Into the new season we ventured with new coaches, some new players and hopefully some new results. Both teams didn’t disappoint giving their loyal supporters plenty to cheer about...
Reserves
Glen Waverley 0 v 0 Caulfield Grammarians
The reserves, under the guidance of new coach Alex, maintained their unbeaten run from the end of last season with a solid performance. The unbeaten run stretches to 2 games, which is considered by us to be a streak! However, seeing how well the lads played there’s no reason why this run shouldn’t be extended. Interviewed after the game, (Sir) Alex said “We did enough and more to have won the game comfortably. With a little luck and some composure in front of goal, we could easily have stuck in 3 or 4. We can take pride from the performance and look forward to the challenges ahead.” As for the players, Ben was dynamic in midfield, Bill was solid as a rock in the centre of defence ably supported by Brad. Eduardo almost capped off his debut with a goal and Liam was back to top form between the sticks. 2 points lost or 1 point gained – you can be the judge.
Seniors
Glen Waverley (0) 1 v 0 (0) Caulfield Grammarians
Well what can we say? The monkey, or do we mean gorilla, is finally off our back.
We finally got that first elusive win, after one season and numerous practise games.
Any new season starts with a mixture of optimism, nervousness and excitement and can be used to positive effect and so it proved. There was pressure on new coach Steve, mostly self-imposed, but he stood up to the task and got the team to produce the performance we all knew was there. The boys from the Glen dominated the match from start to finish, and never looked under any threat apart from the odd break. Making plenty of chances we just couldn’t get enough on target to trouble the less-than-comfortable looking keeper. However the longer the score stayed at 0-0 there was always a chance that Caulfield might just snatch the winner. Fresh legs in the second half helped to give us new impetus and finally we got the goal we deserved. Dean fired home from close range, following up from Justin’s flick on. (We know the real secret of the flick on, Justin, but we’ll keep it quiet for now!) The relief felt across the ground was immense, none more so than when the referee finally put us out of our misery with the final whistle. Joy, relief, more joy then lots of drinking...
In post match interviews, Steve conceded that “It was good to get that first game and win under our belts.” He also pointed out “good performances from centre back Michael on debut, Ian up front and in the middle and Matey on the right” helped in securing the win. Always observant, Steve also noted that “Dean’s goal had a little bit to do with it as well.”