Match Report – O35.1 – Game Date: 26/08/2018

BMFC O35.1: 2
vs
Springwood United FC: 5

BMFC Goal Scorers: Tolly (pen), Cobra

Player of the Match:

Match Report: We faced off for the second successive year against the Springwood All Stars in the Grand Final. Unbeaten this season, having scored in excess of 230 goals and conceded single digits we knew the enormity of the task. That said, the belief in our team is inspirational and we’d be giving it all we had

Personnel wise – Mick & Double Fist were away. Everyone else present

Prior to kick off both teams observed a minute’s silence to remember and honour Blueys committee member Barry Summers who sadly passed away two days prior

We had been carrying out Dunny’s game plan in training and in the last few games too so now it was time to execute when it mattered

The first twenty minutes and on the whole it worked, Springwood certainly not opening us up though we had to scramble well a few times. The first real chance of the game was ours – Tolly playing in centre midfield burst through off a Lowndsey flick to bear down one on one with the keeper – with Dunny’s final words to him before the game still in his head ‘you’re the difference today Tolly’ he hit the ball well but the keeper parried and the ball scrambled away

Not long after we went behind as Dave put into his own net under pressure. Brad fired a shot from fully 30 yards that the keeper did well to tip over – off the corner, Springwood broke well and made it 2-0. A scrappy third followed and our great start was a memory

Suarez was introduced for JB and made an impact, being up ended for a penalty. Tolly slotted away and 3-1 half time

Second half and we continued to fight hard and were rewarded after a few minutes. Lowndsey beat the left back and had a sight of goal with supporting players nearby. Knowing Lowndsey is guaranteed to shoot if he gets a chance, yours truly made a run across the keeper (to try and restrict his view) – Lowndsey hit it and it went behind me but somehow I managed to flick it into the corner

Back to 3-2 and game on for the next 15 minutes or so. Springwood extended the lead with a cross that Zap misjudged and went over him into the far corner and late on a fifth was scored. We had a few more chances ourselves but it was not to be

Superb effort from our boys today to create so much and come back from 3 down to give ourselves a sniff

A few thank you’s:

– to everyone who came to support us at the grand final and throughout the year
– to Dunny for coaching us
– to Paul for esky management
– to the committee for your hard work in what was a testing pre and early season with the Knapsack works

Until next year…

Match Report – 15.1 – Game Date: 25/08/2018

BMFC 15.1: 0
vs
Penrith RSL SC: 1

BMFC Goal Scorers:

Player of the Match: Sam

Match Report: The rain held off for the boys grand final. We observed a minute’s silence prior to kick off to remember and honour club committee member Barry Summers who sadly passed the night before.

The first half was a tight affair, RSL having one header that went over. Our defence was pressured but the back four of Max, Millsy, Aidy and Sam handled it well. In front of them our midfield engine of Jake, Dom and Martin fought well too

In the second half there were a few more chances – RSL missing a couple of good ones and Ethan firing a shot that Jake almost tapped the rebound in. Jacob had a shot in the box and also went down under a challenge but a penalty was waived away

Our wingers rotated and worked super hard – Jimmy, Alex C & L and Jacob. Damo and Keastie rotated in centre midfield doing superbly

We pressed well the last 20, largely in RSL’s half but with 4 minutes left a break away resulted in a goal against us

Coach’s Player of the match was Sam for great defensive work and getting forward a number of times to assist the attack, getting a couple of good long range shots away too

The boys were devastated at the end to lose and right at the death too. The highs and lows of football in two weeks after winning in penalties in the semi!

A few thank you’s:

– to Kate for being such a well organised, diligent manager
– to Lyn for fitness, strength & agility training every week
– to the parents for getting them to training & games & keeping up with my numerous texts
– finally to boys who are such a pleasure to coach

Another excellent season – enjoy your Summer sport and see you all next season

Match Report – 16.2 – Game Date: 11/08/2018

BMFC 16.2: 1
vs
Springwood United FC: 4

BMFC Goal Scorers: Sean Higgins

Player of the Match: Gus Langworthy

Match Report: For the last match of the Championship Round we headed up to Springwood for a must win game (and needing to score two goals or more to go straight through) to make the Final. An excellent training session on Thursday was a really positive sign. Jacob unavailable due to other commitments and Heath still on the injured list added to the challenge but it felt the boys were up for it.

The game quickly settled into being a very tight contest, with Springwood being able to play carefree football as they had nothing to loose and everything to gain for their last match of the season. It is fair to say that they were having slightly the better of the play.

It was an early break away goal to Springwood and then a ‘soft’ send off that turned the game on it’s head after less than one quarter of the match. A couple of lower level infringements were deemed serious enough by the referee to warrant yellow cards meaning we were down to 10 men. In my opinion both decisions were a little harsh, though technically correct, and “the punishment didn’t fit the crime” by any reasonable assessment. That’s football. That’s life. To his great credit, the young ma involved handled the situation in a composed and sporting manner. As did the entire team who showed increased commitment and determination to back their team mate.

We were down two goals at half time but all credit to the boys who kept their heads up and tried even harder! Every player, but Gus and Will Foreman especially, gave 120% and never gave up. Lachlan “I’ve run out of nicknames” Jones was as flexible as ever and did a fine job of covering where needed in the backs.

With time against us, and needing to pull back 3 goals, it was time to throw caution to the wind and try a few left field options. Pushing players forward, fewer in defence and a change of keeper were all our last throws of the dice. Nothing to lose by trying! Lachlan Bowe did an outstanding job when thrown into the goals for the first time this season, giving Robbie a chance to be creative up front! One tip over the bar was a memorable piece of excellent keeping!

Springwood scored a further two goals but we went down fighting and left nothing behind in going for a win.

In the end, Springwood did to us what I thought we might have been able to do the Blaxland in the final. Catch them a little tense and nervous, with us having nothing to lose and playing relaxed and creative football.

A fine late goal to Sean put a smile on our faces on what was a tricky afternoon and disappointing end to a highly successful season. Second place on the ladder. Goals scored by almost every player. We played a brand of football which drew high praise from all coaches we played against. Team passing football. Positive football. And we had lots of fun along the journey!! Watching the boys develop in their football, and more importantly as fine young men, has been a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Congratulations to Gus on a fine season as captain! Composed and determined leadership, especially through leading by example!

A massive thank you to Steve Cooke whose thorough and no nonsense work as manager kept things humming along and made such a difference.

A huge thank you to Greg Bowe for sharing invaluable ideas and excellent training drills across the season. It was always great to have someone heavily involved who knows the game so well!

And many thanks Darren Kingsford for being our social director!

Many thanks to all the parents and families for your encourage, support and trust each and every week.

May I also take this opportunity to thank Sandy, Dave and all the committee for their support and tremendous work this season. Your tireless efforts are greatly appreciated by the 16/2’s!

Congratulations Gus, Lachlan Bowe, Chris, Robbie, Will Cooke, Luke, Will Foreman, Sean, Jacob, Lachlan Jones, Zach Kingsford, Billy, Aidan, “Scoooooooooobes” and Heath! Be proud of all you achieved and contributed during an excellent season of football. I truly hope you all return in 2019 for your first year of Sunday football.