Match Report
Senior Match Report - Round 17 - 16/08/2008By Ziggy Arness
My wish expressed last week for a rip snorting game came to fruition, with the sides separated by a Lilliputian margin at the siren. In front of an estimated crowd of 1000, the televised “Match of the Day” lived up to its billing, with the winning behind that broke the deadlock kicked with less than a minute to go. As much as we wanted a close one, the result itself was not exactly what we had hoped for and there were many lugubrious countenances among the Hill faithful and no doubt in the Dingley rooms post-match. Unlike VB and Fosters, an unexpected loss is hard to swallow. That aura of invincibility that some of us (yes, I’m guilty!) had started to paint has now been well and truly shattered but the positive side is that new life has been breathed into the upcoming finals series.
Jack Dyer once said that 50% of football is 90% mental. Add to that the fact that the quest for revenge is a potent motivating force and a Heatherton side intent on atoning for their early season loss threw everything at us. They had a preponderance of outstanding players, none better than the somewhat fitter-looking Brent Williams whose 7 goals may have meant the difference. The lead however oscillated throughout the day, due in no small part to the fighting qualities of the Lavars boys and the accuracy of Gnielsy, who kicked 4 including the one that tied it up with minutes to go.
Darren Andrews couldn’t let the opportunity slip to impress before the TV cameras, when he launched himself for an improbable grab on the wing, as well as several other not so successful but similarly laudable attempts. Young Timmy Ford accumulated a plethora of possessions, none better than his magnificent steal which was as stunning an act of prestidigitation as seen in recent memory, leading Lazza to exclaim; “This kid Can play!”
Tolga and Jimmy continued their good form, but several other players uncharacteristically lowered their colours. It remains to be seen how the group can respond to this reality jolt, and the coach has no doubt already started planning to negate the efficacy of Willo and reducing the amount of latitude he’s given.
The Reserves obviously had the motivation and therefore the right mental application going into the game. In a very determined and even performance, as evidenced by 10 different goal kickers, they inflicted the Tunners’ first defeat of their season. Spudda, Adesy, Shuka, Jordan and Craney got guernseys in best player discussions, as well as Daniel “you ain’t nothing but a brown dog, trying all the time” Brown. Keep the pedal to the metal for the run home now boys, as we know a slacking in attitude can bring condign results.
The Hill was it’s usual irreverent self, but somehow different in that we were infiltrated by a vociferous group of opposition barrackers. Some took umbrage at this intrusion, another took an umbrella but that proved fugacious and it was quickly retracted after some truculent interjections. Some just stuffed themselves with cheese and biscuits, at the same time dismayed that a choral rendition of “Any plum, any pud,” could be tolerated on Ronnie’s hallowed turf. Meanwhile, the band played “Up there Cazaly”, and I’m told their music is not as bad as it sounds.
We now farewell our sanctuary in the outer for another season with fond memories and look forward to next year where our long-standing motto “Crap et Camry” will once again be to the fore. Loosely translated from the Latin, it means “Crapulence and Camaraderie.”
On the above subject, we have had a welcome adjunct to our supporter base of late with the appearance of the gregarious Five Ways Caravan Park crew. Not only are they regular and vocal on the Hill, but they have enthusiastically embraced the whole culture with such passion that they are now undertaking fortnightly forays to away fixtures as well. No doubt they would have discovered at Caulfield that the road to impecuniosity is indeed a short one when you add a $41 taxi fare to the purchase and consumption of items valued at $3.50 multiplied by a very large number. At least the taxi fare component will be removed this week courtesy of Mark Feehan, who has kindly offered them a chauffeur-driven return journey to Lyndale. I feel obliged though to warn the boys to be on their best behaviour, as our man Mr. Feehan is given to an irascible temper!
For the Lyndale game our team should be bolstered by the return of Daniel Turcarelli, fresh from his sojourn to the land sometimes referred to in literary circles as the Brobdingnagian boot. I sincerely hope he enjoyed exploring his Latin roots (I’ll retract that, I just realised he had his girlfriend with him!)
Just a quick word to all the players who, according to Football Management complained about the contents of my articles and therefore made my inglorious abrogation from “Record” columnist duties Fait Accompli. I will get around to each of you personally in time to apologize for all the hardship, angst and consternation I’ve obviously caused. I cannot go to my grave with that millstone hanging around my neck.
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