After a blitz of late season fixture folly, legal threats, gross underperformance from first grade and the rise of the U20s, all but one of season 2006's questions have been answered. But now, it comes down to this: Two weeks of intense Kaltenenegger training. Cotton wool around Uri's right foot (along with a box set of 'learn to share' Play School DVDs). Inevitably more Pirelli bicycle kicks. Frank's calf's race against the clock. And the stomach-wrenching lead up to the grand final. The question remains: can the U20s do it? Can they take home the season's grand prize?
But let's not get carried away just yet. It's been a while since this match reporter has reported for duty. My sincerest apologies to our legions of fans. University, moving house, insatiable girlfriend etc etc.
When we last left first grade, we were flying high. A 2-0 victory over Prospect looked set to propel us into the run for the semis perfectly. We still don't know what went wrong.
Well, I suppose we actually do. Four matches later, three dismal defeats (and a fairly fortunate draw) and our season came to a tepid end. It was at the same stage as last season's exit, to the same opposition, Hakoah. With the team having failed to show up repeateadly over the last month, the embarrassingly futile efforts in the 3-1 semi-final defeat probably surprised Hakoah more than Balmain's faithful.
But in dark times hope shines bright. And, on this occasion, white.
With the momentum of six straight victories the U20s side met minor premiers UNSW in Saturday's major semi-final. Donning their brilliant white away kit, the U20s proceeded to knock the stuffing of the favourites with a first half assault. A side boosted with the pre-match addition of Mitch and Uri meant the squad was at its intimidating best, with pace, technique and power there in abundance across the team.
No surprise then, that UNSW weren't even in the game in the first half. Jem sublimely finished for 1-0, then missed the clearest of one on ones and Pirelli did his bicycle thing, before Sasha's stellar finish was wrongfully ruled out for offside. UNSW came off the field relieved the deficit was just one.
Football being football though, and UNSW snuck back into it after a defensive mixup gifted them an equaliser early in the second half.
The match was from that point much more even, though both sides had chances to score. Justin's save of the season low to his right late in normal time kept the Tigers in it.
With cramps devastating the side and Uri perfecting his impression of a headless chicken, the match seemed to be heading for penalties. The masses on the sideline where wondering where the goal was going to come from, with increasingly regular glances towards Oddjob the referee.
But then, with just seconds of the 120 minutes left, Uri found himself alone with the last UNSW defender, who he barely acknowledged before burying a humpty dumpty of a drive into the back of the net. A Balmain legend born! A grand final place booked!
Lachlan was recognised as man of the match by Kaltenegger at the Exchange after the game, having marshalled his mass of defensive bohemoths supremely from right back, and saving the Tiger hide on more than one occasion himself.
Now thoughts turn to the grand final. UNSW play Lakemba this weekend to determine our oppoonents. Will it be the season's dominant side UNSW for a rematch, or will it be Lakemba, the only team the U20s are yet to beat? We'll all be supporting in two weeks. Stay tuned for news of the time and place!
