The long wait had come to an end. The season opener loomed and the newly formed Tarragindi Tigers Div 6 eagerly arrived at the hallowed turf of the 'H' early on Saturday 24 March 2007. The field of dreams looked awesome. The grass was like glass. It was so burnt that you couldn't see the line markings and when you spent anytime on the ground the straw like grass did some damage to the bear skin that came into contact with it.
The field was dressed, almost to the satisfaction of the squad of officials that were adjudicating on the day. Some well placed tape by Mrs Ranger and a little ingenuity from the Ranger himself ensured that the game would take place.
The team gathered before their new captain, McStar. McStar had been on a shopping spree and had secured the necessary equipment to look the part. He had knee padding, hip protection and a new coloured coordinated goalkeepers uniform that stirred even the straightest man. He was particularly proud of the "graphite" reinforcement that rested in the newly purchased keeper gloves. He reassured everyone that when he punched it would hurt. And he meant whoever came in contact with the gloves. The warning was delivered.
The club, who have contributed so much to the team so far this year, ensured that the jerseys that were supplied were appropriate for the elite athletes that were about to take the field. I want you to imagine Harry Kewell in Darren Lokyers' rugby league jersey. It was a sight to see and rather off putting for the opposition. In particular I enjoyed being approached by Clean with his mid rift showing and his guns on display asking "hey Wilson do you have a larger shirt?"
Officiating was Perry (Mansfield), Robert (Rosalie old boy) and a young talent under the tutelage of the bikie. Who said we would not get any official;s?
The team was bolstered by the appearance of Bresiano.
Now the team had done all of the essentials before game one.
A team name has been selected and the Mens Division 6 side had taken to the field proudly known as the meatheads. The name was a simple decision. Put so eloquently by the ranger "I like the way that you and Dave split the teams Wilson. All the talented, skilled, fit, good looking fellows in Div 5 and all the meatheads in the other".
A captain was selected among his peers. McStar honoured to accept the responsibility of leading a team of good blokes. McStar acted early by establishing a Blog to capture every moment of season 2007. Additionally he took the responsibility of selecting the team song. For all those who have not looked yet you need to. We will be singing the team song on grand final day, irrespective if we are playing or not. Can I say what a great choice of song. It captures the essence of what it means to be a Tiger. I think it may even be use as a motivation tool out on the paddock at some stage.
Placing himself on the card was Richo, who I think really does want to line up with the boys for the season but just cannot bring himself to the realisation that he may be just too talented. He offered his assistance and it was accepted.
The team to take to the field was
McStar
Mad Dog
Scottish Steve
Mr Clean
Dunk
Bresiano
Ron (I mean Rob)
Versatility
Sammy
Ranger
Thespian
On the bench
Richo
Wilson
The opposition were our friends from the west St Cathy's. A formidable opponent that had drawn the home match last season with a late goal to equalise.
Wilson handed out the game plan. "it's hot today and we have two subs so use them and by the way Rhys pass the ball".
The meatheads played like they all just met down the park for the first time and teamed up to play another 11 in a "friendly". At one stage I thought we were playing Nine, None, One as a formation. A net could have been thrown over both teams and everyone other the sweeper and goal keeper for St Cathy's would have been caught.
It was in the first twenty minutes that the visiting team got on the scoreboard. Not piercing the impenetrable backline but a speculator from the left wing floated over the captains head into the back of the net. This announced that it was game on.
The boys eased their way into the game with a rock solid defence as the foundation. Scottish Steve, Clean and Mad Dog controlled the perimeter. Dunk and Ronnie started to influence the pace and shape of the game and St Cathy's, although one up, began to question themselves. Then a couple of extraordinary thing happened.
The thespian and formerly the answer to woman's football returned to the field. In the unfamiliar position of midfield he immediately sought out the ball. Coming to him at chest level he took control skilfully and illegally (strategic use of the arm) of the ball. So much so the defence hesitated. I think they all looked to the linesman for his adjudication. Rhys could not be stopped. And then it happened. A moment of inspiration. He lifted his head. Yes, for the first time since he began playing the great game he had a look. He saw the slightest of openings and delivered. Another extraordinary decision. It went against the instinct but something possessed him. He pierced the defence to deliver the best pass (and only pass) of his career. Andy (rookie of the year 2006) the eternal optimist was expecting it. He skinned the last line of defence nonchalantly. With the keeper to beat Andy slipped it passed him easily to put the Tigers on the board for the game and the season. One one as Rhys lifted Andy back to halfway.
Half time was a casual affair. Contentment and optimism prevailed as the players huddled, rehydrated and refocused for the second half.
The second half will be known as the half that the ranger broke his duck. The big fellow, the referee's choice 2006 who never stops plotting was primed for a big one. Instead of three cigs before taking the field ranger sucked on his forth as the referee indicated it was time to return. The coach held him back for an extra five so he was hungry. Five and six cigs disappeared in a puff. Focus. Richo's commitment to the Div 2 team opened the door for the ranger to execute. Even the possible fracture of the right arm to Jez early in the second did not deter the man. By the way Jez really appreciated Sammy's assistance.
And then the next extraordinary thing happened. After a mighty strike at goals by "unknown" the keeper fumbled. Always on the spot the ranger at speed swooped on the ball. Arriving simultaneously, the keeper and ranger hit the ball. The ranger probably in the best physical form of any season got the split second advantage. All those hours of thinking about that five kilometre run and the weights and the swimming and the diet while smoking a packet and half a day paid off. He collision was mighty and skill level hard to articulate. The ball came loose for the second time and dribbled over the line. The winning goal was scored.
From then the visitors were a beaten team.
Now there was that extraordinary save late in the game as number three attempted to chip McStar without success. Beaten once in the air that day there was not going to be another. Best save of the match!
And there many other highlights but as you can see I am writing this report from work. Given I am being paid to do something I suggest I better go and do it.
So congratulations on the result. I have attached the table and results for the round.
MEN'S 6 P W D L B GF GA GD PTS
Blackstone 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 4 3
Sunnybank 1 1 0 0 0 4 1 3 3
Tigers 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 3
Rosewood 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 1
West End 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 1
St Catherines 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 -1 0
Qld Fiji 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 -3 0
Mansfield 1 0 0 ! 0 0 4 -4 0
ROUND 1 - 24th MARCH, 2007
Blackstone 4 Mansfield 0 Blackstone 1 1:00PM
Qld Fiji 1 Sunnybank 4 Kingsridge 3:00PM
Tigers 2 St Catherines 1 Holland Park SHS 1:00PM
Rosewood 2 West End 2 Caledonian Park 1 3:00PM
As you can see Blackstone and Sunnybank scored 4 which places us nicely in third spot.
Rosewood started with a draw and will be keen to get over the top of us this weekend. But we are playing at Tigers Stadium for the first time. A shorter uneven sloping field of dreams will confront them and given we don't know how to play on it I am sure they wont.
So, at Esher street (where we train) at 3.00pm on Saturday. Be there at 2.00pm as the girls are playing curtain raiser to us.
A BBQ is following the game at the clubhouse. Please don't be in a hurry to get away.
