The various shapes, sizes and longevities of the RJ's did not shock the Boomers as they dressed and warmed up, but it was the arrival of a referee that caused the most shock. For several of the players, the idea of rolling subs and the chance to get a breather (or a beer and a yarn) on the sideline had been planned on. The referee demanded that only three subs be used, and as a result, Messrs. Clark, Beavis, and Candy are now made to wait for their glorious debuts. To heal their wounds, the three discards began drinking.
Captain Strafford pointed out playing the easy ball as well as standing strong as key focus points in his riveting pre-match team talk. Other leaders, such as Bruce Wetherhill and Jacob McSweeny gave words of confidence to the lesser experienced players.
The game began and the Boomers were eager to dominate early proceedings and did so with Strafford, Wetherhill and Zak Meyers all linking up well in the middle of the park. Kris Shannon at right back and Ollie Carr further up on the right were providing good service to the Boomers big boys up front.
Blaine Abraham and Dave Williams were proving too strong for the RJ's centre backs and causing many a headache with their aerial victories and timely layoffs to Meyers and Carr.
After a Boomers corner wasn't cleared, and the ball fell to Abraham a half-volley-swat from the burly forward took a deflection and found its way into the back of the net. Despite one of the worst football celebrations every seen, the Boomers were ecstatic at the confirmation that they would be more than competitive at this level.
The game slowly became more and more physical with Meyers being constantly fouled whenever he received the ball. I imagine something similar would happen if Meyers were to end up in prison. The exotic Indian import Vikram Jayawant began having an impact and proving a solid combination with left back McSweeny as both players began to intertwine down the left. The RJ's left winger, Upper Hutt's chubby Arjen Robben had a brief glimpse of glory as he scooted around McSweeny (much to the enjoyment of the Boomers bench) but his cross only managed to scare some of Upper Hutts local vampires hiding in the bushes.
After some good one touch football between Meyers and Dave Williams, Williams was put through with a one-on-one which he calmly slotted home to make the score 2-0.
At half time the Boomers were happy with how things were going and looked to make three changes just after the break.
At the 50 minute mark, Raiko Shareef came on for Shannon, Austin Burgess for Abraham, and John 'the huss' Mortimer came on for Jayawant.
It was a half of frustration for the Boomers as they struggled to maintain possession and take chances with Burgess, Williams and Mortimor all guilty of not troubling the keeper with very good chances.
The RJ's were kept at bay due to the heroic efforts of Jesse Halford and Bruce Wetherhill at the back. James Bascand was rarely tested in this game and will look for a bit more action next time.
The midfield battle was raged between the two captains, but Strafford seemingly came out on top putting on a strong, passionate and determined display to lead his side to glory. A deserved win, but the Boomers will feel they should have sealed the game earlier and with a bigger score.
Jesse Halford was named man of the match.
Please go to this link as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
A classic match report. Are you Wolstenholme in disguise? are you Wolstenholme in disguise?
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