League: Sanatogen Over 50s Div
Chew Magna 50s vs Russell Athletic 50s
Despite the weather the match was able to go ahead on grass and the pitch played fairly well considering the rain and despite the liberal top layer of leaves in places which some comical slipping and sliding at times.
Chew got off to a flying start and never really relinquished control. The opening goal within the first 10 minutes was a cleverly weighted cross from Williams on the right wing for Lewis to finish clinically and slide the ball in part the goalkeeper. From then on Chew dominated, the defence looked strong, the midfield battled for everything and the forwards were a constant threat. Firstly Randall with a beautifully struck long range shot gave the keeper no chance. Then Sellars added the third breaking from midfield and seeing the keeper of the line lobbed the ball over his head from long range. Russell started to pose more of a threat as half time approached and it took an brilliant save from Keen to turn a powerful Russell shot over the bar and keep the score at 3-0. After half time Chew came out determined to put the game out of reach and within 5 minutes Williams had scored with a wicked cross direct from the corner which flew under the bar and into the back corner. From then on the game played out to its 4-0 conclusion. Chew spurned several chances and Russell made a few late attempts but were repelled by the defence and Keen in goal who claimed every cross and corner with minimum fuss. The game was played in a friendly and good humoured spirit throughout as it always is with Russell.
Decliners FC vs Easton Monday 95
Decliners Report:
Things didn’t go according to plan for this one with neither our keeper or the ref showing up. EM are a top bunch and it was agreed to go ahead without a referee and negotiate any decisions as we went. It might have been better for us if we’d also decided to go without a keeper, although our two volunteers made a valiant effort. EM soon took control of the game and had the lion’s share of possession without creating too many great opportunities. They came closest to helping us out with a goal when a defender hit their own crossbar following a corner. Just before HT Monday got the ball in the net but the scorer was offside. In a game where the Corinthian spirit was fully on display, everyone got on with it without complaint. Soon after HT, Monday finally took the lead after our second GK volunteer made a hash of a straightforward catch from a corner. Decliners then had their best period, which coincided with the dominant Monday CM taking a break on the bench. The Monday keeper made 3 great saves to preserve their lead. A second goal for Monday resulted from a strong challenge in the Decliners box. There were some howls of protest claiming a foul, but overall the Decliners side felt it was a legal challenge and the goal stood. In the final 20 minutes EM deployed their new voice-activated linesman which caused a bit of frustration, but not enough to dent what had been an excellent game played in exactly the right way. EM play a stylish, passing game and will be in the mix for the 50’s title if the season ever reaches its conclusion.
Decliners FC vs Russell Athletic 50s
Decliners report
A really enjoyable game of football is almost guaranteed against Russell Athletic, a team with a great understanding of the Corinthian ideal. Nevertheless this game was highly competitive, with one or two very tasty challenges flying in. Decliners had the better of the early exchanges but then dropped off the pace badly and went in 2-1 down at the break, including a vintage Emu OG and having picked up a couple of injuries to boot. El Presidente Andy Demmy equalized with a worldie (or was it a cross?) on the occasion of his 50th game for the Recliners franchise, but another soft goal allowed Russell to lead once more. In the latter stages Decliners finally regained control and Toby slipped the ball past the keeper and tapped into an empty net for 3-3. A great Corinthian moment settled the game, as Toby’s shot squirmed through the keeper’s legs and he pawed the ball back, but had it crossed the line? The ref and linesman weren’t sure, but the keeper knew and showed great sportsmanship in giving the goal. Both teams shared a beer in the car park after the game. If I could give more than 10 as a Corinthian score to Russell then I would as their attitude throughout was mint.