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Champions!

» Posted by Spud on 24-Aug-04
Champs 2004
The jubilant Tigers celebrate clinching the league title

Balmain clinched the NSW Division 3 championship on Sunday, taking home the title with a tense 1-0 victory away to Lithgow. Knowing that their title rivals were almost certain to win against lowly opposition, you could forgive the unusually quiet Tigers fans as they nervously milled around the stadium. They need not have feared though as big Dan Hanusek settled the nerves after 10 minutes when he turned his marker around 25 yards out and smashed an unstoppable low drive past the Lithgow keeper. The Tigers then proceeded to squander more than a handful of chances to finish the game off, both before and after the half time interval. With Lithgow typically fighting to the end the Balmain defence of Chris Grayson, Eamonn Byrne, Keith Agnew, and Daniel Ault were magnificent, not allowing Lithgow a single shot at goal during the second half. Finally as the clock ticked past the 49th minute of the second period, and the travelling Tigers faithful whistled until they were blue in the face, the referee blew time and crowned Balmain champions. In a team of giants, Daniel Ault stood tall to claim the Exchange Hotel man of the match award. Needless to say the streets of Balmain were lined with delirious fans as the victorious Tigers returned to the Exchange Hotel for a night that will live long in Balmain's memory.

Due to the Aussie soccer teams' early exits from the Olympic games, the SBS crew was able to cover some of the match, and we should have highlights available in our gallery later this week.

If you would like to pass on your congratulations to the Tigers, your can post a message here in the forum.

Somewhat overshadowed by the first team's achievements on the day, the reserve team put in their best performance in weeks as they demolished Lithgow 6-0. Bolstered by the return of Czech superstar Honza Capek, who had spent six weeks trapped inside a tanning salon in Prague, the Tigers looked to be more dangerous up front. So it proved as they took the lead with a 1st minute goal to Alex Shain followed by a Jem Richardson header that made it 2-0 before five minutes had passed. Despite many good chances, they could not add to the lead until after the break when part time striking sensation Svenaldo was brought on for the injured Steele Bonus. Svenaldo added two goals in quick succession and the scoring was wrapped up with goals to Shain and Paul Ritchie. Ritchie was awarded the man of the match award for a fine display in midfield.

Comments

  Posted by jimmyc at 01:57 PM on 24-Aug-04

A big shout to all players and coaching staff of the 2004 edition of the Balmain Tigers.
The effort and commitment of everyone throught the season has been tremendous and has been rewarded by a 1st and 2nd grade championship win.
You have did yourselves proud, it has been a pleasure to be involved.
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing
Now for the finals, bring 'em on.

  Posted by steve the cat at 01:57 PM on 24-Aug-04

My congratulations as well boys, I've been following the results all year from Melbourne and will be up in Sydney the grand final weekend so best of luck in the semis and I'll see you at the final.

Still waiting for the report aganist Lithgow to be added...

Well done Jimmy

Steve

  Posted by Henrik at 02:10 PM on 24-Aug-04

Well done, mighty tigers!
I was a pleasure to check the internet today
I said I would be back in the beginning of the week but the company just want me to stay longer and longer.
But now I have rised my voice and finally got my ticket booked. I will come to Sydney on Friday night, so I will miss the training this week to Sad
But if you still want me to play on Sunday I would love to do so!
Have done some running last couple of weeks to get rid of the extra 5 kg i put on in the beginning of the stay here. It is just too hot to do any exercise after a long day at work. Can someone inform the coaches about this on Training tonight.
C U on Sunday if not earlier!
Henrik

  Posted by davic at 02:22 PM on 24-Aug-04

Go the Mighty Tigers!!! and nice work on the website Jem...what would i do at work without it!!

  Posted by Spud at 03:03 PM on 24-Aug-04

balmainsoccerclub.com - happy to be of service to bludgers everywhere!

Very Happy

  Posted by general at 12:18 AM on 27-Aug-04

well done lads on winning the league, it took ye long enough. i hope ye celebrate it properly!! you should have a great chance in the finals now that fat henrik is back in sydney and willing to roll up and down the lefy wing!!
well done jimmy and dave aswell, enjoy!!
leo.

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