Rd 16 - VS VUW Beavers, Monday 25 Aug

Elite 1 - Beavers 1

Scorers: Cory

This was a familiar battlefield against the Vic Uni Beavers, round one was in the same location, same time, however hopefully this time a different result.
After being given the grace of not having to play in the shite weekend weather, Monday night at Wakefield, apart from being stiff nipple cold, was a great night for football.

Turning up a little late myself, I was glad to know the fine book was closed, but also that I was still was “on time” considering Jase, Rafter and Gansey were yet to arrive….
however we did have a ref… who was well on time, and busy sorting out his cards…. This could be interesting

The banter started as usual (with Niall producing his new team kit accessory) and Gansey’s stories beginning to flow…
The ref even passed comment the banter in the “lower division” (not sure what he was referring to there, as we play in the Wellington premier league) was far better than in the “top flight” league…. I think he was going to enjoy this game

The Beavers turned up with the usual line up (no stacking like their sister team) – however a small new edition in goal … the Pink Panther
(Cory was fixated on his shirt… and was going to ask him to swap after the game)

The game got underway with the Elite playing some great ball to feet football and one, twos. This was shaping up to be a great footballing experience for the ref, much better than the “top flight”.

The Elite had the best of the chances in the first half with a great little chip from Jase finding CJ in space on the 6 yard, only for him to send it down the middle into the keepers chest.

Vic Beavers quickly figured out that they could not beat the Elite by playing football and resulted to the hoof and chase… great fun when you are playing in defence!
This did not phase the Elite who again pressed on with some great work on the right through Rafter, Todd and Decs resulting in a square ball that was buried by Cory in the top left corner – 1 nil to the Elite, game on!!

Vic Beavers pressed forward again using their fast front row, and Usain Bolts brother from another mother “Shaggy”
however all the Beavers could trouble the Elite goal with, was a piddly little shot that Dave had covered and well judged… leaving it to roll into the post and wide (well left Dave)

Half time rolls around, but not before Niall decides he is tired and jumps on one of the beavers players for a piggy back ride….

Not one player in the Elite side had a bad half, with Nick, Todd, Pete, Rafter making all good inroads on the wings, and the middle being held together well by Adam & Co.

The second half kicked off with the Elite fired up after the half time team talk (which consisted of -  contain Usains brother up front as all they have is the long ball, and watch George the Giants throw-ins as that is their only other weapon)

The Mighty  Elite again started the second half as they did the first, great pass and move football … with the Beavers sticking to the hoof.
Both teams began to tire, and the ref was in for a run for his money… out came the ref abuse – but he was having none of it…and kept the game in check. Not being prepared to award soft free kicks or hand balls the game played on with little whistle blowing…
the Beavers karate kid on the right was causing a few issues for Cory and Pete who both nearly got a kick to the head! However this resulted in some great free kick chances that the Elite unfortunately couldn’t convert.

The Beavers started to come into the game a little more as the Elite tired… and lost their shape…
with a one on one looming, the rushing Dave made the striker play the ball around him, again sending a slow motion shot into the post (well covered Dave!)



Almost instantly the Beavers had another chance down the left, with Shaggy “bolt” smoking Damo down the line and crossing to the awaiting striker
1 -1 (few swear words), lets get on with it boys

Straight away almost from the kick off the Elite looked to draw level with a great chance to CJ at the back post after some excellent build up
Some how the pink panther managed to get a hand to the shot and tip it over the bar… bugger!!



Next in line for a chance on goal was Andrew… who managed to toe poke his way through on to goal, only to send the shot over the bar…
The pressure was mounting….

Dec’s received the ball after a bit of goal box scramble, and managing to get his shot on target, through the mass of bodies, only for the pink panther to be there waiting again…

The Elite were not to have anymore chances on goal…. Even though the pressure was being applied and 80% of the game played in the beavers half… the Elite couldn’t convert!

1 point in the bag, the Elite were happy – cementing third place on the table! Playing some great football, and defending the hoof – route one football that is always so fun to play against

Excellent finish to the season, with the ref even joining in the post match celebrations – no going back to the “top flight for him

Points on the day could have gone to anyone but ….

3  - to Cory, best game of the season, great goal, all around solid game and limited whining

2 – to Pete, apart from the air swing, great game controlling the karate kid in defence

1 – to Niall, great head band – but more importantly the second game in a row where he has taken charge from the sideline to help lead and organize the team… also helpful with the talking and chatter