Balmain Wanderers

The final game of the season was some three weeks in the making, and the delay combined with unseasonable heat (damn you global warming!!) conspired to rob this encounter of much of its venom. The 8 hour drive out to watch the game didnt really endear the fans either.

The stadium seemed like an interesting place to be, although is it really a football game without flares to enjoy it? The pitch was not in a great state however, which was not surprising given how late in the season it was.

Play started slowly from both side given the temperatures at kickoff were hovering in mid 30′s. The warmups were not helped when the Wanderers only brought one ball, and no water bottles. Oops.

It was the Tigers that were playing the conditions better and they had much the better of the early exchanges as muted as they were. The early pressure finally told when the tigers slotted home the first goal, although it was not the first shot. Brandon, as is often the case, was best Wanderer on the park and had made a string of fine saves before he was left hanging with little he could do as the Tigers player had a clear shot on goal.

The score remained at 1-0 into the break as the players escaped from the heat briefly. Things didnt not improve much in the second half either, despite the crowd having some witty reparte with a Tigers player who was the spitting image of a younger more dynamic Morris Iemma.

A flurry of attacking raids from the Tigers ushered in the second half and again some fine saves from Brandon saw the score hit 2-0 in what was a match winner lead in the conditions. From there the Tigers shut it down and gave nothing to the Wanderers. Some late subsitutions gave the Wanderers a little more spark but not enough to trouble the scorers.

And so as the season wound to a close, the final thing missing was for Andy Corlett to make his prerequisite trip to hospital. Another cynical foul like those meted out to Ryan in previous encounters saw Andy cruelly trying to injure a Tigers players elbow with his head. Suffice to say that the elbow came of better and Andy’s head did its best to stain the grass of Edensor Park with blood.

As with the Reserves the previous week it was a disappointing way to end the season, a season that had delivered so much. Winning the league on points was by far the best acheivement for the Firsts in recent memory and some of the games this year will live on in Wanderers folk lore for years to come. Both encounters with the Tigers during the regular season and the barnstorming semi-final win against the Golden Stars were entertainment of the highest order will not be soon forgotten…

With an electric atmosphere still coursing through players and spectators alike, the First took the park ready to do battle with the Golden Stars. The Golden Stars were the second ranked team from the Gill Conference and from past meetings had a strong reputation for hard athletic play but the Wanderers as winners of the Walker Conference were more than ready for the challenge.

The first half started well for both teams, testing out their opposing players, but each defense held firm. Dave Patterson was particularly strong in the middle of the park matching stride for stride with his speedy marker, but neither team could find much space to work with. This trend continued through towards the half time break, till a strong run of play saw the Golden Stars take a 1-0 lead. A turnover near the top of the Wanderers box saw a Stars midfielder break through a couple of strong tackles before roofing a shot from close range leaving Brandon with little chance for a save.

Still despite being a goal down the Wanderers had little cause for concern, they were matching up to the physical Golden Stars and just needed to continue there play and all were certain the goals would come. So as the second wound its way along the Wanderers started to play like the division champions team they were, with the deft passing and slick movement in the front third a particular highlight. Adam, Ryan, and Luke were having great games up front creating and tracking down the ball. The Golden Stars though held firm for a long time and as the time ticked away it was not looking good for the Wanderers…

In what was just about the final play in regular time, Adam pushed down the left hand flank and whipped in a ball that found a waiting Ryan on the far post. The header was not great, by his standards, but he got enough on it to sneak it in past the right post to equalise the game and send this thriller into extra time. The post goal celebration from Ryan was one of unabashed enthusiasm and his extensive collection of sideline WAG and well wishers nearly spilled their white wine spritzers in the chaos of it all.

And so began two periods of extra time to decide the fate of the Firsts, would they be joining the Reserves in what was gathering shape as the Fathers Day extravaganza at Lambert Park? By this time Beachy and Gav Harmon had joined the fray and were starting to take on the Stars. The pace of the match continued frentically and the Stars managed to get some clear chances on goal, and it was only some top drawer keeping from Brandon (quickly firming as the players player of the year) that kept the Wanderers in the game.

The first period of extra time ended with no addition to the score, and the second was quickly taking on the same appearance. The whispers on the sideline was this thing was headed to penalties, and it was hard to argue otherwise as both teams did not give an inch. That was until an ill timed challenge opened the door …. just a little for the Wanderers.

Adam took the ball and setup his free kick just outside the box on the left hand side of the field. The Stars had set a big wall in front of him, but that mattered little. In came a finely weighted ball that left the keeper for dead, but grazed the crossbar thankfully going straight to the feet of a waiting Beachy who knocked home the game winner mere seconds before the end of the game. The place lit up with raucous celebrations from the Wanderers and as the game played out the last few moments one of the classics was in the books as a Wanderers win!

The first game of a huge day of finals football saw the Wanderers reserves play the winners of the other SAFL division Bondi FC on a cloudy day at the proving grounds of Bark Huts. Bondi had in the past to been a stumbling block for the Reserves, to the point where many in the team could not remember having bested them in the heat of battle…

Heading into the game, the Wanderers were without Capt’n Courageous, Gav Russell after he pulled a heartstring the week before (and twisted his ankle), but welcomed back goalie Jimmy after a long layoff and the team was ready to fire. And so they carried momentum into the game and came out very strongly to put Bondi on to the back foot. Another controlling display through midfield from Phil and Craig saw the Reserves come forward in waves and the early pressure saw The Gunn tm knock home another goal from open play (wonders never cease). The Gunn later entertained the crowd with his version of the goal, which according to him was fast feet, quick turn and bang into the net…. The rest of us saw a slow motion spin and feint touch and the ball impossibly evading the diving keeper. There are two side to every story! Not long after The Gunn’s balletic escapades, Craig was layed out after a particularly sickening head clash with Paulie. After being forced onto the ground by Paramedic Geordie, it was pretty clear he wasnt going to continue given the amount of blood he was losing, on came Dean Davis (‘like for like’ as was mentioned….).

The half came with the score remaining at 1-0 but the momentum definately with the Wanderers, after a Bondi player was awarded a second yellow card in dubious circumstances. The referee has apparently gotten a shiny new set of cards and was keen to show us all at any possible juncture. A stirring half time oration from Coach Ian implored the lads to keep up the intensity, and with that under their belts the boys hit the field for a second half date with destiny…

The second half did however not start quite as had been hoped. Dean Hamilton, who had just been cut down by a healthy if little late challenge was marched by the ref with a straight red for reasons best known to the ref. So equal at 10 men a side Bondi upped the ante with a messy goal coming from a goal mouth scramble that saw the Wanderers keeper forced to the ground and the ref apparently unaware… Game on!

A comical series of events shortly after saw the Bondi keeper caught in no-mans land and Wanderers grabbing the lead once again with the ball bouncing over his head and onwards to the goal. Credit for this one can most certainly go to Gav Harmon who had been causing problems all game with his pace. Bondi however hit back not long after with a well worked move down the right that gave them a 2 on 1 with the keeper grabbing the equaliser at 2-2.

A few substitutions from the coaching staff brought on Da Engine and Matty Friend for the last stanza of play. It proved to be a wise move with Matt in particular playing some inspired football and causing all sorts of havoc down the left. A run of play into the Bondi box resulted in Matty rifling home the game winner and sending his entourage and the Wanderers faithful into raptures. It was a tense last five minutes of the game punctuated by a sparkling run from Gav that saw him dragged down inside the box. With penalty spot specialist The Gunn off the park, Mikey Olford stepped up to the plate. A firm shot down the right hand side (signature Reserves move…) was unfortunately saved by the Bondi keeper, but thankfully the die was cast and Reserves were off to Lambert Park for a date with the Leichhardt Tigers!

This from special guest roving reporter The Gunn ™.

Reserves: 5 -1

4 headers (MGx2, Paul W and Phil).  Only Gav Harmon let the side down by scoring with his feet!

Gav Russell got injured early into the first half and Michael O moved to RB and had a screamer.

We were 2-1 up at half time.

Their goal came from a free kick on edge of box.  Ian in goal lost sight of the ball and could not hold it.  Their player was quickest to loose ball and scored.

With the club’s leading goal scorer on track for his first hat-trick the coach decided to take him off and wrap him in Andy Corlett’s cotton wool for semi final!!

First Grade

Depleted Jaguars side lost 8-0.

Adam x 2 (déjà-vu – With the club’s leading goal scorer on track for a hat-trick the coach decided to take him off and wrap him in Andy Corlett’s cotton wool that was being used by The Gunn!)
Dave P x 2 (has he got more that Dave G!?)
Beachy x 2
Eddie Fitz x 1
Dean Davis x 1

In the final home game of the season Wanderers played host to the reinvigorated Prestons. A win in either grade would go a long way to cementing the club as the minor premiers for the 2008 season.

The reserve grade was keen to erase the memory of cup defeat at the hands of Prestons earlier in the season, but they seemed to forget just how fast they were. An early breakaway was parried by Brandon, and the tone set for the day. Wanderers started to control play a little better and when a shot was tipped over the bar by a Prestons player (who unbeliveably stayed on the park!) The Gunn stepped up. Please see next post for that fun! Gav the Greyhound #2 stole a sweet goal for the home team, but unfortunately the visitors hit back immediately strolling through the defense to beat Brandon. The second half was marked but some enterprising play from Matty Friend, finding some form at the pointy end of the season and getting back his speed in one of his best games for the season. Another smartly taken strikers goal from Gav took a 2-1 lead before a Prestons corner and scramble led to the player who fancied himself as a keeper tapping home the equaliser. The mood in the team was down after the game as it felt to many like a loss with a few chances going begging to take the 3 points.

The Firsts had things a little easier as there was few if any fresh players in the Prestons side, clearly softened by the Reserves… Things were pretty tight for much of the first half, punctuated by a nice goal from Pauly and some tippy-tappy from Geordie (like), and the home team took a 1-0 lead in the half. The days extertions started to show on Prestons in the second half and the home team came home strongly. Pauly added another to his tally and Luke hit home two nice goals, one chipping the keeper from close range, before knocking home a pen to give him the hattrick and send the home crowd into raptures. Some blatant fouls, interesting gesturing to the crowd from the Prestons number 10 and about 5 denied goals to Adam also marked the half and the Firsts look to have the minor premiership sown up for the first time to some years!

Wanderers played host to Bakhtar Glory, on a welcome return to the home of football Easton Park. It was a must win for both grades keen to grab vital points in the race for the minor premiership. The teams were also welcomed by bright sunny conditions with Easton really turning it on for the faithfull.

The Reserves started well but it was Bakthar who came out of the sheds with the most running, creating a few early chances down their right flank. A spectacular but unneccessary dive from Ryan saved the home team from going down an early goal, and some tight passing from Bakhtar kept the score at 0-0 for some time. That was until Dean Davis added to his scoring streak with another goal. Not a Gunn like scoring streak but at two it was the envy of some on the sideline. This time, as if playing to the crowd, he unleashed a right foot shot to beat the keeper for a 1-0 lead the home team took to the break. The seond half was a different proposition entirely, the Gunn added to his extensive goal haul with a tap in from a nice weighted Phil header which careened off the bar to his waiting feet. That took Gunn to 10 for the season but only his second from open play. The real game winner came when Kieran came off the bench for a starring cameo late into the second half. Twice he managed to shrug off the defence and slotted home two nicely taken goals to push the lead out to 4-0, the eventual winning margin. Once again Kieran was denied a goal at the death, with a professional foul committed, but not called, as he was clear through on goal. This was to go with his denied top corner screamer from the week before…

The Firsts game was a slow start as both teams warmed to the challenge. A fairly uneventful half, punctuated only but some interesting refereeing and loud gesticulation from a fired up Eden, went into the break at 0-0. The second half began pretty much as the first had ended with a tight struggle and few clear chances to either team. The game breaker it seemed was sitting on the sidelines, the injection of Dave G really gave the Firsts the spark they needed. It was an early run from Dave that resulted in him being brought down the box, and set the scene for Adam to step up and put the game to bed. Thankfully Adam showed little trouble in scoring and went clear at the top of the scoring charts much to everyone relief (a top scoring Gunn is not something anyone wants to see…). As a defensive precaution Geordie was brought on to settle things down, and the Firsts picked up another victory on their quest for the league title.

The weekends fixture saw the Wanderers travel out to our home away from home, Bark Hutts, to tangle with the Thirsties. The previous encounter, at the home of football, saw a narrow 3-2 loss for the Reserves and a scrappy 1-0 win for the Firsts. This time around the conditions at Bark Hutts were difficult, there was a strong swirling breeze and the canteen was not operating….

The reserves started with the wind at their back and look good in the early exchanges. A deft left foot from Dean Davis opened the scoring, much to everyones surprise…. Then an even more surprising turn of events unfolded! For the 500th time in succession a penalty kick was awarded to the Wanderers on the back of another handball, and predictably The Gunn strode up to the spot to try and wrest away the goal scoring lead for the club based purely on pens. The really surprising thing was not the succession of penalties, but The Gunn’s shot went straight down the middle. Thats right straight down the middle, not to his comfort zone of just inside the right upright. What a showman, that was one for the crowd! The game progressed as the wind played its part and the Thirsties grabbed one back just before the half to head to 2-1. A quick equaliser in the second half had the Wanderers on the defensive, and a few key substitutions led wrested back the advantage. Gav Harmon back from a nasty hamstring injury provided some nice go forward. The attacking flair led to a few breaks on goal that came to nought, till Gav with his second bite of the cherry threw on the afterburners and dinked the goalie for a 3-2 lead. Some tense moments in the final minutes were averted and the Reserves held on for another win.

The Firsts game started thankfully as the wind started to subside, and some tight early exchanges were punctuated with a screaming shot from Al to open the scoring, no doubt playing for his entourage of adoring fans on the sideline. Thristies grabbed an equaliser shortly after and that is where it stayed for the half. The second half started briskly with the Wanderers pushing for another goal. Ryan was dragged down in the box and Mr DeadBall Specialist Adam stepped up to the plate keen to not let the Gunn take his scoring mantle. Adam scored with predictable ease to take a 2-1 lead. Not long after Ryan went on a probing run to the top of the box, and when most thought he might pass, he unleashed another screaming shot to rifle home for a 3-1 advantage. Possibly two candidates for the goal of the year… Some nastiness from the Thirsties on keeper Brandon kept tempers high and a gave Brandon some nice stud marks to show the family. A consolation goal to Thirsties gave the final score a more respectable 3-2 ring, but it was a workman like performance from the Wanderers in banking another 3 points.

Saturday befell a cruel injustice on the Wanderers as we were denied another chance to grace the hallowed turf of the ‘Home of Football’, Easton Park and instead we met Dobroyd Gunners on the neutral ground of Bark Hutts. The Reserves were keen to get back to their winning ways after the previous weeks loss to the Tigers, and the Firsts keen to cement their place at the ‘Top of the Pops’.

The Reserves game started slowly with the fill-in keeper Ryan running late, and hoping out of his car fully kitted up with gloves on, seriously! There was scrappy play from both sides, before the Wanderers crafted a nice goal with Pauly scoring from a free header to take an early 1-0 lead. Almost against the run of play the Gunners sneaked a goal back with a nice finish past a spectacularly diving Ryan. The story of the match was proving to be however the welcome return to form of Matty Friend. He managed to get himself on the end of a lovely sweeping move to score what proved to be the eventual game winner, and was giving a great deal of energy down the right flank. The score went into the break at 2-1. The second half proved to be one way traffic for the Wanderers as they slotted home 3 unanswered goals to finish the match strongly. Super sub Phil scored with his first touch of the game, and Man of the Match Matt continued his superb play with a second, calmly slotting home on the near post. As the game was progressed the feeling in the crowd was growing that the Gunn was looking like he may finally break his goal scoring streak, till unfortunately the Gunners defense ruined it for everyone with another handball. Showing obvious nerves after his signature play from our previous encounter was remembered, the Gunn placed his shot just past the keeper who guessed correctly (rocket scientist obviously) to add another to his season’s tally. A welcome return the winner’s circle for the Reserves with a 5-1 result.

After the previous few weeks of superb form the hangover finally caught up with the Firsts. In what can only be described as a ‘frustrating game’ to quote one WAG, the team never really found its groove. Scrappy through out the first half highlight was Man of the Match Tinksy, slotting home a goal with a decisive poke of his shoulder. The second half began poorly after the Gunners equalised and with their blood up they started coming at the Wanderers. The Gunners looked to have scored what would have been the game winner late into the game, but thankfully the linesman finally used his flag and called an offside. The match highlight was most definately the vigorous flag waving from a suspended Beachy on the far touch line…. Still a draw was a decent result in the end and good to get performances like this out of the way before the playoffs.

Saturday saw the Wanderers travel out to the Tigers home ground, in Strathfield to renew hostilities. It was a pleasant surprise to see the smallish pitch in such great condition. The grass would not have been out of place on a Premier league ground, and there was even grass in the goalmouths which was got both keepers more than a little excited….

The reserves game started poorly for the Wanderers when keeper James injured himself in the warmup and Brandon had to hurriedly suit up. Not a backwards step with the firsts keeper slumming it in the reserves but not the best prep for such a big game. Then the Tigers came out of the gates at a million miles an hour and pinned the visitors in their own half for much of the first stanza. The intensity that had marked the previous encounter was not there initially and after some slick play from the Tigers it was a 2-0 scoreline heading into the half. After a rocket from the coaching staff, well Ian and the Gunn (patent pending..), the Wanderers picked up their game and came at the Tigers. With Gav Harmon (greyhound #2) moved into the centre of the park there was some real go forward which resulted in a nice goal as the Gunn extending his scoring streak to 6 games now, when he banged home a nice cross from Gav. Despite the pressure and the Tigers beginning to wilt the game petered out when greyhound #2 blew a hammy and limped off the pitch. A late 4 on 1 (seriously who doesnt save a 4 on 1….) from the Tigers sent the final score to 3-1 and fuel for thought on a playoff meeting….

The Firsts game had a much better preparation with Brandon restricting his warmup to a Winnie Blue…. After last weeks boilover the firsts were again eager to continue their fine form and extend their lead at the top of the table. A tight first half ended with Adam slotting home a shot from outside the box (and celebrating by pointing to his shoe), and Brandon robbing the tigers forward after an athletic dive tipping the ball onto the post. Adam started the second half just as he had finished the first, with some driving runs that ended in a pen, which in true Adam style he slotted home, and a ‘double wood’ free kick that cannoned off both uprights and in to take his tally for the last 3 games to 6 goals! The frustration started to grow in the Tigers and there was a number of really cynical fouls, most of them directed to towards Ryan and the back of his head. To be honest a number of them were lucky to still be on the park at the end of the game. They did get a consolation goal at the death that was nearly 180 mins in the making.

So not a great day for the Reserves but an immensely satisfying result for the Firsts who have been going from strength to strength.

The Wanderers played host to the top of the table Leichhardt Tigers at the ‘Home of Football’, Easton Park on Saturday. The home teams were keen to get a good result to setup their run to the playoffs down the stretch. The Reserves looking to atone for a shock loss to Prestons in the cup the previous week, and the Firsts keen to build upon some excellent form in recent weeks and testing themselves against a quality opposition.

The Reserves started slowly in their game with the Tigers dictating the play early. However the defense stood tall, and on the back of a strong perfomance from the midfield of Phil and Man O’ Match Craig they played themselves into the match. The score was 0-0 at half but the momentum seemed to be with the home team. Consistent pressure to begin the second half led to the Tigers handballing in the box, and the stage was set from deadball specialist Mickey G to setup and have another crack at what is fast becoming a regular gig. Despite reservations the keeper may have had an insight into his technique, he calmly roofed the ball into the top left to take a well deserved 1-0 lead. An unlucky deflection in midfield led to a Tigers goal levelling the game shortly after. Despite some late chances the Wanderers could get that win, but were well pleased with their efforts against a side that had scored a mighty 33 goals in their previous 8 games.

The Firsts started brightly, carrying their imperious form into the game. The game was a joy to watch with Ryan, Trev and Adum running hard at the defense and asking all the right questions. A 0-0 half time score, was thanks to some smart saves between the pipes from Brandon, but the fun was yet to come. Ryan opened the scoring in the second, before Adum scored one of the goals of the season. He shrugged off of the defender deep in the Tigers box, and then calmly looped the ball past the keeper and squeezed it inside the farpost, a thing of beauty to be sure. Then Beachy hit a glorious 20 yard strike from the angle of the box sending the Wanderers firm down at the home end delirious, and leading the Wanderers to a wonderful 3-0 result against a very strong team. The Man of the Match honours went to Andy Corlett for his tireless running in the middle of the park.

Both excellent results and setup at tantalizing rematch against the Tigers this coming Saturday at their home ground in Strathfield.