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Tiger tussle ends in Balmain loss

» Posted by Jackson on 08-May-09

Wednesday night saw Balmain meet Super League side Northern Tigers in round 2 of the Tiger Turf Cup. Unfortunately Balmain's poor run of form continued, as the side went down 2-0.

The fixture was hosted by Prospect United, an old foe from season’s past, at William Lawson Reserve. As if comforted by these familiar surroundings, Balmain took control of the game from the outset, pressuring their highly-fancied opponents into mistakes of mind and foot. Chances for Balmain followed. Secret weapon Dane just put a chance wide; Jake hit the post with a 30 metre drive, while the ball in several goalmouth scrambles just would not drop on Balmain boots. Yet ultimately another half with no reward came and went – it remained 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a different story. Balmain were being over-run as they tired and became more desperate. A goal around the hour mark put Northern Tigers one up. A cross was cleared only to the edge of the area, and as the ball came back in the Northern striker nicked onto a loose ball to sneak a deflected shot past that unlucky Dan Conway.

Yet the game was not over. Though Northern had the better of play and could have gone further ahead, Balmain managed to miss another glorious opportunity at the back post off a corner. It was to prove as close as they would come. The result was put beyond doubt with a Northern goal with the last kick of the game as Balmain desperately tried to find an equaliser.

It’s crunch time for Balmain: the next month will define their season.

Congratulations to Dane, Dan Conway and Denny for making their Balmain First Grade debuts, and a belated congratulations for Anthony who came on for his debut on the weekend. Dane especially was a strong contender for Balmain’s best.

And an aside for any trivia fans: Northern Tigers were actually named after Balmain Tigers. A deal between the Ku-ring-gai Association and Balmain paved the way for Northern Tigers take over Balmain’s position in State League Division One for season 2002. Balmain went back to the bottom of the Football NSW ladder – but this year they are back in Division One. What’s seven years eh?

Comments

  Posted by MrX at 09:58 PM on 08-May-09

Watched forrest gump today made me think of our new captain not sure why??

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