Deep mid-winter?

The grand return to Monday morning action at Ruskin Drive AstroTurf was well supported with 14 stout-hearted men primed for their hour‘s fun. John Davies conducted his warm up to great affect and with the temperature barely registering it was appreciated by all. The Reds Mike, Andy, Phil, Joe, Les, Tony and Wayne

were more than matched in the opening exchanges by a lively Blues outfit

Geoff, Grazer, Mike M, Jeff, John D, Martin and David

After 10 minutes end to end stuff the Reds finally took the lead thanks to a fine solo effort by the lively Les. Blues responded with John D turning back the years with a fortuitous effort that found the corner of the net forcing Mike to stretch beyond his comfort in a desperate attempt to keep the ball out. Half time and parity with lots of endeavour but just two goals registered. Reds were then handed a mighty and surprising boost with a low winter sun bursting through the clouds directly behind their goal. It was a Monday morning in December and suddenly sunglasses were the order of the day!

Reds shifted play from side to side to probe the Blues defences before Andy latched on to a loose clearance to plant the ball in the net. 2-1 and advantage Reds. But Blues were still in the contest underlined by a fine effort from Mick Makin that had too much power for Mike. Fifteen minutes left and both sides looking for the decisive winner.

The game turned on an error by Blues stand in keeper Davies who strayed from his area in an attempt to clear. Enter Les Brack, the cool head and extended stride, to calmly fire his penalty through the keepers despairing grasp. There followed a moment of inevitable controversy as a speculative shot from Phil was parried by Jeff over his head to loop into the net.

4-2 to Reds perhaps a little flattering but their passing perhaps the decisive factor

in an entertains game.