Round 3 v Melbourne Uni
Venue ... Larpent Reserve (a slightly roughed up version)
Weather ... Slightly overcast with enough clouds to keep Bill interested
Crowd ... 40 or so (you know things are not too good when you can name
everyone in the crowd)

Reserves
Result ... 1-0
Scorer ... James

What seemed like two year's since the last match, the Reserves were eager to
get back into action. Earlier in the week the match looked to be in doubt as
the council experts had expertly ripped up the pitch. Definition of expert?
Ex = past tense, spurt = drip under pressure.
In their wisdom they thought ground maintenance 2 weeks into our season
wasn't going to cause us any grief. Anyway, with a cut and blow dry during
the week, and one set of new lines later we at least had somewhere to play.
Melbourne Uni were also delighted as this was to be their first match of the
season. They too, have issues with council experts. "We are delighted" they
said, when our reporter caught up with their president before the game. We
were delighted to have them as well.

So with delight everywhere, and one o'clock fast approaching, the team
prepared for the university challenge. Taking over at the helm this week, we
welcomed back team captain Dan for his first game of the season. He too was
delighted to be back. Good news indeed as he joined in the delight with
gusto.

There were only a couple of changes this week, both positional and players.
There was the luxury of a larger than normal bench. The referee was
delighted to get the game underway promptly at 5 minutes past one. The Uni
lads took no time at all to get into their stride and within the first
couple of minutes a blistering 25metre strike rattled Alistair's post. This
was an early wake up call, but the home side took a while to heed the
warning. Melbourne Uni gave no indication this was their first game as they
moved the ball around efficiently. They created the majority of the first
half chances, using the slope to good advantage. The Larpent boys first
chance fell to Matt as he broke the shackles, his left foot shot went
narrowly wide. Our two wide men Yureshan and Sam found it hard to get
forward as they were kept busy looking after their opposite numbers. Even in
the middle, Theo and Eddie couldn't find any space or freedom so the front
lads were starved of any decent ball. Credit to the Uni boys for dominating
the early stages. It was left to the defense to keep the Green army in the
game. Alistair pulled off a fantastic save, tipping over a point blank
header and both Bills, Dan and Tony made telling challenges to keep out
their accomplished opponents.

So the teams went in all square at half-time and without playing
particularly well, the boys were still in the game.

Changes were made and James was brought on to add a little pace up front. He
looked delighted and so he should, as he was joined up front by that other
speed merchant Tony. Ian was dropped back into the middle and with Eddie
started to get a little passing going. Chances fell to both sides and again
Alistair pulled off some remarkable saves - the best being his one leg
behind the other flick off the line from an inadvertent Bill O backpass.
With delight all over their faces, the lads started to apply some pressure
of their own. Midway through the half, Eddie won a ball in the middle and
sent an inch-perfect pass onto Tony. Tony went thundering down the line, did
some twiddly step-over thingy, then sent a terrific ball into the box. All
it was left for James to do was finish it off. This was James' first for the
club, and yes, you've guessed it - we were all delighted.

Chances continued to fall to both sides, but the Larpent Lads rode their
luck and kept their first clean sheet of the season. The Waverley chant was
bellowed with plenty of feeling at the end as the lads realised they'd
ground out three points without playing particularly well.

Final comments were left to captain Dan who, between gasps was heard to say
"I'm delighted with the win. Now we've got to get back to basics and take
each game as it comes."





Seniors
Result ... 2-2
Scorers ... Metin (2)

       The Seniors had also been champing at the bit, to get back on the
paddock and they looked like they meant business as they took to the park.
Steve had the luxury of having the same starting line up as the previous
round, putting trust in those who'd played well against Seaford. Also giving
them another chance to see if they could find the back of the net. The only
changes were to the bench with Matey being promoted on the back of his
man-of-the-match performance for the Ressies against Seaford.

       Looking to get their first points of the season, Steve's boys
started the game fairly well, without setting the world on fire. The
visitors midfield failed to function for the first 20 minutes or so,
evidence that this was indeed their first match of the season. Glen Waverley
didn't make it easy on themselves though as pass after pass missed the mark.
But as is the way of this wonderful game of ours, a goal can be conjured up
out of nothing. Nanos was getting plenty of attention from the Uni defense
and this left Metin with space to work in. A bit of early pressure and up
popped Met to get his first goal for the club. The home side were on top at
this point, but the game turned on a gifted goal to the visitors. After
trying their luck from distance a couple of times, which Steve comfortably
dealt with, one speculative effort was sent in from the left. The ball took
a wicked bobble, which deceived Steve and ended up giving the Uni lads an
undeserved equaliser.

       This seemed to kick start them into action and eventually their hard
working midfield evened up the contest a little. But as time dragged on
towards halftime, Glen Waverley edged themselves back in front. From the
edge of the Uni area the ball was played out to Sav out wide on the left.
Sav then sent a super low cross which Metin rose to meet. His glancing
header was perfectly placed out of reach of the keeper and nestled
beautifully in the corner of the net. So 2-1 at halftime and all to play
for. At least that's what we thought.

       With the game in the balance, it needed some of the big-time players
to stand up and be counted. Steve V was a rock at the back, putting his body
on the line numerous times. Justin and Julian were also solid providing
plenty of cover. Alex and Petey, playing out wide ran themselves into the
ground. Up front Nanos found the going a little tougher against a mean
defence. The turning point in the game came when Metin limped off with what
looked like a recurrence of an old hamstring injury. Defending from the
front, he had made it difficult for Melb Uni to play out from the back. Now
he was gone, the students pushed on and finally got reward for their
efforts. A late goal from a poorly defended corner gave them a hardly
deserved draw.

       Credit where its due though, Melbourne Uni showed plenty of
character and determination as they fought until the end. Sometimes this is
where we let ourselves down and a lesson we need to learn fast if we are to
remain competitive in this league. None of the teams faced so far have been
outstanding, but we have to play 90 minutes of football every week, from all
11 players. Consistency, courage and character lads. Pride in the shirt and
pride in your team.

We got our first point this week lads. Let's get our first win next week.

Plenty of endeavour at Endeavour Hills.