Check out the Ryde Rebels 2002/3 match reports right here.

Newly promoted Ravens futsal team Club 34 joined Ryde Rebels in the North Ryde Premier League. The big dates - 19th November and 4th February - saw our two teams come head to head. Enjoy this sumptuous fayre of match reports, and ponder a whole six months without indoor soccer...

Rebels defeat as Grand Final turns ugly

Sydney Falcons 5 Ryde Rebels 0 (24/03/2004)

With the hard work done in reaching the Grand Final at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams, Ryde Rebels were intent on putting on a show for the huge bank of supporters who had made the arduous journey along Pittwater Road for this glamorous clash. 

Rebels adopted their favoured 'bare numbers' formation, giving the Sydney Falcons entourage some extra seats on the bench; Perce declared himself fit despite a badly damaged calf, Matty waved away his injury problems to join Zorby, Joel and the Zedman in a strong line up, but with Tex out injured and Shawn out with a virus, the substitutes bench was as bare as Man United's trophy cabinet. The game got underway with Ravens adopting their patient approach, trying not to get sucked in too much. Falcons were their usual lively selves, stroking the ball around like Brazil; a couple of new faces adorned their side, and it was clear from the start that they were not making up the numbers. With the game two minutes old, diaster struck as a mesmerising move down the right saw Rebels stretched and the first goal rolled in from a yard. Soon after it was two as Rebels failed to clear, and with seven minutes on the clock, a cross from the left was calmly stroked past Perce by Joel, an unfortunate own goal to make it a 3-0 reverse approaching half time. Rebels had one solitary effort from twelve yards, a rasping drive by Matty that went wide, and the half time whistle sounded with Rebels under the cosh.

With little time to compose and reorganise, the second half was underway, and Rebels began to get the upper hand. Perce, after saving a one-on-one at the attacker's feet, released Zorby who worked a clever reverse one-two with Joel to set up Matty, but the shot flashed wide. Zorby began to get fired up in a way that only Zorby can, and this transferred subliminally to brother-in-law Matty, who got into a fracas with the Falcons babyfaced frontman after a heated exchange in the Rebels box. The Falcons bench roared on to confront the Rebels players, and it took a good two minutes to calm everyone down, and the referee produced a red to send the Falcons man off for retaliation. The Falcons player was clearly incensed however, and continued his mindless vendetta against Matty after his dismissal, and had to be ushered out of the playing arena. This was time for Rebels to claw their way back, but it didn't work that way, as Zorby copped a niggle from a Falcons man, who then turned sweetly in the box to drill a low shot home for four. Rebels, with another minute of numerical advantage, then laid siege to the Falcons goal. Firstly Matty thumped one wide from five yards, then Stevie tucked a ball inside for Zorby to strike low just past the post. Joel then tried an audacious chip which had the keeper scrambling, just touching the ball over, and then had a great chance, robbing the last man and having three bites at the cherry before the ball was finally cleared off the line with the keeper well beaten. There was time for a fifth as Falcons returned to full strength to pressurise the tiring Rebels, a cross from the left evading the outstretched hand of Perce to set up a tap in, but the sixth was denied as Zorby somehow cleared through the legs of the attacker as he was just about to roll the ball into the empty net.

The final whistle was cue for another dust up to precede the trophy presentation, as the Falcons Refrigerator looked to get his hands on Matty, along with three or four other Falcons players. Luckily Roids was there to act as UN peacekeeper, but even his best Kofi Anan impersonation couldn't stop him getting involved too. In the end it was down to the subtlety of Joel in his acceptance speech for the losers medals, to have the last laugh while diffusing the situation, adding '...if we're here next year' to his forecast of the next meeting between the two teams. Could this be the end of Ryde Rebels at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams? Has a season of Little Hitler refereeing, hot-headed opponents and general unpleasantness taken its toll? Stay tuned in six months when all is forgotten.

Rebels romp into final

Dreamers 2 Ryde Rebels 6 (10/03/2004)

The Rebels produced easily their best performance of the season, as they smashed six goals past a shell shocked Dreamers side, that could do little but admire the fluency with which the Rebels played. 

Without their pivotal front man, Texas Smith, who was reportedly looking for a residency to hold some future Rebel Ravens, the Rebels started with just the one reserve with Matty returning to the fray after 2 weeks out with blistered feet. The Rebels started sluggishly and were behind a goal after less than a minute, when a ball fell into space allowing the Dreamers' front man to run in unchallenged and finish nicely with Percival choosing to stay on his line. This kick started the Rebels into life however, and they were soon on equal terms after some good lead up work allowed Nick the time to smash a shot into the back of the net from just outside the box. It was soon two, after Joel dispossessed the Dreamers' striker and fed Nick the ball on the right. Nick drew the keeper before laying it off to Joel who had continued his run forward. A right footed finish saw the Rebels leading 2-1. The Rebels could have added a further three goals to the two they already had, as some superb passing and movement saw them create a hatful of chances. With half time rapidly approaching, Stevie Z made it 3-1 after he found space on the right to fire home a right footed shot. The boys were brimming with confidence at the half time interval and spoke of the need to score first and keep the defence tight. 

The Dreamers had other ideas however, and when Nick tried an ambitious pass to Joel it was intercepted and pushed past the outstretched frame belonging to Purc to bring the score back to 3-2. The Rebels soon restored their 2 goal buffer when Joel found Nick with a neat square pass, after the mercurial midfielder had made a sneaky run into the box. His ensuing shot left the keeper no chance. Some more superb passing from the Rebels again led to some great chances as the Dreamers' keeper was doing his best to keep the score respectable. At the other end Percival also had to make some fine saves, as the Rebels were occasionally caught with too many pushing forward, leaving the Dreamers' striker with several one on one chances. Some desperation defending from several of the Rebels players also averted any danger. After the Rebels' 5th goal went in, the Dreamers again scored to leave themselves some sort of hope, but it was Shawn Maple who smashed in the Rebels' sixth and final goal and shattered the Dreamers dream of making the final. Joel went close at the end with a powerful drive similar to Shawn's, but it rebounded off the post and bounced away to safety. 

The emphatic victory, sets up another grand final showdown with The Sydney Falcons aka the Australian Futsal team. If the Rebels perform anything like they did last night, they will be every bit a chance of winning, especially after shocking the Falcons with a stunning 4-3 victory earlier in the year. 8.30pm kick off time for the grand final next Wednesday, with free beers back at the Nth Ryde RSL afterwards. All are welcome.

Man of the match : Joel Hardaker

Agonising end to the Club 34 season 

Club 34 2 Dreamers 9 (03/03/2004)

And so the season ended. No match report for this one, suffice to say it was the usual story of a close game until half time (1-2), then a flurry of goals after the break plunging deep into the hearts of the Club 34 players. Willie scored a screamer and Robbie probably got the other, while Tex contributed to his one and only Club 34 outing as loan player with a tremendous own goal past a bemused Aman, through his legs no less. Dreamers looked devastating as they head into a semi-final show down with the Rebels. Stay tuned for a real match report for that one.

Club 34 close to a shock

Club 34 1 Sydney Falcons 6 (25/02/2004)

It's getting way too hard to find positives in Club 34's season so far so I've decided to cut to the chase. 

It was Club 34 (A 2003-04 debutante team with little Futsal skill and even less fitness) taking on Sydney Falcons (Aust representative Futsal Super Power) in the penultimate game of the regular season. It was always going to be a one sided affair. To their credit, Club 34 left the field at half time only a goal down at 2-1 which would have paid very very well with the bookies, however achieving this meant using all of their reserves and they didn't have much left for the second half. 

Second half: 34 kept them out for a couple of minutes before the flood gates finally opened as had been feared. Falcons scoring 5 unanswered goals in as many minutes to take the wind out of SS 34's sails. Little Hitler was still there to keep both teams fuming, but even he couldn't rain on the Falcon parade. The final whistle was blown to everyone's relief and Club 34 go away planning their final assault on Ararat next week in the final game of the season for the boys. A win is crucial.

Little Hitler antics fail to spoil Rebels party

Dreamers 6 Ryde Rebels 7 (25/02/2004)

A classic worthy of the Bundesliga was played out at Das Theatre von Dreamen of North Ryde, coinciding with the return to action of the most inept, ungentlemanly, uptight, unsmiling and unsporting referee to have ever graced a futsal pitch, Little Hitler.

The kick off was held up for some 25 minutes as the crowd congestion threatened the terraces, the fans keen to see Rebels avenge their mauling by the Dreamers in controversial circumstances earlier in the season. Matty Roberts, who was one of two players to see red that night, was out with a foot injury, joining the virus-stricken Perce and the unavailable Zedman on the sidelines, which meant a return to action for Aman in goal, on loan from Club 34, and for once not playing against the Falcons. In front of Aman was Captain Joely, Shawn, Zorby and Tex, meaning that Rebels were to revert to their usual no-substitutes formation. The early signs were ominous for the Rebels, with the Dreamers tricky midfield maestro cutting through the Rebels defence at will, but Aman was alert to the danger and the goal remained intact. Up at the other end, Rebels were being efficient with their play, but wasteful with the finishing, until a mesmerising run from Shawn took him on to a deft touch from Zorb, and with a shimmy and a searing shot, Rebels found their noses in front against the run of play as the ball bulged the back of the net. Tex smashed a ferocious shot from halfway that was tipped over as Rebels tried to capitalise on their surprising lead, and Joel went very close with a well worked free kick involving Zorby out on the right. With the storm apparently weathered, Rebels were then caught on the back foot, an intercept and a low shot beating Aman from close range for 1-1. Almost from the kick off, Joel then uncharacteristically gifted the ball to his opponent for a one-on-one with Aman, but his valiant efforts could not prevent the second goal. In a nightmare two minutes for the Rebels, a third goal followed soon after, with a scintillating move bamboozling the Rebels defence and producing a finish worthy of Rudi Voller from the Dreamers centre forward. Rebels were however back in the game when the fierce-shooting goalkeeper ventured out of his goal and decided to aim a pass straight to Tex, who gleefully smashed the ball into the unguarded goal from halfway. Just as Rebels were preparing for the halftime break, another piece of magic from Dreamers took the match to new heights, a one two splitting the defence and another Klinsmann-like finish rounding off a fine move. 

The half-time whistle saw Rebels indulge in a spot of heated Batty - Le Saux debate as Zorby began to vent his anger, thankfully not at the referee, and Dreamers knew they had the Rebels rattled. Little Hitler, who had been told in no uncertain terms by his fellow referee in the first half that he didn't need to be interrupted so often with incessant whistling, managed to get involved with the Theatre of Dreams league supremo, arguing over invading Poland or something similar. The mood was simmering, as it seems to do in every game refereed by this absolute idiot, and it wasn't long before the yellow card came out, the strapping Dreamers defender adjudged to have backchatted in an improper manner when asking about another mysterious decision. Zorby by now had switched into single-minded attack mode, camped in the Dreamers half, and with his mind only on the goal. And it paid off, in an amazing passage of play, started by Shawn playing Tex in, who hit the post, before Dreamers broke away to hit the bar, then the post with the follow up, and finally Zorby rattling the post and then finishing sweetly with a right foot shot for 4-3. And amazingly it was 4-4 as Shawn found room inside the Dreamers half and pulled off the most audacious Valas drag to wrong foot the defence and finish with aplomb. It was level for less than thirty seconds, as Dreamers thrilled the crowd with another crafty move down the right and a finish right from the top drawer for 5-4, and then the game looked dead and buried with Aman unable to keep out a stinging effort and the three attackers walking the ball in for 6-4 with Rebels caught upfield, and Joel caught on the ground in agony with a corked foot. Minutes remaining, and Little Hitler began to get under the Dreamers players noses, eventually pulling them up for the five foul rule. Joel stepped up to hit the keeper with the first effort, but made no mistake with the follow up, lashing the ball home for 6-5. And then, from nowhere, a freekick for the Rebels; not much on, so Joel lifted the ball teasingly in, the goalkeeper committed, the defender headed the ball out of his hands, and Zorby was left with an unmissable header from a yard for 6-6. What a game. Rebels sensed a strong finish, and they got their reward as Shawn shimmied through the defence down the right and teed up Joel to finish at the second attempt and send the fans wild. 7-6, and still a minute to go. Tex then floated in a corner which Joel lashed wide on the volley, and Zorb managed to hit the post again, before the referee brought the game to a close with Rebels in the ascendency, and having pulled off the Great Escape to remain top of the table with one round to go.

What a game, and despite the efforts of the clown in black, an exciting game was played out between two teams at the top of their game. Rebels will know that such defensive frailty could be their downfall in the semi-finals if they are to face the Dreamers again, but it was encouraging to see the players react to being two goals down at two stages of the game, battling back twice to overhaul their opponent with the crucial thirteenth goal. Rebels have now completed their league season, and will look to Club 34 to surprise the Falcons and prevent them from taking over at the top in the last two rounds. A classic semi-final awaits, against the Dreamers or No Names, two teams that have given the Rebels a tough time this year, and both capable of beating the Falcons. Stay tuned!!       

Man of the match : Shawn Maple

Championship form keeps Rebels top

Ryde Rebels 3 Sydney Yerevan 2 (18/02/2004)

A disastrous result was averted by the Ryde Rebels this evening as Sydney Yerevan went close to taking all three points in a tense tussle at the North Ryde theatre of dreams. Rebels were without midfield supremo Stevie Z, out with a hamstring injury, and without the flair of Matty Roberts, so in front of the mercurial Percy in goal were Joely, Zorby, Shawny, Willie and, er, Texy. The Yerevan side were slow to start, still donning their jerseys at the kick off, so the signs were there for a more prepared Rebels team to get off to a quick start.

And so it was, Rebels started off as though they were going to rip the Yerevan team to pieces, elegantly stroking the ball around the park with fluid one-touch flair. One such move saw Shawn latch on to a Tex pass to rifle just wide, the Joel was sent roaring down the right to fire in a shot which was deflected for a corner. At the other end, Perce was finding his throwing arm was disobeying his brain, and from one such throw, Tex was easily beaten to the ball and Perce had to pull off a smart save. The breakthrough came down the left again, with Nick touching the ball into the path of Shawn, whose eye for goal saw him slide the ball into the corner of the net with the goalkeeper just getting a touch. Rebels were looking ominously dangerous, although the tenacity of the Yerevan defence was causing many a clipped heel and breaking up play much to the annoyance of the boys in blue. Just as Yerevan looked to have weathered the storm, Joel was there to play in Tex, whose looping shot found the corner of the net much to his surprise. Tex then drilled a corner in which deflected off the defender and hit the post, while Shawn was again involved in attack, forcing a good save from the Yerevan shot-stopper. So two goals to the good at the break and Rebels motoring.

The second half got underway at pedestrian pace, Rebels trying to contain their voracious counterparts and maintain their two goal lead. Nick found himself completely free in front of goal when fed by Shawn, but hit the ball harmlessly at the keeper from two yards, one of a hatful of chances that were to be created in the half, with Tex, Nick and Willie all guilty of wasteful finishing. With Rebels in the ascendency, play was camped in the Yerevan half, but that was to be their downfall - Tex lined up a shot which was charged down, and a quick break left Rebels stretched at the back, and a simple finish made it 2-1. Within a minute it was 2-2 - a devastating piece of trickery from the lanky midfielder selling the dummy, drawing Perce and threading the ball into the unguarded net in one silky movement. Rebels were distraught. Joel, who had gone of as sub at 2-0 was flummoxed. The Ravenesque Mediterranean temperament threatened to raise its ugly head for a moment, but it was stamped out when Joel returned to the fray finding Zorby in space on the right, who feigned to cross and hit a shot straight at the keeper that bounced favourably into the net. Drama - three goals to two. Rebels were hanging on by a thread thereafter, looking to break on the counter. Zorby played in Tex for what should have been a simple finish, but the chance went as the ball bobbled around under his dynamic close control. Then Tex was played in by Shawn, and with Willie ideally placed at the far post, drew the keeper and inexplicably fired wide with Willie looking on in disbelief. Perce, who had been busy all game, then made a reaction save at the near post, but that was to be the last action, with the final whistle blowing and Rebels tip-toeing away with a stolen three points. Rebels had given a good account of themselves in creating a myriad of chances, but had shown worrying signs with a hopeless display in front of goal and some criminal defensive errors.

Rebels stay top having played a game more, and the chances are that they will finish second to the Falcons, unless a resurgent Club 34 can bounce back from two thumping defeats to rough them up in next week's match. Stay tuned.     

Man of the match : Joel Hardaker 

No Names turn the heat up on Club 34

No Names 5 Club 34 2 (18/02/2004)

The long season for Club 34 was starting to take its toll with goalkeeper Aman unable to play with a suspected galastrial strain of the medial heart string. Club 34 had also been rocked only days earlier by the stunning news that star midfielder Chris Mahar would be retiring from representative futsal due to study commitments. This left the Club with two men down against one of the heavy weights of the competition. Luckily due to sister club Ryde Rebels receiving a surprise forfeit, and through some magical managerial manipulations under the watchful eye of Sepp Blatter, Club 34 were able to gain the services of Rebel star Shawn Maple on a temporary loan. His addition to the midfield would prove indispensable in the tropical hell hole that was NRRSL Stadium on this night. With temperatures reaching 40 degrees earlier in the day, and night time temps of around 27 degrees coupled with 99.9% humidity, the boys knew they would have to conserve energy if they were to avoid total melt down. The air inside the stadium was similar to inhaling steam straight from a boiling kettle, and the team doctor had strict instructions to keep the 34's as hydrated as possible for the duration of the match. The changed line up saw Chris Bryant playing his second game in goals after a magnificent debut earlier in the season. Will and Rob were the main defensive line, with Adz pushed forward, and Sandro and Shawn playing a roaming midfield. The order of the day was rapid rotation of the one bench spot to keep the team as fresh as possible in the oppressive conditions. 

Once again 34 fans, this reporter won't delve too deeply into the finer details of the match except to say that it was a much improved side that came off the field, and with the relentless work rate of Shawn in the middle, Club 34 were in the match until only the final five minutes. No Names opened the scoring with two quick goals at the start, which Chris could do next to nothing about. The skilful NN striker turning Sandro with ease twice and smashing almost identical goals past the unsighted Chris. It was looking like things were going to become more oppressive than they already were due to this early set back. However, instead of dropping their heads, Club 34 took the game back to the No Names and had the better running of the match for the rest of the half. A couple of close chances were squandered, but finally Rob took a well taken chance just before the break to keep the 34s in touch. 

Nothing was said at the break as all players concentrated on consuming as much water as was humanly possible in the small amount of time allowed. The resumption of play saw Club 34 continue where they left off, frustrating their more fancied opponents with quick passing and eager defending. Will and Adz were strong in defence while Robbie and Shawn were combining nicely to set up several chances. Unfortunately they were unlucky to miss the equaliser due to some fine saves. Chris was not going to be outdone either and showed he has what it takes to play keeper at this level of the game with some courageous stops from close range and intelligent quick disposals of the ball to help set up attacking moves from the back. As is often the case when chances go begging, the No Names put another goal away against the run of play to take a three one lead. With about ten minutes left it would take a big effort to get back now. Club 34 was giving everything they had to get another. The speed of the game had picked up dramatically, and in the heat something had to give soon. In attempting to block a shot Will had his knee jarred badly and had to leave the field with slight damage to his tendon. The 34s would be reserve-less now and were already close to expiring. The spirit of this team has been strong all year, and it was this spirit that got them a second goal. Running on empty, Rob created a small chance on goal and his trusty left foot beat the keeper and brought them back into the game. Unfortunately, the effort so far had reached breaking point. Shawn had run himself into the ground with a great performance, and the rest of the team with a man down had succumbed to the harsh conditions and could hardly raise a canter. Will returned for the final minutes with a sore knee to try and relieve the team to some extent, but it was going to be a difficult task. With only minutes remaining, and all men pressed forward looking for an equaliser, Chris was left stranded in goals on his own, and the talented No Names striker was left with no one to beat and calmed slotted a couple of simple goals to take the match before the final whistle. 

Five two the final score, but Club 34 could be proud of their efforts and quickly ran up the stairs and outside to taste fresh air for the first time in an hour.

Club 34 outclassed as Rebels romp

Ryde Rebels 6 Club 34 2 (04/02/2004)

With contrasting fortunes coming into this one, the scene was set for a tough derby encounter at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams. Rebels were understrength, losing Nicholas to a swollen Zorbstring and Matty to a similar nondescript injury, so it was super shot stopper Perce in goal, with Joel and Stevie in the anchor roles and Shawn and Tex up front, without the luxury of substitutes, who were looking for their first win of the new year. Club 34 on other hand were a rejuvenated outfit, and had the luxury of two subs. Aman took his place in goal, Robbie and Willie were set to play the pivotal central roles, while Chrissy Mahar, Sandro and the brothers Bryant were all in attendance to look to extend the unbeaten start to 2004.

With a new look refereeing line-up, much to the relief of the players, the game got underway with Rebels straight on the offensive, and during a frantic opening five minutes, the patient approach play and busy forward play of the Rebels looked ominous. Unfortunately Texas Pete looked as though he had left both of his feet at home, as three good moves were capped off with scuffed shots and wasted opportunities. At the other end, Perce had to be quick to come of his line to thwart Willie, but it was Rebels who would strike first, Tex finding acres of space in the centre of the park and with Shawn hardly able to believe the space opening up in front of him, a simple pass allowed Tex the time to turn and pick his spot past Aman for 1-0. Robbie then squirmed through down the left and cut in to strike a shot against the post with Perce watching all the way, but it was Rebels who were to strike again, Shawn latching on to Joely's pass to sidestep the last defender and crack a sweet right foot shot into the corner of the net. Rebels had their tails up, but were being made to work hard, and the lack of reserves began to take its toll. Club 34 pulled a goal back just before half time as Adz found space on the right and, despite a posse of Rebels men around him, drove the ball home for 2-1. Game on. Half time brought welcome fluid relief for Rebels, but the second half was set to start in under a minute, and the respite was brief.

The second half was looking very tense after five minutes, with Rebels just about holding their in-form opponents, mainly thanks to the agility of Perce and the stout defending of Joel and Stevie. Stevie though had other ideas; a swift break involving Shawn and Tex saw the ball rolled to the mercurial Zed man, and in a trice, he had ghosted past his man with that rubber-legged motion of his, and dispatched a terrific shot from fifteen yards which just beat the outstretched hand of Aman and nestled into the bottom of the net for 3-1, as sweet a strike as you will ever see at the Theatre of Dreams. Rebels were by now running on empty, but with every attack, that extra energy came from somewhere. The next goal was a piece of trickery from the Texan, selling the nutties to Willie, moving in and, despite Aman saving the initial shot, tucking away the rebound for 4-1. The passing and movement from Rebels was second to none thereafter, Tex broke through again on to Stevie's cross field pass and squared the ball for Shawn only for Aman to save at his feet, but that was only a prelude to the fifth, another move from the top drawer involving Stevie, Joel and Tex, with the final ball to Shawn finished with the aplomb of a world-class centre forward and racking up a brace for the Rebels hit man. With Rebels now safely in the comfort zone, it was time for a sprinkling of sloppiness, and Tex gifted the ball to Chrissy Mahar from a Rebels break, who then fed Robbie for the one-on-one with Perce which was well taken, rounding the keeper and stroking the ball home with, amazingly, his right foot. So 5-2 and Club 34 were coming back strongly. Incredibly the next move didn't result in a goal, a huge melee in the Rebels area involving Joel, Shawn, Adz and Willie ended with the ball hitting WIllie on the knee and bouncing just wide from less than a yard. Club 34 knew their number was up by then, and in a fitting finale, Shawn put the final nail in the coffin, scything through the Club 34 defence to ram home a sixth and complete the scoring, thus completing a memorable hat-trick of top class goals.

The final whistle brought to an end a classic encounter, one that the fans will be talking about for some time; Rebels were simply devastating in a five minute spell in the second half while Club 34 can take heart from a display which would, against any other team, have brought more reward. Rebels now have a great chance of avoiding the unwanted fourth spot, and will be battling out with No Names and Dreamers to see who is best placed for the finals series. 

Man of the match : Shawn Maple     

Worrying signs as rusty Rebels beaten again

Ryde Rebels 2 No Names 3 (28/01/2004)

After an extended break over the xmas period, the Rebels returned without the services of their roving midfielder come striker, Texas Smith, who was rumoured to be at home doing the ironing. 

The Rebels looked good from the start with the Zedman, Shawn, Matty, Joel and Purc taking the field first. Nick started on the bench, but was soon called into action about 30 seconds in as Joel, who had eaten dinner only moments earlier, needed a break to calm his stomach. Some crisp passing and skillful play from both sides could have lead to a goal at either end but both keepers looked in fine form, with Purc especially making some nice saves. As the half drew to a close, it was some delightful lead up work from Matty who flicked on a ball to Joel with the deftest of touches. Joel then rounded the keeper and slotted home for a 1-0 lead at the break. 

Not long after the interval, Shawn made it 2-0, when he dispossessed the No Names last man and belted the ball beyond the keepers reach. 2-0 and looking good. Not for long though, as the Rebels started to tire, and the xmas pudding began to catch up with them. No Names dragged one back, and after some time wasting tactics from Matty, they had levelled the score as the ball somehow made it's way across the line after Purc and Matty appeared to have things covered. With 2 minutes left on the clock another freak goal for the No Names. A shot was lashed in Purc's direction from just inside the Rebels half. He got both hands on the ball, but as he went to ground with it, the ball somehow managed to squirm out of his hands and spin into the back of the net. Try as they might, the Rebels could not claw back a goal, and the No Names enjoyed their first ever victory over the Rebels.

Man of the match : Matty Roberts   

Club 34 - a phoenix from the flames

Sydney Yerevan 2 Club 34 3 (17/12/2003)

A famous sports reporter returns from covering the 2004 Paris to Dakar Rally. He finds an old weathered and coffee stained draft manuscript of the final Club 34 Futsal game for 2003 sitting on his desk. His first reaction is to screw it up and toss it in the bin, knowing that the faithful readership has heard all it wants to hear about this untalented bunch of cellar dwellers. Imagine then his reaction when tossing it towards the paper basket he notices one simple line at the top of the almost blank sheet of paper: CLUB 34 - 3 SYDNEY VEREVAN - 2. 

In a state of shock he quickly regathers the sheet for closer inspection. After re-reading the line 15 times to make sure he is still not feeling the effects of an unnamed Morrocan spirit, he decides that this momentous occasion should deserve at least a small mention on the famous Raven Report. Unfortunately, the tyranny of time will mean that the finer details of the match will be forgotten forever apart from in the hearts of those brave men who fought to pride back to the Club. 

The line up was stronger than ever with a full compliment of players. Both the Bryants were playing, along with Aman, Wile E, Roberto, Sandro, & C. Maharaja. It would mean that for the first time this season Club 34 would have the added benefit of two reserves! A tactic that was not lost on the management staff who will be hoping to stick to this formation for the rest of the season. 

Once again, the Club 34 spirit was there in abundance and for a change this was coupled with some good passing and even better finishing. For the first time this season Club 34 opened the scoring, a well worked move left Roberto with a chance on his favoured left and he took it well to hit the lead. This was the tonic the 34's needed, and their legs and lungs felt a little less distressed than they have all season, which contributed to their more enthusiastic and determined play. 

Yerevan is not a team to be underestimated though, and every team in this elite division will make you pay for any lapse in concentration. With only minutes to go before half time, Club 34 had a so called "Brain - Explosion" and forgot how to defend letting not one but two quick goals in to see their hard fought lead disappear before their eyes and leave them with a sour taste in their mouth as they took in fluids at the break. 

But this game was going to be different. The players quickly put these setbacks out of their minds and immediately started the half with purpose and even a little touch of flair. The extra reserve was paying dividends, and Club 34 was in unchartered territory, still having the ability to break into a slow canter in the second half as distinct from the usual hunched crawl on all fours by this stage of the match. Robbie was keeping up the energy levels with his customary calls of "Come On!!", the Bryant's were putting legitimate fear into the Yerevan camp with some fierce tackling, the Maharaja was playing another strong and fit game in both attack and defence, Sandro was starting to gel and feel more comfortable with his new club, and Wile E as usual was perfection personified as he again displayed the silky skills and quiet determination that has seen him recently nominated for the Futsal Hall of Fame. Although a goal down, Club 34 had all the possession and it looked like the Yerevan defence had to crack soon. They looked tired and disorganised as the wealth of possession finally took its toll and Chris Bryant surged forward and buried the ball into the bottom corner. Two all and five minutes left. 

Robbie's throat was tiring and he quietened up to focus on finding a winner. Club 34 was pushing forward in numbers and were a little lucky not to be caught out on the counter-attack. Aman luckily was having a strong if not quiet game and made some important stops to keep the game level. Finally, the moment Club 34 had been waiting for arrived. Another full court press forward by the 34's saw a two on one develop and the final pass was pushed to Roberto on his trusty left with which he duly smashed it low into the bottom of the net to complete a thrilling come-back and deserved win for Club 34. They finally had some points to show for a determined season so far, and hope that this may be the inspiration for some more wins before the season is over. Semi final hopes are all but gone, but Club 34 still has its eyes on producing some upsets and showing the competition that they deserve their place in this elite tournament. Hope to see you down there.

Rebels in spirited fightback

AGBU 4 Ryde Rebels 4 (17/12/2003)

The North Ryde Theatre of Dreams has never before seen a comeback of such magnitude, as the out of sorts Ryde Rebels found the inspiration to battle back for a creditable draw. With absentees a-plenty, Rebels lined up with the famous 'no reserves' formation of Perce in goal, looking to erase the memory of last week's 14 goal debacle, Joel and Nick at the back and Tex and the loan star Will up front. Stevie Z, Shawn and Matty were out.

And so the game got underway with Rebels seemingly content to sit back and let the game come to them. This ploy didn't work, however, as AGBU set about ripping their opponents apart. First goal of the game came from some shoddy defending from the boys in blue, with a low shot too good for Perce, the ball nestling in the corner of the goal. Next up was a moment that Perce would like to forget, as he tipped the ball on to the post, only for it to cannon back onto him and in for two nil. AGBU's high shorts wearing midfielder then almost smashed the post in two with a thunderous toe poke as AGBU ran riot. At the other end, there was little to cheer, Zorby firing wide from a free kick, Tex selfishly going it alone with Zorby better placed, with the keeper saving well, and Will just failing to latch on to a Joel through ball. Rebels were looking ragged, and a third goal was no surprise, with tired legs allowing a simple finish with Perce well beaten. Perce had time to make a good stop just before the break, the half time whistle leaving Rebels three down and with nothing to be happy about.

And so Rebels set about clawing back the three goal deficit in the worst possible way, Tex and SuperFit Will left trailing as High Shorts and his slinky midfield partners jinked through to formulate a fourth. The scoreboard, had there been one, would have made incredulous reading, Rebels 0 AGBU 4, the form book turned upside down. Zorby was getting visibly rattled at the events, but Rebels soon had their consolation goal, when Joel ran on to Nick's pass to rifle home a fine goal. A fightback was looking more likely when Joel took a free kick quickly for Tex to miskick home, but the referee was having none of it, pulling play back with the wall not formed. There wasn't ten seconds to wait though for the second Rebels goal, as the free kick found Zorby who smashed the ball home. Rebels were finding space down the right of the compact playing arena, Willie hitting one just wide of the post from one counter attack, then winning a corner with the next break. From the corner, Nick fed Joel who saw the gap to find Tex. In slow motion, the thick-set front man took a touch a la Ginola and sent a half volley searing into the goal for Rebels third. The clock said four minutes to go. Rebels were on fire, AGBU shaken, but still commanding the lead. High shorts beat Will for the ninth time using his trademark back heel, only to find Perce alert, saving the rebound with an outstretched toe nail, before the dramatic final goal came. A piece of magic straight from the Gladesville Ravens training ground; the ball was won by Perce, who fed Nick, to Joel and the most delicate cross to the in-rushing Will, a real tester for Will and the keeper on collision course, but the on-loan superstar's touch from the diving header and the momentum of his ample frame, took the ball into the goal for a dramatic equaliser. Rebels had done it, four nil down to four-four in ten mad minutes. There was time for a dangerous free kick for AGBU which went over, but the final whistle sounded and Rebels were more than content with the point.

Rebels were magnificent in the last ten minutes, but had been noticeably shit in the preceeding eighteen. A testament to the Rebels spirit, as they battled back from adversity to snatch an unlikely point. The Christmas break now gives Rebels a rest, and with a bye on the first week back, there is no futsal action until Jan 28th when Rebels must pull out all the stops against high flying No Names.

Man of the match : Captain Joely   

Rebels without a clue

Dreamers 7 Ryde Rebels 3 (10/12/2003)

Ryde Rebels, unbeaten this season in five games, sitting on top of the table, collapsed like a house of (red) cards this evening in a game marred by yet another horrific refereeing performance from Little Hitler, and marred by some unbelievable indiscipline from the Rebels charges.

The mood was set by the previous game's untimely ending, with two players sent off in the final minute and players threatening the referee. Joel was the only absentee for the Rebels, taking care of some pre-nuptual commitments interstate, leaving Perce in goal, Nick and Matty, Stevie, Tex and Shawn, who was carrying a sprained ankle but passed fit to play after a rigorous fitness test. Stevie was immediately on the wrong side of the ref after saying hello to him and receiving a barrage of Hitler-esque commands in return just before the kick off as a suitably inflated ball was sought.

The game started off at a pedestrian pace in the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams sweatbox, both teams trying hard not to give too much away. The Rebels were keeping schtum, trying not to get on the wrong side of the referee, while the quality of the play was a little disappointing. The Dreamers were the first to pounce, Perce left hideously exposed at the back and unable to stop the close range effort, and Rebels were repeatedly caught on the counter attack after losing the ball in midfield; the long legs of the two defenders were causing Rebels great difficulty, and it was with relief that they finally broke through for an equaliser. Matty did the hard work, keeping in a pass from Stevie, and fired in a sweet cross from the right that Nick gleefully lashed home from two yards. Rebels were back in the game and looking menacing. Half time was not long off, and there was time for Tex to balloon a left foot shot wide, and Matty to have a shot well saved from close range.

The half time break saw Little Hitler pause the clock to mop up some sweat on the court, and made an instant impression on the Club 34 players by sending them from the playing area for encroaching on the subs bench. So game on, Rebels looking to wipe away a mediocre first half and get out of first gear. It wasn't long before Dreamers were ahead again though, Stevie feeding Tex with a sublime ball, only for the latter, looking as though he had spent all day at his work Christmas party (!), to gift the ball to his opponent, who raced away completely unmarked to beat Perce with ease. Rebels, to their credit, almost hit straight back, with Shawn almost bundling right through the defence only to be blocked on the line, before Matty was harshly adjudged to have fouled his man on the edge of the area, resulting in the lamest penalty. The goalkeeper stepped up to thump the ball home for three one. Matty, with his finger hovering over the self-destruct button, finally lost his rag and let the referee know just how he felt soon after, and a casual F-word earned him a red card. Matty made no scene about the whole incident and walked off head held high, and was probably the luckiest player on the pitch to be spared playing the last ten minutes. Rebels, shocked to be down by three, and down to three outfield players, then hit back, Tex picking up a good ball from Stevie and unleashing a bullet, through two sets of legs and into the net for 3-2. Rebels back with a chance. That chance only lasted for a split second however, as Dreamers took full advantage and toyed with their understrength opponents, a simple finish bemusing Perce who was once again exposed. Then a moment of high drama; Perce had slid out to make a great stop, resulting in a swift move by Shawn and Nick that resulted in Tex picking up the ball on the right touchline and drilling a low cross-cum-shot, that was turned onto one post, and bounced onto the other before being cleared away; Rebels denied an unlikely third goal. Nick had seen enough to suggest that the ball had crossed the line and gave the referee another verbal volley, earning the right to an early shower, and leaving Rebels down to two outfield players. Stevie and Tex had four comical minutes of energy sapping two-on-four futsal, committing to attack, but getting caught twice on the counter with Perce given no chance, the score going out to 6-2. Finally, with a minute to go, Rebels were allowed another player, and with Dreamers looking to play out time and spare Perce any more punishment, Stevie was allowed to waltz through as if at training for the Ravens, and slotted in a goal with the keeper disinterested. Time for one more, as Rebels tried in vain to get back into the game, Tex once again caught in possession with no options, and a simple seventh rounding off proceedings.

Rebels were once again victims of their own fiery tempers, but question marks must be held against the referee, who totally blanked his fellow referee, who was clearly there to make up the numbers. A shocking way to end the first round; AGBU must be licking their lips in anticipation at meeting a very out-of-sorts Rebels next week, with Nick and Matty likely to be suspended. Woe woe woe. 

Man of the match : Percettini (he even went back for more punishment for Club 34)

Club 34 give Sydney Falcons a rough ride

Club 34 2 Sydney Falcons 7 (10/12/2003)

It was the day Club 34 had been dreading. Still without a win so far this year, and about to face the World Futsal VIII or Sydney Falcons. The Falcons were coming off their first ever defeat at the NRRSL amphitheatre and would be keen to restamp their authority on the competition. The 34's welcomed back Adz Bryant from injury and Paul Purcellington on loan from local rivals the Ryde Rebels. Aman was still in hiding since learning of the date of this fixture and it would be up to Perce to take the full brunt of the bazookas that would be fired at him. Chris Bryant was still unfit due to a troubling and persistent knee injury and supported from the bench. The rest of the team consisted of Robbie, Sandro, Wile E, and C Mahar. Yes folks, that's right, the 34's would enter unchartered territory as they played one reserve, a tactic that would prove to be quite a successful innovation. All were still inexperienced, but were getting fitter every week and starting to look less like headless chooks and more like fairly untalented Futsal players. As you avid readers may know, this match report has been a long time coming and as a consequence this correspondent is not going to rack his brain trying to remember the finer details of this testing encounter. 

Suffice to say, the Falcons were much too strong and their fast passing game combined with some powerful shooting meant that they kept the score ticking over for most of the first half. To their credit, Club 34 played well and were tackling hard and making life as difficult as possible for the Falcons. Perce was rising to the occasion and kept the score below four at half time with some excellent reflex blocks. With a minute remaining before the break, Robbie broke free on the counter and put one into the back of the net, upsetting both the Falcons and the bookies that had the 34's at very long odds to get on the score sheet. Half time it was, and the 34's could be proud of their efforts in keeping the game as close as it was. The second half was much like the first, with the Falcons creating numerous chances, only to be foiled by some good keeping and desperate defence. The weight of possession took its toll eventually, and they came away with a few classy goals to take the score to 7-1. It was at about this point that the game began to spill over. Club 34 were using their famous bone shattering defence to upset some of the Falcons, and Robbie in particular was being targeted for retribution from the Falcon defence. Although leading by six goals, the Falcons abandoned the silky soccer they are renowned for and tried to butcher at every opportunity. One particularly angry Falcon could not control himself, and received his second yellow card for attacking the shin and was off for an early shower. Little Hitler had already given the red card a workout this night in previous games, but he couldn't resist using it again, perhaps this time at least it was actually warranted. It wouldn't be the last though. The game was getting heated now, and the 34's were amazed at the aggression coming from a team coasting to victory. 

Friendly retorts from the 34's were met with threats of having parts of their anatomy removed by the skill-less (and hairless) gorilla (how he is in the Falcon side is a mystery to most) which was amusing the bench. The crowning moment of the match came in the final minute, as Club 34 set up for a long range free kick. Robbie was taunted by the gorilla to take a shot although he was well in his own half. Robbie responded by belting it forward, just missing the gorilla's head, but not missing Adz' head who crisply deflected it into the bottom of the net to make it 7-2. Robbie was overjoyed at this result (perhaps he had money on it as the Bookies were paying 1,000,000,000 to 1 for 2 Club 34 goals in the one match against the Falcons) and decided to show how happy he was by giving the gorilla a turbo-charged raspberry. This was just the occasion Little Hitler lives for, and he immediately sent Robbie off for over zealous celebrations. Time was at an end anyway and Robbie only missed the restart before the final whistle was blown. 7-2 the final score. 

A good result considering. Club 34 could be happy with their efforts and Perce could go off to ice his hands happy with another strong performance in goals. Next week is the rematch with Yerevan, who just pipped Club 34 in the last minute of the opening round. Club 34 will be looking for their first points of the season, and look forward to seeing you all down there.

Rebels ease past Armenia

Sydney Yerevan 1 Ryde Rebels 3 (03/12/2003)

Ryde Rebels chalked up a magnificent 3 - 1 win against Sydney Armenia Yereven Ararat Northern HFC to maintain their unbeaten start to the league season. With key men Joel and Tex out due to differing and almost embarrassing commitments, loan star Willie joined the ranks of the Rebels, with Perce in goal, and the crack fighting unit of Nick, Matty, Shawn and Stevie Z in the outfield positions.

A first half of comical proportions was kicked off with Nick caught in possession and a shock goal conceded, as Yerevan caught the Rebels cold. At one nil down after thirty seconds, Rebels were, however, able to put the goal aside and set about retaining their impressive run. In the end the goals were to come, scored by Shawn with an overhead kick, Zorb with a van der Vaert flick and Stevie Z with a tap in from half a yard. The highlight of the evening was Will looking like a completely different man, finally finding himself on a winning team in the indoor arena. Also the nazi ref making sure everyone at North Ryde knew what his decision was for, choosing to waste time telling anyone and everybody about his dodgy decisions. 

Rebels cruised to a comfortable victory, a victory which probably had lots of controversy and passion, but with a press embargo following the refereeing blunder against No Names, the usual reporters were banished from the arena to protect the referee. From our scratchy news, we do understand that Stevie Zalalas has once more found his fitness, and that Rebels are looking sharp and ready to take on all comers to snare their first minor premiership at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams. Go the Rebels.

Man of the match:  Stevie Zalalas

Club 34 draw blank as No Names cruise

Club 34 0 No Names 5 (26/11/2003)

Club 34 v No Names What can I say. We lost again. 5 nil. The boys fought hard and deserved a couple of goals but the chances went begging and although Chris Bryant kept the scoreline slighty more respectable with some great saves in Aman's absence, the No Names were a tad too strong strong for the inexperienced Club 34. With the absence of Aman and Adam, Chris playing in goals, the boys were set to play their unorthodox and energy sapping no reserves tactic . But with Ryde Rebels representatives Stevie Z and Matty still lingering at the NRRSL Stadium basking in their glorious upset win over the Sydney "Super Stars" Falcons the coaching staff opted for a new tactic. 

They were both quickly thrown the Club 34 colours and tried to get their tired legs ready for another gruelling encounter. Anyway. I'm not going to bore you any further about this match. Robbie played his usual strong game in both attack and defence and had we another 3 of him out there with him, the result would have been much different. Chris may have cemented his spot in goals with an impressive debut, and Aman will have to fight hard for the rights again to get small hard white balls kicked at him at frightening speed from point blank range. Steve and Matty added some class to the 34 game but didn't have much left in the tanks after their nights earlier exploits and couldn't change the course of this match. Again, the 34's were strong in defence and were always in the game, however they are struggling to score and will need to start finding the net soon if they hope to get some points and start moving up the ladder. Indoor is a high scoring game and it is to be expected that you will cop a few goals each game. If Club 34 can take some of the chances they have missed out on so far this season, they will be a much stronger team going into the second round. The spirit in the team is still high, and hopefully I'll have something good to write about soon. See you at the game.

Falcons shot down by Rebels in nail-niter

Sydney Falcons 3 Ryde Rebels 4 (26/11/2003)

An evening of entertainment that the watching fans will remember for a long time, as Ryde Rebels came up trumps in a seven goal classic that could so easily have been fourteen. Rebels lined up with their full complement of players, fresh from the previous weeks' drilling of Club 34, so Perce continued in goal, with Joel and Nick, Matty and Tex, Shawnie and the Zedman the outfield players looking to end the torment endured over the years against a Falcons team brimming with internationals and looking very sharp in their new white shirts. Pre-match odds were $12.50 for a Rebels win.

The game got off to a remarkably brisk pace for a Rebels game, and the boys in blue were on the back foot from the opening exchanges. Joel and Stevie sent a warning message to the Falcons with two wayward passes within the first minute, and the Falcons looked as though they were set for a half hour blitz on Perce's goal. Joel and Stevie were keeping things tight at the back however, and restricted Falcons to long range efforts which never troubled the Rebels, despite coming within centimetres of the frame of the goal. Tex was unlucky not to win a penalty when chasing a stray ball, causing the keeper to haul him down, but play was waved on; little did Falcons know what was to follow. Rebels were reading the play in midfield and Matty nicked the ball from the through ball and surged up field, drawing the keeper and playing Shawn in for a simple finish from a yard to give Rebels a priceless lead. Soon after, almost a carbon copy, this time Shawn playing Matty down the right who picked out Joel at the far post with a precision pass, and, as usual, there was no mistake from two yards. Rebels were buzzing, Falcons were floundering, their apathetic Man U-like fans suddenly finding themselves in a desperate position, and amazingly it was three within a minute. The ball was once again stolen in midfield and touched right to Stevie who, with a glance at the goal, drilled home a screamer, through the legs of the hapless keeper. Three goals up, it was time to shut up shop, but Falcons signalled their intentions for a scintillating second half by flashing a long range effort against the inside of the post and out. So an unlikely 3-0 scoreline at half time, with Rebels taking full advantage of the interchange and keeping as fresh as possible.

The second half was always going to be a difficult 14 minutes. Perce had to be alert to push out a sweeping move and shot, before tipping a shot wide and keeping this goal intact. The early strike came as expected, a delicious move resulting in a goalmouth melee, and the Falcons man was there to poke in a simple goal. Rebels were not about to cave in though, and Tex squared one for Nick who almost found the net. Matty began to camp himself in the opposition half for long balls, a tactic that has brought many goals over the seasons, while Rebels maintained a defensive formation when not in possession. Stevie lashed one in from distance after dancing through the defence down the right, then Matty hit one wide when teed up by another Zedman foray. Just as Rebels looked as though they had weathered the storm, Falcons plucked another majestic goal out of the bag, a zippy move involving the whole team and ending in the spare man lashing the ball home with Perce bedazzled. Three goals to two. Rebels fearing the worst. Rebels, to their utmost credit, continued to defend staunchly, limiting their illustrious opponents to few clear chances, and were playing a game of sub-go-round, with interchanges every twenty seconds. Rebels then took an enormous step towards the points, an impressive piece of approach play from Stevie looked to have ended when the ball was played too far for Matty with goalkeeper out of position, but in Roy of the Rovers fashion, the Rebels man slid in on the burn-tastic surface to hook an amazing shot in, as accurate as a Johnny Wilkinson conversion from the touchline, which was helped over the line by a gleeful Shawn, unmarked at the far post. Four goals to two, and Rebels with six minutes to hold out. That six minutes became four, but Rebels were caught again by a simply devastating move, with overlaps abundant, and there was the tricky trickster centre forward to tuck home the ball with Perce left angry on the floor. Four minutes to go then, four minutes to hold out for a most amazing win. Rebels were defiant at the back, and rode their luck somewhat, Perce touching a shot onto the post, parrying two thumping efforts to safety, and relying on a scramble by Nick and Shawn to keep the ball out when it looked a certain goal. Claudio Reyna then beat two men, rounded Perce, but managed to stumble and see the ball trickle agonisingly wide. A free kick dead centre eight yards out looked to have given the Falcons a golden opportunity to snatch an equaliser, but Nick was there to flick the early shot wide. Rebels were trying their best to while away the time, but the pace of the game was giving them a tough time; the referee though brought the game to an end with Rebels in possession, and Rebels had chalked up an amazing 4-3 win against the team of the century, Sydney Falcons.

The post match mood was one of disbelief for the Rebels, who still could not fathom the ease with which they had cut through the Falcons defence in the first half, and who had shown a display of true professionalism. Rebels now sit proudly at the top of the table, having dropped only two points, but with absentees next week in Joel and Tex, they will be playing the dangerous bare-numbers game so deftly adopted by their counterparts Club 34, and will be looking to sneak a win to consolidate their lofty position in the league. Well done Ryde Rebels, the win of the century, it's been a long time coming, and not since the narrow 2-1 loss in the final of 2001 have Ravens managed to hold the Falcons to less than four. Go you Rebels!

Man of the match : Matty Roberts

Rebel Idols demolish Club 34

Club 34 1 Ryde Rebels 6 (19/11/2003)

Derby Day for the two Ravens elite Division One teams, and the scene was set for a rip-roaring cup-tie atmosphere at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams. Club 34, coming off the back of three consecutive defeats and rooted to the bottom of the table, fancied themselves for an upset against a Rebels team that was visibly shaken the previous week by a horrendous refereeing display. Club 34 lined up without reserves, such is their fitness, with Aman in goal, Will and Robbie in front of him with Sandro and Chrissy Mahar the midfield and the attacking options. Rebels on the other hand were for once at full strength, Perce in goal, with Joel and Nick, Matty and Shawn, and Tex and the Zedman all finally together again.

Just the start that Club 34 didn't want arrived on ten seconds, with a delicious one-two between Joel and Nick, leaving Captain Joel to bundle the ball into the net with Aman stranded, thus breaking his duck for the season and getting Rebels firmly into the driving seat. A tense five minutes followed, with Tex opting to pass to Zorby on two occasions when the shot was on, then Robbie rattled the ball just over the top to signal his intentions. Shawn then found himself in space, tiptoe-ing around the last man and placing  a superb shot just inside the post for two nil and Rebels began to dictate the pace. Will fizzed one in for Club 34 and Chrissy Mahar linked with Will to set up a great chance that was saved by Perce, before another swift break from the Rebels was devastatingly finished by Joel on the left after good build up play by Shawn. Half time was welcome as the hot box of a stadium was quickly reaching boiling point, and right on the buzzer Robbie squeezed through a shot which hit the post and Perce smothered the ball.

Club 34 changed to a 3-1-1 formation, with Aman taking the sweepers role, and the second half got underway at an alarming pace. It wasn't to last. Stevie Z, enjoying one of his more tricky performances found a gap on the right and drilled in a sweet shot which went in off the far post for four, the goal of the evening. Robbie went close with a chipped effort when Perce raced out, then Perce cracked in a shot from distance as the ball fell kindly for him. Aman was pushing out at every opportunity to make the extra man, but was finally caught out when Shawn nipped in to make the challenge, the ball falling for Tex, who rolled the ball into the open goal from half way. Five goals to nil, and time for a bit of Club 34 magic, Aman tricked down the left and shaped to shoot, but played in Robbie instead, who fired home for the consolation goal. Will was then thwarted by Perce as CLub 34 began to get a head of steam, and Perce was at full stretch to tip the ball away for a corner from Sandro, with the ball going at least three yards wide already. Zorby then managed to miskick an open goal from a yard out, the ball looping onto the bar, after a weighty cross from Shawn, and was once again unlucky not to turn in a quick corner from Tex. Club 34 dominated for the last five minutes as they searched for a second goal, but it was the Rebels who finished off the scoring with a cleverly finished effort by Shawn for 6-1. The final whistle sounded to huge applause, with the Rebels having taken out the very first Ross Street derby in comprehensive style.

Man of the match : Percello Purcellini 

Club 34's heavy defeat prompts deep reflection

Club 34 1 AGBU 4 (12/11/2003)

Well readers. This game was so much like the performance of last week, that this writer finds it very hard to motivate himself to find any inspiration from this game. The final score of 4-1 was as last week. The hatful of missed chances in attack and soft goals conceded kept the Club 34 team behind the 8 ball for the entire match. In an effort to score goals, their defence was stretched and they were caught out with counterattacks from the skilful Armenians. 

Only a nicely taken shot from Robbie V late in the match gave the 34's some reward for their healthy share of the possession. Chris Bryant was still out through injury and hoping to be back in the next week or two. The team looks stretched with just the one reserve and they look forward to having the team back to full strength. The players are still giving their all, and can only improve. For most of the team it is their first season of futsal and it will take some time to get the hang of it. They have gone straight into the 1st division and realise they will cop some hidings along the way from some very well credentialed sides, but they are confident of producing some upsets as well. Next week promises to be the game of the season as the two Ravens teams; Ryde Rebels and new comers Club 34 go toe to toe in what most experts are predicting will be a defend-a-thon!! The mood at 34 Ross St is chilled as both managers try to live under the same roof and stay tight lipped about their teams chances and possible tactics in this derby of derby's. 

As both teams lack anyone who could even remotely claim to be called a striker, it will be the team that makes the least mistakes who will take this one out. 8.30 next Wednesday. Make sure not to miss it!! See you there!!

Rebels and No Names in refereeing uproar

Ryde Rebels 3 No Names 3 (12/11/2003)

Ryde Rebels were finally back in action after their bye last week, giving them a chance to blow the cobwebs away against last year's beaten semi finalists No Names. No place in the starting line-up for Stevie Z, embroiled in a financial irregularity scandal, but his team mates were all in attendance, Perce in goal with flashy new knee pads, Joel and Nick, Matty, Tex and Shawn making up a full team plus one substitute. No Names included their three tricky players plus another couple of players with considerably less flair, but equal in determination and spirit, and their keeper looked ready to save anything thrown at him. Rebels were tired looking and lacking their usual spark, something to do with the two week lay off, and the excess boozing of the Melbourne Cup carnival and rugby world cup festivities. 

The referee endeared himself with his petty school teacher ways at the kick off, warning No Names about their attire, and forcing players to renumber their shorts with tape. The game was locked at 0-0 for the majority of the first half as neither team could capitalise on their half chances, but that was soon changed when Matty picked up the ball in midfield, danced through the defence and squeezed a delicious shot inside the far post before tumbling into the crash mats. A great goal. Rebels held that lead until half time and were fortunate to go in a goal to the good. 

The second half started with a flurry of activity. Rebels should have scored again when Zorby squared for Tex but Tex hadn't made the run, and from the resulting break, Rebels found themselves pegged back to 1-1, the ball hitting Perce on the way in and trickling over the line. Then all of a sudden it was 2-1 to No Names, as a static Rebels defence was powerless to stop a deft break and a simple finish. A shell-shocked Rebels team had serious work to do for the remaining ten minutes; Nick was unlucky not to force the ball home for 2-2, then Joel had a close range effort saved by the keeper. With time running out, and the referee wasting most of it with his incessant whingeing and back chat, a moment of Ryan Giggs magic for Rebels arrived, with Matty curling in a shot that Nick dummied, fooling the keeper and making it 2-2. Drama. The referee then brought play back for a free kick when No Names were clean through, and repeated the feat two minutes later, and spent a minute explaining his reason, and shouting at No Names players. Rebels then conjured up something special, Joel to Shawn, on to Nick and a cross which was turned in by the defender with Tex ready to pounce, Rebels moving into an unlikely 3-2 lead. One minute to go, Joel was adjudged to have fouled his man, after pulling out of the challenge, conceding the Rebels fifth tackle. A free hit on goal then for the No Names team, and after 59 seconds of explaining all sorts of rules to totally disinterested players, the ball was sweetly struck past Perce and onto the inside of the post and out for a throw, Rebels had won. Or so they thought. The referee had bizarrely signalled a goal for No Names; however, unlike any past refereeing blunders, Rebels were just so fed up with the referee, they just walked off as the final buzzer sounded, and the atmosphere was one of disappointment from both teams, who felt robbed of a good game by Little Hitler in the black. Rebels, notorious for standing up to such nonsense and causing a scene with the match officials, were left numb by the events, and most of the fans were stunned into silence. An official complaint from both teams was allegedly made after the game, and it will be interesting to see whether the referee is relegated to fourth division or retains his spot. Stay tuned for more moaning about officials, as Rebels take on their Ravens rivals Club 34 in what should be a storming encounter at the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams. 

Man of the match : Joel Hardaker

Club 34s search for points continues

Club 34 1 Dreamers 4 (05/11/2003)

Club 34 were hungry for a victory after the disappointing last second goal that broke their hearts a week earlier in the season opener. The team of Aman, Robbie, Will, Adam and the two Chris's welcomed newcomer Sandro to the fray for this fixture, but with Chris Bryant still injured from a tackle in the game before, Club 34 would still only have a single man on the bench and it would mean a hard slog for all concerned. The opposition had a full bench and it would be this freshness that would ultimately prove too much for the not yet completely fit Club 34 lineup. 

The first half was a tight affair. Club 34 were keen not to overdo it early and were cautious not to over-commit their players forward. This didn't prevent them from almost going ahead early with some nice passing that was only prevented from being rewarded through some excellent goalkeeping. In fact Club 34 was unlucky not to score several chances in the opening half, and it was only through a couple of fine stops by both the keeper and his posts that kept it scoreless. But as is often the case when several chances go begging, it wasn't long after that the 34 boys conceded a goal. The Dreamers were full of running and as the 34 boys tired they snuck in another goal just before half time. So at 2-0 down at half time, the boys were looking for a nice break. Unfortunately they had to turn around and get straight back into it. 

The second half started similarly to the first, with Club 34 pushing forward looking for a goal. This time they were rewarded early as Robbie was taken out by the goalie and from the ensuing set piece they got their rewards. 2-1 the score. As we had alluded to earlier in this report, the lack of reserves was by now taking its toll. All players were finding it difficult to move at much faster than walking pace and as the Club 34 team pressed forward looking for an equaliser, the defensive line was left vacant and in the end the Dreamers were allowed a couple of almost uncontested attacks on goal which Aman had little chance of preventing. In the end the final score was 4-1, but it didn't reflect the closeness of the game until the final couple of minutes. Next week the team will still be missing Chris Bryant, but hopefully they will be that little more fit from their exertions and will take the points that they so badly need.  

Rebels move up a gear to beat the Agbuvians in league opener

AGBU 1 Ryde Rebels 5 (29/10/2003)

The opening night of the season, the buzz of excitement could be felt on approach on Pittwater Road, the bright lights of the North Ryde Theatre of Dreams shining like the beacon of Australian futsal that it has become. Rebels, fresh from two heavy defeats in their pre-season preparation, lined up with a full complement of players; Perce took his spot in goal, aiming to rub out the memory of the previous week's performance, behind an outfield line-up containing such household names as Joel, Zorby, Shawn, Stevie Z, Texas Pete and Matty. The opponents for the night were the Northern HFC / Ararat boys from the GHFA Premier League, and once again Johnny Highshorts was to play the pivotal role for the opening match of his 34th season.

The game got underway at the usual pedestrian Rebels pace, and Agbu were happy to play the same game... there were periods of 15 seconds or more when Agbu players stood with the ball contemplating their next move, just like a World Championship chess match, as Rebels left their opponents to make the first move. Rebels were creating a handful of chances, mainly through the verve and enterprise of Shawn Maple through the middle, playing the indoor game in a refreshingly direct manner. Stevie Z had the first chance of the game, flashing a shot wide from an acute angle, then Matty smashed one just past the post from distance. Tex should have released Stevie in space soon after when the silky Zedman was clear, then it was Stevie again with a header that was pushed away. Joel was threatening to score, and from one crafty Rebels move, found himself too close to the keeper to squeeze it past his ample frame and the ball was cleared. Just when Rebels thought that they could do no more to break down a stubborn defence, the first goal arrived, courtesy of a little dink through from Zorby to Tex, a turn and a shot which bulged the top corner of the net for one nil; the Rebels off and running. As often happens in soccer, Rebels sat back, and were caught by a breakaway goal, Tex losing possession when he tried to shoot and the ball ending up, after a quick move, on the toe end of the Agbu midfielder whose shot was to strong for Perce, whose gloves wouldn't stick to the shiny futsal ball. One all at the break, worrying signs for the Rebels.

The second half started much in the same vain. Rebels holding their counterparts, but pressing more into their half in desperation. Matty got himself in a scoring position only to be thwarted on the line by the keeper at full strength, then Joel tried to squeeze in a shot from a chance that flashed by him. The signs were there for a famous Agbu point or even three, as from another swift breakaway, Perce got his feet to the ball, and from the rebound, touched the ball onto the post and collected the ball. Perce was again busy to keep out a shot going to his left, before the moment that turned the match. Matty battled for the ball on the right, and the ball squirmed out to Tex; as the Agbu players stoode complaining that the ball had crossed the line for a throw, the wily Tex danced into the Agbu half and lashed a ball which took a deflection and ended up in the net with the keeper flapping at thin air. Relief, and a quick blow on the smoking gun for the Texan. Rebels were now in full throttle. A devastating move started by Joel, cultured by Zorby on the left and expertly finished by Stevie from the low cross made it three, before Tex passed up the opportunity to play in Shawn and went for the hat trick - the resultant save bounced kindly for Matty who finally played in Shawn for a sweetly struck fourth. There was time for a bit of showboating from the Rebels, as they put on a show for the fans, a swift ball in from Stevie flicked into the net past the keeper by Matty with the deftest of back heels. The whistle sounded and Rebels had grabbed the points, and a healthy goal advantage, with a superb final five minutes of this tense tussle. Well done the Rebels.

Next up its a bye, which will let Rebels do some hard preparation and Melbourne Cup drinking, before meeting their old enemy Sydney Falcons in two weeks time. Sydney Falcons meanwhile took time out of their usual weekly thrashings of local teams last Wednesday to maul the New Zealand national side 10-3 at North Ryde. So that makes Ryde Rebels on par with New Zealand then. Stay tuned.

Man of the match : Joel Hardaker

Sketchy reports of a Yerevan last gasp winner against Club 34

Club 34 3 Sydney Yerevan 4 (29/10/2003)

This was the season opener for the newly promoted Club 34 outfit of Wile. E, Adz, Bry, Mahar, A. Ramrakha, Robbie V were looking to make a good showing in their debut match at the North Ryde RSL "Theatre of Sweat". With limited e