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Threadbare Tigers Too Good for Colo Colo

» Posted by Spud on 20-Jul-04

With only 11 fit players to pick from, Balmain's squad depth was tested and shown to be healthy in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Colo Colo. The Tigers came out playing some champagne football right from the opening whistle and after a couple of good chances the opening goal looked inevitable. It finally came 15 minutes in courtesy of Jem Richardson, who lost his marker and tucked Eamonn Byrne's free kick past the onrushing goalkeeper. Balmain made it two a few minutes later when Steve Lewis found Nick Flower with a pinpoint corner, Flower applying a first time finish that left the keeper with no chance. The Tigers supporters celebrated a third with the last kick before half time, only to be disappointed as the play was called back due to an offside call. The second half began badly for the Tigers when Colo Colo were awarded a penalty after a player was pushed and fell off the ball. Colo Colo scored to make it 2-1 and from then on Balmain faced a battle to keep the three points. However the Tigers dug deep into their reserves of character and held out, perhaps lucky on one occasion when a Colo Colo header hit the post. In the end though, the Tigers came away with a thoroughly deserved victory that keeps them in touch with the league leaders. Transfer deadline signing Dan Hanucek earned the Exchange Hotel man of the match award with an excellent performance up front which will leave the injured Julian Bracewell wondering if he'll be surplus to requirements when his fibula eventually stabilises.

Presented with a squad of nine players, the reserve team coaching duo of Kaltenegger and Warnink were forced to issue emergency call ups to big Dave Grillvinio and little Jimmy Campbell. With Campbell playing at the back and "Postiga" up front, it looked as though scoring opportunities were going to be minimal for both teams. Indeed Balmain were forced to work hard for the victory, which was achieved due to a solitary second half goal. The goal came courtesy of Alex Shain who, moments after receiving a blatant elbow to the head, leaped like a salmon and used the newly formed lump above his left eye to head a Nick Bounds throw-in goalward. The ball took a deflection, rather ironically off the elbow-thrower, and snuck past the keeper into the net. Nick Bounds turned in a dashing display at right fullback, earning himself two pints of the Exchange Hotel's finest for being man of the match.

Comments

  Posted by Jackson at 02:30 PM on 20-Jul-04

11 'fit' is a bit of an exaggeration.

  Posted by Spud at 02:34 PM on 20-Jul-04

Ok ok I should have put "11 available" or "10 fit plus Jackson".

  Posted by MattJaff at 02:44 PM on 20-Jul-04

I know training is off, but can we just not turn up in the sheds and have a 'bruise counting competition'. If only counting bruises above the knees, I think I would be in with a chance of winning. Although Jackson may take prize for 'biggest bruise', del Shaino may take 'best headshot bruising'. Thankfully it was 2 wins - RIP Colo Colo.

  Posted by Spud at 02:52 PM on 20-Jul-04

You're not wrong there Matt. I've got two corked thighs which makes walking a little awkward.

Speaking of bruising, Dancing Dan Ault was lucky he didn't end up with a few on Saturday night.

  Posted by MattJaff at 03:20 PM on 20-Jul-04

Not sure if Lady Dan and his aggravated cartilage will beable to walk anymore after the way he was moving around The Underground - or whatever it's called now. I can't remember any other behaviour but look forward to being reminded.

  Posted by Muggsy at 06:44 PM on 20-Jul-04

There was some bruising, let me assure you, however it was internal and only to the head. The swelling has subsided, memories all but gone. Last record is being thrown from the Town Hall and some very shaded memories of Matt cutting loose on the dance floor.

  Posted by Henrik at 03:58 PM on 21-Jul-04

Good work guys!
very impressive!
Has Alex turned too soft after playing AFL, did the guy with the elbow survive his counter attack.
Btw, Is it ok to count my scoring over here to the goal statistics?
Has not been anything yet, but to keep up with Nick I guess I have to consider doing it.
Love "The Falang"

  Posted by davic at 09:20 PM on 21-Jul-04

speaking of surplus requirements, although if AFL Shane can make the team i'm still in with a chance..well done guys...good to see we're still in touch...been honing my skills on the beaches of morocco and with blakey and macca in London...also the 'whopper' and Deano send their best..can't wait for more good news next week, tough run coming up..best of luck..and appy b'day Matt, hope you had good one!!

  Posted by MattJaff at 02:48 PM on 23-Jul-04

Watch it on those Morrocan beaches, could stub your toe on a block of hashish that didn't make it to Spain. Good to hear alls well. Just time your return for my imminent suspension and you'll be sweet.

Henrik, get into a few 80 cent Yellow curries sir, it's the best and often not available on these shores. a few firey dishes and you'll be eating like a local Twisted Evil

be good

  Posted by Noodles at 11:48 PM on 23-Jul-04

That was my throw in thank you very much spud. I is back from altitude training and ready for action, well sort of.

  Posted by Spud at 04:35 PM on 26-Jul-04

Sorry Noodles it's fixed now. As for your altitude training.... top game you played on Saturday!

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