowlo from 5pm or a bit before on Sat 27^th. All family members invited of course with food available.

We will be handing out the awards on this evening and now is time to vote for them.

To vote please fill in the options below and email back to BOTH tonyharper@bigpond.com.au and  lescoleman@deloitte.com.au . You may wish to wait until after this weekend’s round but all votes must be received by Thursday AM next week.

1. The player of the year in your team. Vote on a 3-2-1 basis with 3 being the best player. The vote is to cover the season. (Ian can vote for both teams)

3 points:

2 points:

1 point:

2. The best player from the other team.

vote 1 only:

3: The best goal of the year

Vote 1 only:

4: The worst miss of the year

Vote 1 only:

5: The dummy spit of the year

Vote 1 only:

6: The rookie of the year in your team. Vote on a 3-2-1 basis as above. A rookie is a new player this year.

3 points:

2 points:

1point:

7: (Whites only). The biggest beer duty fiasco.

8: Best game of the year.

Vote 1 only:

We are also happy to hear any nominations for special “awards” to be announced on the night. Be creative.

Golden Boot will be continued through the final round. Can both teams nominate their leading scorer. I think Maroons is Shaky, how many goals is that?

End of Season P*** Up

after the last game on 27th August, the end of season celebrations will kick off at the Wombarra Bowlo about 6/630 with the POTY and golden boot gongs being handed out around 7ish.

Due to the appalling voting for POTY from both teams, it has been decided that each player can do an overall 3-2-1 in the last week for the whole season. For the Maroons email Tony with your choices, for the Whites, email AB. Please have your votes in by noon friday, 26th.

cheers
AB

farewell to a legend

Hi all

Both teams are invited to gather this Saturday night post match to farewell Andres, who is heading home to Colombia, at least for the rest of the season.

The gathering is at the Bowlo from about 7.30pm. Sportingbet are sure to react by making Coledale teams rank outsiders for theri Sunday make up games.

Fantasy League

Hey there
How to keep the competitive juices flowing through the off season and into next? Join the Coledale Waves league in EPL fantasy football. It's what the cool kids are chatting about during those early sunday morning kickarounds.
In a nutshell- pick a team and score points based on their performances each EPL game. Transfer out the bums, bring in the hot stars. Try to beat fergus and gary.

Anyway, start by going here

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/

Follow the rules, pick a team post a question here if u don't understand it and when you have your side together join the league. This is done by clicking the leagues tab and then join a league. The Coledale Waves league code to enter is

7883-4926

Good luck

Whites making late dash for wooden spoon

match reports back due to popular demand (well Kirk asked).

the Whites arent setting the world on fire. Since the Point massacre its been a stalemate with the Razorbacks, a 1-0 loss to Uni, followed by an outrageous 7-3 pumping from the last places Foxes. Down 6-1 at halftime, but the ball was only in our half 3 times. Strange.

Yesterday saw the roadtrip to Jamberoo, which started at 15 players at 8am but was reduced to 11 by 10 minutes into the game. Andres social life forced him out, GG didnt show up, Mark's achilles went again and Doug, courageous Doug, done his hammy again in the warm up, so started on the bench on the proviso to play but "not kick the ball". Strange way to play football, but whats he do when he gets on? Takes a free kick then walks off.

Jamberoo scored after 5 mins with their ex-premier league striker scorching onto a through ball and calmy tapping around Dennis. Crap, here we go again, I thought, remembering our previous 5-0 outing against these guys, with this bloke scoring 4. Jono then became Maximus and decided "thou shall not pass me again, even if I have to foul thee". By god he was as good as his word and superstar striker didnt go anywhere without the 5'4'' central defender in his pocket. Or under him after taking his legs out.

Meanwhile Al and the worlds oldest left winger Kirky where being traumatised by what looked like superstars younger (and faster) brother down the right flank. Inbetween garden building I'm sure Al will be seeing this blokes face in his coffee this week. Somehow we kept it to 1-0 at the interval. I cant remember any of our chances causing their goalie much concern.

Onto the second half. We kept plugging away, with Hucky playing his best match ever at right back and Rocket patrolling the middle like a hedgehog. Keith, SteveB and Slugger kept working down the right, hoping AB would stay on the left out of the way, and Kirk kept covering Al. Fraser showed he is still improving every match with a fine performance in centre defence.

Jamberoo then decided that we werent much of a threat and sent their reserves to the pub. On the 65 minute mark they created a sweeping move that started at left back, passed through 8 sets of feet and was finished by the right winger with a blistering 25m shot across Dennis. Could only stand and applaud.

They got another soon after, wasnt memorable so dont remember it. 3-0 down the Whites get their best chance. A clearance from Dennis is sublimely touched on by SteveB. AB gets to the ball before their sweeper, turns him inside out then offloads to big Steve who drills it from the right side of the box. Keeper pulls off a fine save, parries towards Keith who overuns it, AB follows up and blasts 15m over the cross bar from 5m out.

Slugger has one last 40m speccy, Ref "I dont walk out of the middle circle" blows fulltime, and the Whites are still winless for 11 matches. 6 games to go, pretty much against the top 6 teams. Happy days!

A few positives. Hucky might find himself at right back permanently, Keith ran the last of his non-cigarette induced emphysema out, we all got to play 90 mins, and the beer was cold.

Sandon Point 7 ( I think) Whites 2

Dont laugh but for 60 minutes this match could of went either way. Then injuries, tiredness, overseas holidays, absentees, visiting relatives, touchies watching the surf and not the game, lunch appointments, double headers and whooping cough all took its toll and we got swamped.
Starting with 13, reduced to 12 with goalie Dougie pulling a hammy getting the ball out of the net, fourth string goalie Hucky was called into action. Sandon Pt were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Diddy Roberts potty mouth got him a red. Shame the ref didnt hear some of the other expletives and forced them to play with 8 for the last 30, then it would have been interesting.
With Sandon Pt goals 2 and 3 having strong hints of offisde, the Whites pegged one back before halftime with a sweetly struck SteveH drive. Andres had a golden opportunity from the kick off to start the second half but cushioned the ball into the goalies mitts from 50cm. SteveH was then cruelly brought down in the box. Squirrel steps up and converts the penalty, keeping his record of only scoring from the spot in tact. 3-2 with half hour left, the Whites pressed hard. The Point score on the break, and thats it. Last 30 is a white-out as younger legs and 5 fresh reserves turn it into a rout.
Some positives though. SteveH showed again he is a better striker than a midfielder and plays better when injured. AB proved he is not very good at either position with a tepid performance at left midfiled. Squirrel, Andres, Rod, Al and Mark all played the full ninety, mammoth efforts. Looking forward to the rematch at home, hopefully with a stronger squad, could be interesting.
Without a win since May7, the Whites have fallen from finals calculations in spectacular style by the midpoint of the season. Heres hoping for a strong second half of the season.

Whites 0 Razorbacks 0

Lucky to get away with this one. Lets move on.

Double headers

The Whites first double header weekend is this week, with saturday at home and Sunday away to catch up round 11.

Both teams will travel to warilla for a make up on Sunday July 10 following last weekend's wash out.

Weekend update

Neither Whites match or the Maroons match will be played this weekend. These are postponed and to be made up at a later date.
While some senior games might go ahead elsewhere Morley Park is shut.

All junior matches are off for Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy the weekend.

TH10

Dugongs 3 Whites 0

The whites kept up their tradition of not winning any matches in the middle of the season with a resounding 3-0 loss to a strong Dugongs outfit.
On an afternoon where the rub of the green didnt go the Whites way, two penalties within 10 minutes halfway through the first half sealed our fate. With the Dugong players needing to score during the season to be eligible for the end of season team trip, the referee guaranteed another 2 on the bus with two soft decisions against jono and handball.
On a lighter note, while doing my best to keep up with the play deep in the second half, a much younger and leaner dugong trots up beside me and says "time to get out of second gear" and leaves me eating mud. Gotta love playing open age!
Weather permitting a double header next week.

URGENT: Whites time and venue change

Hi Whites.

Your game against the Dugongs tomorrow is now on at 3pm at Beaton park - Gipps Street Gwynneville.

The Maroons are playing on the same ground at 1pm.

Looking ahead...

Hi all

We're not quite at the halfway stage of the season but already there seems to be a bit of behind the scenes chatter about what comes next in 2012.
 
There are a few new guys at the club as well, and so perhaps this is a good time to revisit the subject of next season, and the team makeup etc.

I have posted it here so you can get on and comment, preferably as yourself but we've never knocked back anonymous rants or statements from the alleged Hog 10. So whatever works for you, go ahead and have your say.

Obviously most of the finer details of next season must wait for another day - closer to December when we need to nominate for teams. We will wait until an end of season review to announce how grading is to work, what our aims should be with the 2-3 teams we might nominate. Both current teams will be represented in this process. The leagues played by those teams is yet to be decided and might depend on younger recruits.




While grading will not suit everyone, it was determined to follow that path by myself and three other club leaders - two from each team in total. The commitment was taken with the greater good of the club in mind with a view to build something beyond the life span of the two sets of players currently staggering around, and to provide an avenue for the club's juniors to play social senior football. In short to develop a club, rather than an outlet for two different sets of mates.

To be clear, Coledale will nominate a minimum two teams to play for it next season - one an A and one a B team and possibly a C team. A grading process will take place and all current registered players will be given first option on a position in one of the two teams and a time to accept by.
Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions or comments on this.

Cheers

TH10

Write when we're winning...we only write when we're winning

Maroons hold out against 9 men!
Jamberoo 1 Maroons 2

Yep, you read it right, we bravely held on against the 9 men of Jamberoo!
It didn't start that way mind, the Maroons (strengthened by the absence of TH10 :-]) started off against a full compliment of Jamberoo players. We actually played well (it's true I kid you not), knocking the ball about and playing with an unaccustomed assuredness (is that a word?).

Eventually this led to the Maroons taking the lead, albeit the goal being the result of a hideously sliced shot off their defender. Not long after it was two Dan(?) slotting home after a nice move. The team was playing with confidence and it should have been three as the ball landed to an unmarked Maroons player at the far post. Unfortunately the player in question wasn't Harry Redknapp's missus, Sandra, and the ball was lashed against the Jamberoo crossbar. I'm guessing his earlier booking by an over zealous referee had affected his composure :) As an aside, the booking was for firstly, daring to (politely) question his decision to award a goal kick and secondly, for leaving the ball where it was near the corner flag instead of kicking it back to the keeper.

Not long after that, instead of being 3-0 up, a mistake at the back - as a through ball was allowed to bounce - and Jamberoo were back in at at 2-1. Jamberoo possibly finished the half better but overall couldn't complain about being behind.

Into the second half, Vinny brings down their man from behind and is promptly grabbed round the neck by a Jamberoo player half his size (go figure). The net result, a second Maroon booking (this time for Vinny) and a red card for the Jamberoo midget.

With the spare man the Maroons looked to take advantage, instead it was a Jamberoo side, spurred on by their chagrin at the inefficient referee, who looked the more dangerous. Some last ditch defending, particularly by Graeme and Vinny (both clearing goal bound attempts) kept Jamberoo at bay.

Shortly after, a Jamberoo player put his shot wide, cursed loudly about his effort (quite frankly I'm amazed he didn't shout "oh golly gosh, I've put my shot wide, what a complete buffoon I am" rather than a four letter expletive beginning with 'F'). As he saw the ref reaching for his card, he commented "oh **** off", in a gesture that was undoubtedly one of disbelief at the impending booking. That second comment saw the yellow card turn to a red one.

With Jamberoo now down to 9 men the Maroons took complete dominance of the game. Well ok, a corner was forced, but aside of that, it seemed as if with every player that got sent off Jamberoo got better! By the end I think it was a relieved maroons side that saw the wooden spoon look a bit less likely.

A game that was never dirty had two yellow and two red cards. Mark Clattenburg eat your heart out, you have some way to go to be that bad!

New website

Hi all

The Football South Coast website is now up and running here
http://www.footballsouthcoast.com/

You can click on men's and follow through to amateurs and then your relevent division to get all fixtures, results and tables. If you have a junior player, theri draw is accessible from the same home page.

and from FSC

A statement from FSC today

Hi all

So far this season there have been a lot of red cards which is unacceptable.

As most already know the suspensions are severe.

Most of these red cards have been for abusive language towards the referees.

This will not be tolerated and team coaches/managers need to remind their players that harsh penalties will be handed out and further penalties such as deregistration can occur.

Referees can make mistakes as players do so show them some respect and stop the abuse.

You have been warned.

From the refs

Dear all
Please ignore the dreadful spelling and grammar (refs, they really haven't got an effing clue) and try to have a read of this directive from the head of the amateur refs boss. Ian wished for it to be passed on. Seems he is also taking some heat after being audited for not producing a couple of cards in recent games, so be prepared for a more strict attitude in the coming weeks.



Attention Referees

It has come to my attension that over the past 2 months since the commencement of the competition that there has been an increase of disturbing offenses and violent conducts on and off the feild. As you know in the 2010 season the focus was to cut down and irradicate offensive language. A dramatic decline in offenses and improvemnt to standards was reached, but unfortunatly 2011 season has shown no signs of continuation and sustainment what was atcheived last year.

From reports filled to me by association commitee members AND also witnessing a number of issues personally on my visits around the grounds inspecting other referees i feel a larger part of the blame is there is an inconsistancy of Yellow and Red card being delt to genuine blatent offenders. Whether its LEANIANCY or PLAIN LAZY to fill out forms has brought us to the decision to apply a ZERO TOLERANCE directive to all Amateur Referees.

Gentalmen it is very simple- if it is a red card offence regardless what degree/severity the offence was IT IS A RED CARD, not a yellow or a simple WORD WARNING. If you are conducting in this manner it is to cease immediatly.
Yellow cards are issued to fouls that are intentionally commited or have intentianally ATTEMPTED to commit a foul.
The cards you hold are one of a number of TOOLS you use in a culmination of techniques used in seeing out a game to restore order in the best interest of the game and its players.

A voilent conduct for eg. is not only when someone is punched its as simple as a shove.
an offensive or abusive language or gesture is not only when someone swearing or offensive hand gesture its as simple as saying for eg; "You got no idea ref" or "get some glasses are you blind" or "you gotto be stupid not to give that". I hope everybody can get the picture from where im going from.
Yes i do acknowledge that everyone is different in the perseption of being offended but for what i have seen and heard myself said to referees especially, was 10x worse and should be without excuse delt correctly so dont think just because his punch did not connect he does not get a red card.

Finally we have no option to also apply that any referees failing to adopt the ZERO TOLERENCE directive will be forwarded to the ISRA RDC for reveiw and will not be rostered untill authorised approval from the Referees Disaplinary Commitee is received.

It is very disturbing to me and im sure to other fellow Referees that the failure of a UNIFORM direction/standards have and will continue to deture referees from the game.

Last of all without disclosure i strongly encourage a fellow member to reconcider his deicition to resign, whether its immediately or after a break and to also realise that not one member is alone and that they have the full support of its members and associated commitee bodies .

Regards
Mustafa ATAK
ISRA Referees Co Ordinator (AMATEURS)

Pumas 3 Whites 2

The Whites deserved at least a point from this, especially after leading 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. Credit to Port, they are a class team riddled with ex-premier league players and when you create as many chances as they do you wont lose many.
After enduring 15 minutes of puma attack at the start the Whites drew first blood with a nice turn and chip from AB to open the scoring. The pumas then had a penalty awarded when the ball hits Al on the elbow in a box skirmish. After consulting the touchie, whos answer was " yeah hand ball, clear as mud" while wearing his Port Kembla cap, Dennis pulls off the save of the year. Shame the touchie wasnt so clear on the offside rule. Weight of possession told and the pumas returned to parity just before the break.
The second half saw the Whites midfield start to dominate and the goal of the match from Steve Higson soon followed. With Jono winning the ball and pushing it left, nice lead up from Kirky lead to big Steve breaking down the wing and his cross met emphatically by SteveH who buries it. 2-1 up, can we hold on?
No we cant. The fastest puma striker scores in bizarre fashion with the ref decides that deliberately leaving the ball to shoulder charge the defender is fine and played the advantage to Port! One of many baffling decisions. Our blokes had practically stopped when the ball is slotted past Dennis. 2-2.
I didnt see the 3rd pumas goal because I was off getting a drink. To their credit Coledale attacked to the end, and went close on several occasions, SteveH's corner hit the post in the dying minutes the most agonising. Shame not to get anything out of this game, but it was a huge improvement from the Jamberoo debacle the week before.
To any non Coledale players reading this, of course there is a huge home blog bias in this match report.

whites 2 unanderra 1

very brief match report.

• goals by squirrel coleman and AB


• 12 missed chances


• andres nearly broke his duck


• goalie glenn has dyed his hair


• huckys rich goal scoring form cruelly cut short by injury


• handball describes one goal "as slow as an old man counting his food coupons"


• 3 whites rostered off show up for beers

the end.

What was in the Mars Bar slice?

Saturdays match against the Razorbacks had a little something for everyone. Eight goals some outrageous, the worlds shortest goalie, the referee sending himself off for 5 minutes, squally showers and the most unexpected of all.....Huckys first goal!

Playing on a ground in an part of the Illawarra that looks like it should be quarantined, the Whites created another little piece of history with its 3rd straight victory. With the SAC (South American connection) calling the shots in the midfield and AB playing a provider role behind the main striker (thats my excuse for not scoring) the Whites raced to a 4-0 lead at halftime. With speculation of his striker position becoming untenable after such a barren run, Huckys 2m toe-poke in the right corner to open the scoring after 15 minutes should silence the critics for another 3 years. Manny doubled the lead soon after when a cross deflected from a Razorback head and past the diving goalie, all 4'9" of him. Then the two Steves had a competition who could chip the goalie from the most acute angle. Higson first with his now trademark 30m speccie from the right touch line, then Bynon with an equally arrogant floater from about the same place.

Halftime talk in the Whites camp was of a second successive clean sheet, playing 3 at the back to attack more, blah blah.....which all went pear shaped after the hosts came out firing and pulled 3 goals back in 15 minutes. Reliable sources (the missus)inform me a Razorback WAG supplied mars bar slice to the team as a halftime energy source, and boy did it work. Definitely up for WAG of the week. With their skinny Wayne Rooney looky-likey captain and right back playing like men possessed, plus a little fatigue from the Whites, the match was in the balance at 4-3 when the ref decided he had enough abuse from the crowd for the day and walked off. Luckily the diplomatic skills of elder statesmen Trev coaxed him back from the change room and the match resumed.

This break seemed to do the Whites the world of good, with us taking control of the match from here on. With the help of Manny's second after some great lead up work from "brother" Andres the match was ours. They are almost like the Waugh twins such is the unspoken understanding between the two. Or better, as Steve always used to run out Mark, the most stylish batsmen of his generation.

So our third victory puts us in the top 4 for the first time ever. Time will tell if we are good enough to make the finals. Next week will hopefully see the return of everyones favourite fleet footed 59 year old winger, Kirky Seddon from his UK sabbatical. Another win would be good, another Hucky goal even better!

Maroons, looked like Dudley Moore to Shellharbour's Bo Derek

The Maroons started with 10 and Shellharbour finished with 10. Unfortunately ours were players and theírs were goals. Any positives? Well it might have been 16 if Shellharbour hadn't been so wasteful, hitting the bar, blazing over from five yards, shooting narrowly wide a few times. We were 4-0 down inside 15 minutes, by which time we had the only 11 players we were to have all day in place. The other team was slick, hard had reinforcements and ran us stupid. They got two penalties (in Hack down Vinnie the Maroons now have an answer to Handball Dave)  and scored some fine goals, many from outside the area high into the net. We scored the last goal of the game - Ben's first for the club and reward for being about our only player able to live up to Shellharbour's pace. Tellingly it was our only shot on target, the same number as the Shellharbour goalie had himself, having converted a first half penalty for 5-0. On a day of records - the worst ever defeat by a Coledale senior team - this was the worst moment. Not even half time and the other team and their supporters laughing at us as their 80 year old keeper hobbled forward to score from the spot. Next week, the Makos with hopefully more than 11 players.

Figtree 5, Maroons 2

The Maroons are a half decent side. That half is usually the first and from there, well we have to work out what's going wrong quickly or it's going to be a tough old season. We've been in the contest in all four games at the break, but have lost three from four.
We were outplayed on the ground but did enough against Figtree in the first period, going behind after half an hour to a penalty. Ant's first of two goals followed some excellent lead up play and Gary J narrowly missed two chances, one edging across the goal face and the second clipped agonisingly against the far post in the final minute of the half. Trev also had a one on one with the keeper he might have stuck in and Phil L wafted a chip just wide. Anyway, on balance the 1-1 was fair but we ended the half the stronger. The most annoying part was the ridiculous moaning and whining and arguing between the Figtree No. 10 and No.6 - seriously boys why not just go out the back and sort it out once and for effing all?
The second half started in a blur - they were tearing us apart at will down both flanks and somehow missed two of the easiest chances of any match.
We made a couple of substitutions to shore things up but within minutes the hosts were 3-1 up.
Ant scored a cracker for 3-2 with 20 to play and Gary J was brought down in the box without getting the decision - Paul E got the first yellow of the season in the aftermath.
That was about it though, as we finished with the bare 11, a few of them really struggling with injuries. Figtree scored a couple more which had one good effect - numbers 10 and 6 finally shut the eff up.

Cows 0 Whites 2

The easter squirrel came early for the whites with a workman like victory yesterday. With slugger a late withdrawal due to coming off second best with a lawnmower, the remaining whites dug deep, took their limited opportunities and ground out a confidence lifting 2-0 victory.

A characteristically slow start saw the cows camped in the whites half for the first 20 minutes and winning 9 consecutive corners. Uncharacteristic solid defence kept the cows at bay, then on the first movement into the oppositions half SteveB chased a awkward through ball and blasted it past the keeper. That buggered them!

As the half went the sharp midfield passing the Whites are getting a reputation for got going and started to feed the front two. The linesmen was kept on their toes and made some dodgy offside calls against the whites. Just before halftime a pinpoint Andres corner found an unmarked SteveB head who converted from 2 metres. Maybe the Cows defence was distracted by AB and Keith asking about their demolition last week by the Massive because no-one marked up!

The second half started with the Cows blowing a good chance in the first 15 seconds, then the Whites defence giving a master class in blotting out the opposition. Doug and Mark were eased in after injury lay-offs by playing the whole 90. With Handball calling the shots in perfect English strine and big Al rock solid the Cows had no answer. Manny came off second best running into a 15 stone Cow and Steve Higson ran hard all day, even when asked to play right back.

So with the return of all the easter holidayers and hopefully some from injury next match it should be interesting to see how they go.

Whites 9 Oak Flats 1

" Is this a misprint?" Slugger asks when texted the score. I understand his apprehension, considering after the first 2 games I didnt think the Whites would score 9 all year. After being on the opposite side of scores like this in our first year, the 9-1 mauling of Oak Flats was historical in many ways. Most goals scored, biggest winning margin, first hat-trick by a White and first time Al played a whole half. Definitely a game of 2 halves. Oak Flats seemed to be right in it till just before halftime when a stunning cross from big Steve found Mannys head to give us a 2-1 lead. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the 10 man opposition, like what happened to us against Russell Vale 2 years before. Three goals in 10 minutes after the break put it beyond doubt, then it was a competition to see who could get their name on the scoresheet. AB poached a treble, thanks to the unselfish play of Keith, Big Steve and the Oak Flats goalie. Big Steve and Simon both got doubles, then Squirrel completely hogged it and strode through down the left side to tap in. With this done it was then a game of "lets get Hucky and Andres on the board". Alas to no avail, both still yet to open their accounts for the Whites. Special mention to Trev Deeming, playing a cracking match in the centre of defence and keeping the oak flats whippet in check. Age defying. And Jono, trying all second half to creep up the front, then 11 players and 9 maroons standing on the sideline telling him to bugger off back to the defence. We have long memories of your striking ability Jono. Dennis with his quietest game ever could actually walk off the field without limping and Fras with the run of the day down the right and cross for Simons first goal. "Attacking fullback" comes to mind. On the road next week for the easter trip to Albion Park. Hopefully will have 11.

New boys on target for Maroons

"You are a genius in the transfer market, TH10".That's what TH10 imagined Fergus was muttering at him during a 3-1 win over Uni on Saturday. And for good reason. With mass changes at the Maroons, all four goals (fernando 2, Vinnie 1 and Gav 1) have come from new players this season. TH10 should have added four of his own on Saturday, so perhaps Fergus was muttering about that. And for good reason. But, dwelling on the positives, the Maroons too started with 13 players, grew with the addition of AB playing up as a guest (he laid on the opener for Fernando) and then ended with 12. Some exhausted players made hard work of closing out the game.
It was 2-0 at halftime as Gav added to Fernando's strike but Uni scored with pretty much their only shot, a long range beauty that gave Goalie guest Kev not a chance. There was a brief tremble but the defence got tough and Vinne made sure of the result with ten minutes to play - thumping a scorcher high into the net from near the edge of the box. It's great to get off the mark ("how would you know, TH10" muttered Fergus.

Whites 1 Dugongs 1

The whites got their first points of the season, equalising through Manny's stunning first goal of his Coledale career and holding on with tiring legs. Starting with 14, finishing with 12, the Whites are taking a while used to the faster pace of open age and younger opposition. As is the norm the Whites are creating plenty of chances but are struggling to put the ball in the oppositions net. With ginger squirrel the new partner for AB up front, the whites started brightly and pushing the ball wide looked the most dangerous. AB hit the cross bar with a right foot snap from 25m out and he also should have scored from a Rocket dead ball classic but it hit the wrong side of his 50c shaped head. Squirrel, Slugger and Keith all tried their luck, and the back 4 looked solid. Simon chased everything, Al kept kicking the ball out as he tried to push the left touchline and Handball showed his characteristic calmness at the back. Nil all at halftime, Dougie succumbed to his dicky thigh and Rocket trotted off for another rendevous with his new squeeze to put us back to one reserve. This seemed to make the Dugong boys happy, who seemed jealous of our vast wealth of subs. Just after the break the whites went behind to a goal from the dugongs first half keeper, who playing up front displayed lightning speed to spring the offside trap and roll one past Dennis, as Jono tried to boot it out and almost took Dennis's head off. Perservering the equaliser came through a piece of individual brillance from the newest Whites south (or central? not sure) american. Collecting the ball in the middle circle, Manny beat 3 defenders with a mix of foot,head,chest and bottom to reach the box and chip the keeper. Outstanding.

Whites 0 Warrawong Wizards 1

The Whites kicked off their 2011 campaign in the open age fourth (thats fourth) division with a loss to a team of 17 year olds, god bless their little cotton socks. One thing is painfully clear again, the Whites couldnt score if they where at " A Touch of Class" in Randwick with a handfull of hundred dollar notes and Dennis Felgates gold amex card. Highlights of the afternoon

• a wizard defender asking " Why is the ref sledging us?"


• Kirk telling his opponent " Eh what, your young enough to be my grandson"


• Squirrel's X rated description to Slugger of where he should be on the field after watching Fernando score for the maroons. Lets hope the Mrs is a team player Mike!


• SteveB and Hucky blaming AB for the Whites not making the semis last year, by failing to score every match.


• GG might have taken over the pugilist role from Mike Charles.


• Doug pulling cans of KB from god knows where.


• Glen Cahill showing up on time, shame hes not playing this year.

Next week the Puckamia Bay Dugongs. Yep Im as intrigued as you are.