Round 16 as it happened ...

Looking out of the window on Saturday morning we were faced with a cloudless
sky. That would bugger Bill up, but right on cue, things started to dull
down. So with clouds in place, off we went to our close neighbours Ringwood.
Once upon a time, Ringwood were a famous and mighty club. Evidence was
there, but only just, in the ghostly (or should that be ghastly) remnants of
their ancient grandstand. The state of the surrounds was matched in equal
disgusting measure by their apology of a pitch. A sorry state it was, but
would the lads be able to rise above it and put Ringwood to the sword? Read
on to find out whether our cumulus turned into nimbus ...

Reserves

Ringwood City (0) 0 v 3 (3) Glen Waverley

As is the way these days, the Reserves were to be challenged by last minute
changes to the line-up. Without their regular goal-keeper, it was Sir Alex
OBE, MBE, CD, DVD & scar, who donned the gloves to help the team in their
hour of need. Bill Orologas also making himself available as the numbers
dwindled to the bare 11. Anyway, undaunted the Reserves started the game in
positive fashion. Alex, Yureshan, Robbie and Matt gave the home side plenty
to think about, using their pace to good effect. It wasn't long before
Ringwood's short comings were found out. Showing persistence beyond what is
reasonable; Matthew Soon rode three challenges, losing then winning back the
ball on each occasion. Stuck in the corner he seemed to be going nowhere
until he eventually emerged with the ball. Closing in on the bemused keeper,
he then squeezed his shot in at the near post. 1-0 to the boys and things
were on the up, including the clouds. This was the first goal for the
Reserves in about 4 weeks and just like buses, there's none for ages then
all of a sudden there's a rush. It was the same for Matthew, because no
sooner (pardon the pun) had he grabbed his first then he got a second. A
peach of a half volley over the keeper, and he was on a roll. There was no
stopping him and he then got his third and a well deserved first half
hat-trick, although it came by way of a Yureshan shot rebounding back off
the cross bar. This was the first hat-trick for the season and indeed for
the club, so all our congratulations are reserved for Matt. The Reserves
were never in any danger after that and ran out comfortable winners in the
end. The score could have been greater but 3 points are 3 points whether its
1-0 or 6-0. Whilst Matt grabbed the limelight, Bill's contribution at the
heart of the defence, Alex's performance on the left against Ringwood's best
player and Alex T's stint in goal mustn't be overlooked.
After the frustration of the previous three weeks, the Reserves got their
reward today for all their hard work. Sir Alex was understandably overjoyed
and was only too keen to engage the post match interview. So we left him
talking to himself as we headed off to the changing room to see what the
commotion was all about.


Seniors

Ringwood City (0) 1 v 2 (1) Glen Waverley

Cast your mind back to round 5, because that was the game where Ringwood had
5 players sent off including the coach. Would they be harbouring any sort of
grudge? Only time would tell. There was a referee and he did look
professional, at least he had a whistle. So the game got underway, under
leaden skies, giving Bill much to ponder. The Waverley boys pretty much took
control of the game from the start and had the better of the early
exchanges. Matey was giving the home side plenty to think about and they
then reverted to type. A sly kick to head of Matey after a stupid challenge
earned the left back a well deserved caution. (And a spray in Croatian from
one irate father).  A sweepstake was then started as we tried to guess how
long the defender would stay on the pitch. To everyone's surprise he lasted
the whole game, but he did go a bit quiet.

As for the team, everyone rose to the task today and it would be difficult
to single anyone out for praise, however Dean did put himself about and Kon
and Alex took charge in the midfield. Lloyd, Anouk and Matey were all
playing out of their skins and giving their more experienced counterparts
the run around. However, chances were few and far between and it looked like
it would take something special to break the deadlock. A poorly directed
clearance fell to Alex T, who then skewed his first time shot wide to the
left. Nanos was in the right place at the right time and sent a beautiful
left foot shot thundering into the far corner. The crowd went wild, then
promptly sat down as they wondered about the structural integrity of their
surroundings. The Glen Waverley lads pretty much ran the show for the rest
of the half, never really looking in trouble but the score remained the same
up to the break. In the second stanza, neither side took control as the
pitch was pretty much dictating play - it was stickier than the pages of a
workshop's dirty mag. Again it was left to Nanos as he got his, and the
teams, second goal midway through the second half. This gave the lads some
breathing space, but as the visitors tired Ringwood did manage to pull one
back. There was now going to be a nervy final 10 minutes, however the
Waverley lads stood strong and they held on to their precious lead. The
final whistle was met with a mixture of joy and relief as the lads got the
win they richly deserved.

Whilst Bill was on cloud watch, Steve was happy to talk to anyone who would
listen. We didn't, because we were heading for the bar and some long overdue
after match celebrations.

It was great for both teams to win today, but it was the manner of the wins
that made it more enjoyable. We've played on some dire pitches this season,
but none more derelict and depressing than Ringwood's. To be honest I think
we've been made more welcome at Reservoir and Darebin. So it was good to put
the Oranje back in their box. Now talking of Darebin, it's time to take the
points off them. Surely we know what to expect now.