1st Team: 3 of the Best!

BMAFC v Mt Albert Ponsonby

At least the sun was shining for a change! Two-thirds of Te Puru was in pristine condition, primed for fast flowing football except.....the goal mouth by the playground, which was as soft as the mud in the local estuary, the Referee was tempted to call the game off even before a ball had been kicked, but with a bit of persuasion from Brian Preston and some assurance from MAP's manager that all would be careful in the mud, the game got underway.

Captain Ants won the toss and elected to attack the soggy end of the pitch. This paid dividends as the call from Coach Pete Jones was to shoot from distance. Ben Taylor was left with too much room and time 5 minutes into the game, and unleashed a shot from 25 yards out giving the keeper no chance.

MAP looked like stunned mullets and the boys turned on a show for the local supporters as they played with vigor and venom. Chris Woods has struggled to find the target since last season but was well rewarded with a dazzling run which saw him plant one in the "Ol' Onion Bag" from 20 yards out. The lads were still hungry for more as Ants - with his trade mark cut in from the left flank - beat 2 would-be tacklers and unleashed a ferocious shot from 25 yards into the top right hand side netting. The supporters were on their feet (they had no choice since we have no seats for them!). What a great way to finish the half!

The lads had to walk over to the balcony of the club for the half time chat as Coach Pete Jones was perched above, safe and dry while his Achilles heel was on the mend... and a few players felt like asking for forgiveness from the lord above....

Plenty of praise was heaped upon the lads for entertaining the crowd, and the call was to keep the foot down, keep getting it wide, and be patient! But this seemed to fall on deaf ears as the lads started giving possession away far too easily. Whether this had to do with multiple positional changes (possibly) as Sam Scurrah was forced to leave the field with a dodgy knee at half time. The lads battled well in the second half, even though the football wasn't as entertaining, they still deserved the win despite MAP sneaking in a consolation goal five minutes from the end.

Stand out players for the day: Ben Taylor for his work rate up front, Ants for being at his dazzling best in the first half, Ben Mallinson for his attacking prowess, Chris Wood for an outstanding game and a cracking first goal of the season.

Pete was going to name him POD, but unfortunately he had to leave straight after the game so the free beer had to go to someone and that was: Shane (Dolly the Sheep) Dalton. Just before KO Shane was asked to fill in at sweeper for a sick Phil Cook, and had a very commanding game. His communication on the field was music to the ears of Old boy Brian Preston.

By Brian Preston