The draw...

Ravens have come up with two fabulous teams, the one and only Happy Meals team led by Joel and Matty, and the less experienced team of misfits, Playtime, assembled thanks to the good work of Dave Atkin and the shirt-acquisition skills of broken toe victim Tazza.

Look out for the big dates 17th December, when Christmas drinks will be had at the Bowlo after a thrilling derby game, and the 18th February when both teams will be playing either for pride or for top four spots and a place in summer soccer history. Keep right up to date with your favourite team's efforts right here, and keep yourself in the know by visiting www.members.optushome.com.au/cliffiej/soccer/index.html - and you thought our web address was long!

Remember you can click on the scoreline for a match report of the game. Isn't technology marvellous...

Semi-Final dog fight for Meals

Happy Meals 0 Pennant Hills 1 (04/03/2003)

After their scratchy performance the week before, the Happy Meals were looking for a turn around in form to propel them into the final.

After a tense first 5 minutes, where both sides played with caution, Pennant Hills took the lead after Brad McIndoe was caught napping and failed to follow his player, who snuck into the box and slotted home a not so easy chance. As you can imagine Robbie wasn't too happy with this and the head shaking and muttering in Italian started earlier than usual.

The Meals didn't panic though, but out their heads down and started working towards an equaliser. Into the second half Brad almost redeemed himself with a shot that deflected off the post and Robbie should have done better with a pass from Matty.

As the clock ticked down, the Meals started to run out of ideas and became increasingly more frustrated. Will lashed out with a few wild shots and Booza lashed out with a few rash challenges. Try as they did, they couldn't find the equaliser and so ended the season of the Meals, with a 1-0 loss. Considering all of Europe plays a first passed the post system, it was obvious to everyone that the Happy Meals were the true champions of the competition.

Thanks all for a memorable season

Loan star Willy Waddle shines

Saints United 2 Playtime 3 (25/02/2003)

The season over for Playtime, it was time to blood some new talent for the biggest game of the season - the Dave Atkin testimonial match. Sporting a minimal set of players for the original squad, Playtime called on the inexperienced shot stopper Matty Roberts to replace Aman in goal, while Dave played at the back along with Willy Waddle and Phil Mac. Texas Pete, fresh from his Bucks Night, took his usual place up front, and another player trying to impress for next season, Robbie Valpato, slotted into a midfield role.

Playtime started the game at a pedestrian pace, as the weary legs and ample bulk of the majority of the players restricted movement somewhat. The tricky Saints midfielder began to cause some problems, while Robbie V calmed things down and marshalled the midfield in typical fashion. And it wasn't long before the dividends were there to be seen, a sweeping move setting Willy away down the right and his rifled shot beat the keeper on his inside post for 1-0. The hot conditions were making it difficult for both teams, and with the score locked at 1-0 at half time, there was little time to take a breather at the break.

It was always going to be a difficult match for both sets of teams with a referee so indecisive, and uproar was to occur after the break when Willy was held back when clean through, without even getting a free-kick, let alone the red card it deserved. Willy was quick though to slot in his second though, released by Matty from a breakaway, with no-one but the keeper to beat, he must have been surprised to see the keeper stay on his line and it was an emphatic finish from three yards that whistled home. That was signal for a Playtime throwaway, conceding a sloppy goal after a mix up in the middle of the box, then Tex gifted the ball from the kick off, trying to find Phil Mac on the surge, to the tricky midfielder, who jinked past every player at least once before calmly making it two all. Matty saved the day then on, booting one inadvertently onto the post, then setting up the move that eventually led to the winner. A long ball came in and Tex was pushed off the ball, leading to a handily placed free-kick. Willy wasted no time in stepping up and completing his hat-trick with a low shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net. The final whistle sounded seconds later, leaving the boys to climb up to the Fountain on the Mountain for a celebratory schooner or two in honour of their leader Dave Atkin.

A satisfactory debut season for Playtime then, just pipped to the finals by a miserly seven points. A glorious and fitting end though and a sign of things to come if Playtime can make these signings permanent.

Happy Meals prepare for finals footie

Happy Meals 0 Pennant Hills 0 (25/02/2003)

After the Meals had already secured the minor premiership the week before, they turned up to face Pennant Hills in a very relaxed mood.

This was evdient on the park too and where a little more urgency was needed or care to be taken, a laxidasical approach usually prevailed which saw goals squandered and complacency reign at the back. Although the Meals goal was never threatened, the performance was not up to semi final standard which is what would be required the following week. Nil all was the final score, but Pennant Hills would have taken heart 
out of the draw going into the semis where they would face the Mighty Meals again.

Happy Meals stutter to derby win

Happy Meals 2 Playtime 0 (18/02/2003)

Happy Meals Plunder Playtime's Lack Of Numbers - there was a lot of hype leading up to what promised to be the biggest game of the season, but after several weeks of eager anticipation, it fizzled out to be an easy yet lacklustre win for the Happy Meals.

Playtime were as usual short numbers, fielding a starting line up of Tex, Adz, Harry, Aman and Phil, with Harry playing as a roaming keeper. David Atkin was stuck at home damaging the Dalton, with a bout of the runs which had left Coles out of Sorbent toilet paper stock. Steve and Simon were at the badge draw for the Shelbourne Hotel and Chris Bryant was still partaking in Valentines Day festivities. 

Credit must be given to the boys in black as they toiled tirelessly and for the entire first half manage to keep the Meals scoreless. Mind you they rarely, if never, threatened Purc's goal and but for poor finishing the Meals could well have been up 5 at the break. Having said that, a first minute strike from Tex whistled just over the bar, and Adz intercepted a stray pass from Matty Roberts for a one on one, but Perce was up to the task.

With Robbie starting to stress, the 2nd half saw the Meals play with a little more urgency as they pressed for an opening goal. However Playtime weren't going to lie down. Aman was doing his best to wreak havoc out on the left and linked up with Pete on several occasions to good effect. Adz was his usual industrious self and went close a couple of times to getting a goal against the run of play. Harry was helping create an extra man somehow when they were a player short, go figure, and Phil just kept booting the ball out. 

As the clock started to eat into the 2nd stanza, Joel was fed the ball out on the right and then cut inside before placing his shot into the bottom left corner through a crowded goal mouth. This settled the Meals and eased their supporters nerves. 31 year old Pete then out paced the 21 year old Matty on the right, and lashed a right footed shot, which was goalward bound but for the fingertips of Paul Purcell. Great shot, great save. With Matty's father and fitness trainer looking on, it appears only a matter of time before Matty is given some extra curricular fitness training.

After this near miss the ball moved down the other end with Joel, who laid it off to Robbie on the left. Robbie then cut in and squared the ball to Joel who hit a first time left footed shot into the top left hand corner. 2-0 the score and effectively game over. Willy Waddle was again short of form in front of goal, squandering numerous clear cut chances. The Bird and McIndoe also missed when they should have scored. Although the Meals never really got out of first gear a full strength Playtime may have caused them some trouble, but the loss now sees them relying on other teams to lose and themselves to actually win to make the semi finals in 2 weeks time.

Happy Meals go top

Happy Meals 7 Saints United 2 (11/02/2003)

After an extremely lacklustre performance the week before which saw the Happy Meals draw 0-0 and miss the chance of going top of the table, the boys were out to rectify last week's form slump, and to a certain extent they did.

It wasn't the most polished of performances, particularly in defence, but it was easily enough to beat the team from the San Siro. Matty Roberts opened the scoring with a deft chip from inside his own half, after he spotted the keeper a mile off his line and in no man's land. The second goal came from a silky run through the middle from J.Hardaker, before what some will call a miss hit shot, but what was clearly a delicate through ball, found Birdie in space inside the box, which Birdie put away with some aplomb.

Robbie was enjoying a bit of friendly banter with the opposition but not as much as he enjoyed the 2 goals he scored. Timmy Comerford was an able replacement for the absent Percival in the first half and pulled off a string of fine saves, before one finally got the better of him, although the long neck in the back of the net stayed upright. Into the second half the goals kept rolling in for the Happy Meals and one in particular would have stayed in the mind of all the fans present. Booza intercepted the ball on the half way line, controlling the ball beautifully with his chest, before a delightful flick saw him set off towards goal. He then sent the ball to Joel who flicked the ball first time into the path of the forward surging Robbie. Robbie beat his defender and then drew the keeper before squaring the ball back to Booza who had continued his run
forward. Booza then right footed the ball off the inside of the post and across the line.....just.

After McIndoe had added to his season's tally the scoring was finished off by a volley from Joel just outside the box which saw the ball rattle  into the back of the net. Willy went close about 20 times but couldn't add to his impressive goal scoring record this season, spurning many clear cut chances. With Nth Epping getting a point for the bye, the 3 points achieved by the Happy Meals was enough to put them top of the table. 7-2 the final score.

Playtime: an unstoppable juggernaut

Club Mac 0 Playtime 2 (11/02/2003)

With Happy Meals having thrown away the chance to go top the week before with a bruising encounter with today's opponents Club Mac, it was always going to be a tricky encounter for the Playtime heroes in the blazing summer sunshine. Playtime welcomed back Stevie Z for a rare appearance, turning up just before kick off to give them a full complement of players, when it looked for a moment that Club Mac would outnumber them by two to one. Aman was out leaving an injured Harry to fill the void between the sticks, while Chris Bry was away, so it was Dave at the back with Adz and Phil Mac, and Tex and Stevie up front. No subs and no chance of a break in the hot conditions.

The game was a stalemate for much of the first half, with the odd flash of brilliance from Dave and Stevie, while Adz caused flutters at the other end with his teasing of the Club Mac forwards whenever in possession. The chances wouldn't come for either team, with Playtime wasting chances from corners, but at the other end it was a quiet controlled sweeping role for Harry as he ventured out from his goal. Phil Mac went close with a shot from the right, then Stevie Z went even closer flashing one against the post, as Playtime turned on the pressure. It was however a game with 0-0 written all over it, considering the fortunes of the two teams during the course of the season. Adz was having his calmest and possibly best game of the season as a result. The half ended with Club Mac getting their tails up but failing to capitalise.

So into the second half and the intentions were shown straight from the kick off, Dave and Tex one-twoing through the middle only for a heavy foul on the latter halting their progress. Stevie Z forced one just past the post when heavily marked by a defender and with the goalkeeper rushing out, before the game got its first goal, and a peach of a goal it was, the ball broke to Tex twelve yards out, and with a dink inside onto his less favoured left boot, he placed the perfect shot into the bottom corner for 1-0. Relief for the Playtime boys and they looked as though they would turn on the style, but had to weather a backlash, Harry doing well to push the ball out from a spinning corner and a long range effort clearing the bar. Tex then intercepted a stray pass and ran the length of the field to cross to Dave who had steamrollered into the box, but once again the ball went an inch past the post. Playtime were buzzing, and every player was buzzing, so much so that when Phil Mac chased down a loose piece of control from a Club Mac defender, his intercept became a clever shot which found the net with the goalkeeper nowhere. His first goal of the millenium, and how he was happy. Club Mac surged forward looking to get back into the game, and they did have time, but some good marshalling from Adz and Harry coupled with some tenacious play from Dave and Phil Mac in the middle of the park kept them at bay. The final whistle went and it was a huge relief for Playtime, cementing their place in the top four, with the big match coming up next week in the second in an enthralling local derby saga: bigger than Tyson v Bruno, bigger than England v Australia, bigger than McEnroe v Lendl, this is the big one Playtime v Happy Meals with Playtime in need of the points a lot more than their high flying counterparts. Come on the Playtime!!!

League challengers make a meal of it 

Club Mac 0 Happy Meals 0 (04/02/2003)

No goals, no spark, no match report. Our reporter decided against soiling his keyboard with words describing this encounter, luckily our man on the sidelines can fill you in on some scratchy details.

Meals were looking to go top after North Epping and Pennant Hills had played a draw in the early game, and looked strong against the league's whipping boys in the early exchanges. However, with Club Mac finding a full squad for the first time this season, it was always going to be difficult. As the game wore on the Meals grew restless - Matty mooched around the goal waiting for the killer ball, Robbie decided to do it all alone, while at the other end Gal was fortunate not to be punished for some sleepy defending. The chances flowed at both ends, but Perce, the quieter of the two goalkeepers, was strong, and in the end a goalless draw was somewhat of a surprise. Points dropped for the Happy Meals and a disaster as North Epping keep their pies on the title.

Don't Bry for me, Juventude 

Juventude 0 Playtime 1 (04/02/2003)

A top four spot is not beyond the Playtime boys, as they consolidated their position in the final four in a tense match against half a Juventude team and half a team of ring-ins.

With Aman calling in absent five minutes from the kick off, realising he would never make it back from Perth in time, Chris Bryant volunteered for the goal keeping position, and without any subs, this left Harry, Phil Mac and Dave at the back, Adz in the middle and Tex up front. The kick off was delayed as Juventude awaited their three extra players, and as soon as the game kicked off, the pattern was set, and Playtime looked to play their busy harrying game and try and force themselves into a rare lead. The early exchanges suggested a torrid encounter for Juventude, with Playtime's team of defenders hard in the tackle and their opponents quick to fall to the floor and whinge to the referee. Playtime had the early opportunities, Tex dribbling through only to be forced wide, then Adz going close with a rasping effort from the right, and Dave hitting the side netting with a rasping drive. At the other end, the defence stood firm, and it was from a break from the back that Playtime took the lead, an accurate ball from Harry at the back finding Adz who, with precision, headed the ball down to the onrushing Texas Pete, who was surprised not to find the keeper advancing and took full advantage, drilling the ball into the net from ten yards. Soon after Adz was getting himself into his usual tangle with his opponent, causing the floppy haired continental fop of a defender to blow up at the referee. Playtime were happy to see half time come around and get a quick drink in the blazing sun before a tough second half.

Playtime set their stall out for defence at the outset, Adz making no attempt to play the ball forward and toying dangerously with the lone Juventude attacker. Phil Mac began to get involved a lot more, and his terrier-like tackling, snapping at the heels of his man at every opportunity, brought more dismay from the Juve players. The referee, by this time, had made so many comical decisions that the Juve players had all but given up; first of all he penalised Juve for taking a throw from too far down the pitch, then missed a blatant corner when the Juve keeper saved at the near post, and topped it off with another odd decision when a Juve throw-in was taken 107cm from the toucline, a full 7cm too far out. Having said that, the ref then went and awarded a free kick ten yards out when Harry went in too hard on an onrushing attacker, earning a yellow card, which was wasted by the Juve attackers. Chris Bryant was finally called on to make a good stop, smothering a long range effort to his right, while at the other end Adz went close from long range and Dave flashed one wide. In the end, one goal was enough, and with results going their way, Playtime now have a two point cushion over the fifth placed team, Pennant Hills, after their 1-1 draw with league leaders North Epping. Playtime can continue with their push for a finals spot next week when they take on lowly Club Mac.

Walk  in the park for Happy Meals heroes 

Happy Meals 1 Juventude 0 (28/01/2003)

The Happy Meals continued their unbeaten run against a Juventude outfit, who although skillful, were very timid and scared of any physical stuff. The Meals were able to exploit this weakness with the likes of Birdy and McIndoe at their intimidating best and Booza and Timmy following up with some ankle biting.

It took a while for the Meals to find their feet and they never ever really got out of first gear, but then again they didn't have to, with Robbie, Joel or Matty sitting deep and cleaning up where necessary and then feeding Birdy, Brad or Booza, whilsty WIllie Waddle and the Butterknife ran around in the middle. The performance was a far cry from the demolition of Nth Epping the week before, but as soon as Robbie put the Meals in front with a smashing left foot strike from out wide, they never looked like doing anything but win the game.

For the majority of the second half the Meals just played a possession game, happy to knock the ball about at the back and soak up time. In doing this they were able to draw the Juventude players too far forward and were able to catch them to square at the back on several occasions, but poor finishing saw the score stay at 1-0 and the Happy Meals stay in second spot.

Playtime agony as league leaders steal the points 

Playtime 0 North Epping 1 (28/01/2003)

For those fortunate people who witnessed this game, this game will go down in history as the day that Playtime proved that the Gods are against them in front of goal. Despite the early 6pm kick off, Playtime fielded a strong side with Aman in between the posts, Dave and Harry at the back, Adz and Phil in the middle and Tex once again asking questions up front, with Chris Bryant waiting in wings for the first player to get out of breath.

Playtime's intentions were demonstrated with the first move of the game, a surging run from Dave which saw him one on one with the keeper only to find him too big, and the subsequent rebound found only the keepers arms again. Tex then weaved through the North Epping defence only to run out of room before the shot, then Chris found himself in the clear only for his first touch to let him down badly. Dave went close with a header from a throw in, then Adam tested the goalkeeper with a rasping drive from the right. Just as Playtime looked to convert their possession into goals, the sucker punch was delivered, Adam being sucked towards the ball leaving his man free and the delicate cross found a free head for a simple goal.

Playtime were furious with themselves at the break, and they were even moreso soon after when Chrissy was scythed down by the last man after rounding the keeper and all they got was a free kick and no cards administered. That was the last part that the midfield Lleyton Hewitt lookalike would play in the game as he left the park with a jarred back, leaving Playtime undermanned. Adz forced a great save from the North Epping goalkeeper soon after and Phil Mac had a shot tipped over from the rebound as Playtime forced forward, then a freekick from two yards was wasted and even when a North Epping defender deflected the ball past the goalkeeper, the ball bounced agonisingly wide. A goal mouth flurry then saw Phil Mac attack the ball and force the ball just wide before the last chance of the game saw Tex take the ball off the toes of Dave and rasp in a left foot shot which was comfortably dealt with. With Aman having abandoned his goal to play as a sweeper, the game was truly camped inside the North Epping half, but alas the final whistle put paid to their efforts and the 1-0 defeat condemned Playtime to yet another goalless one goal defeat.

The Happy Meals March On 

Happy Meals 2 North Epping 0 (21/01/2003)

Not even the Premier League 1st division winners were a match for what only can be described as a red hot Happy Meals team. The Meals were always in control and this frustrated Nth Epping immensely. From the kick off the Meals passing game flowed and their defence held strong, with Percival only required to make a couple of saves which he did so without trouble. The Meals went ahead after Matty Roberts was bundled over on the edge of the area. The wall that was set looked like something O'Reilly had put together in Fawlty Towers and a quick lay off from Joel allowed Robbie to blast the ball into the back of the exposed net.

Into the second half Nth Epping became increasingly more frustrated and as expected 'The Pie Eater' led the way in the whinging department, sooking over anything and everything. Will couldn't resist and sent a few friendly jibes his way and Brad McIndoe, aka 'The Squealer' also told him where to go. Birdy then ran into him just for good measure, which saw him run to the ref pleading for a free kick which never came. Booza then finished Nth Epping off with a true poachers goal which even Ian Rush would have been proud of. After a shot rebounded back to him, he was first to the ball with an outstretched toe, poking the ball over and past the keeper.

2-0 was the final score, with the Happy Meals looking very impressive, sitting in equal first spot. The game may have ended but the drama certainly hadn't, as Percival's bag had gone missing when the Meals returned from the field. The bag, however turned up in the company of the Pennant Hills team up at the Fountain on the Mountain, who admitted to having picked it up by mistake. A more likely story would have been Purc asking them to take it up, so he had an excuse to come up for a beer.

Playtime agony as one goal seals defeat 

Pennant Hills 1 Playtime 0 (14/01/2003)

Playtime's inaugural season is in turmoil as they stuttered to another goalless defeat at a sunny Morrison Bay San Siro; this time however they were denied by ill fortune and a sensational goalkeeping performance by the Penno net minder.

With marksman Stevie Z still absent along with top performer Simon, Tazza and Phil Mac, it was once again a skeletal six man line up with no substitutes who would go into this encounter against a tricky Pennant Hills side, only three points ahead in fourth place. An absolute six pointer then. Aman was once again in goal, with Harry and Millsy at the back, the Bryants, Chris and Adz in the middle of the park and Tex causing as much havoc as he could up front. And it was all Playtime in the first half as they poured forward and peppered the Pennant Hills goal with shot after shot. Dave was close from a Tex throw in, swooping to head just wide, then Adz lashed a shot in from way out that was tipped over, Harry went close on the near post, Chris broke free to be forced wide, and from the ensuing corner, he teed up Tex who lashed a cracking shot that was once again parried by the Hills goalie. Up the other end Aman made a good stop from a three man raid, but Playtime looked composed and eager to add to their measly return of three goals this season. 

Pennant Hills then turned the screw just after the turnaround, a header flashing wide and a near post screamer flashing across the face of the goal. The pressure paid off soon after when the referee missed a blatant handball that took the ball away from two Playtime defenders, and Hills took advantage of a two on one in front of goal with a smart finish giving Aman no chance. Agony. The ball then spent five of the remaining ten minutes being booted as far away from the pitch as possible, before Playtime looked to get themselves out of jail. Tex was bundled off the ball when shaping to shoot (truth is he had run out of legs) before Harry headed a rebound from a corner just past the post and Dave leapt like Dion Dublin at the far post to power a throw from Adz just over. Chrissy Bryant lashed a corner to within an inch of the far post soon after before the move of the match saw Adz finish off a flowing one touch move, the ball flying wide of the goal. The game came to an end with Playtime sinking to their weary knees in disbelief that they hadn't registered, and a fourth defeat of the season meant that they stay way down in the depths of the bottom three.

With a bye next week, Playtime can recharge their batteries as the Happy Meals get a pie-ful against North Epping in what should be a turbo charged encounter. 

Royal Revenge as Relegation was Avenged 

Pennant Hills 2 Happy Meals 4 (07/01/2003)

Pennant Hills may have given the boys from Gladesville a hiding in the Premier League, but they were totally outclassed where it counted most, 6 a side summer soccer.

So confident were the Happy Meals of victory, that they fielded one of their weakest teams yet. With keeper Percival and normal back up keeper Morky both on international duties, Wanger was called upon to stand between the posts. Matty Roberts, Booza, Geoff Nagel and the Bird were all still finishing off the xmas turkey, which left the meals with only one reserve.

The first half belonged to the boys from the hills as Wanger refused to use his hands on two occasions, preferring to save his nails than save the goal. However into the second half Willy Waddle grabbed one back after his first timid shot was blocked he managed to tap in the rebound. An equaliser then should have arrived but the Pennant Hills player used his hands to prevent the ball going into the back of the net. This saw him sent from the field and a penalty awarded.

Joel stepped up and sent the ball into the bottom left corner and in doing so levelling the scores. McIndoe then put the Meals in front after some good lead up work from 
the industrious Robbie Volpato. Pennant Hills fate was then sealed when a swift break from the back saw Joel release Brad with a delightful touch. Brad's first touch was far from delightful but did enough to confuse the goal keeper and allowed him to score the Happy Meals 4th. 4-2 was the final score, with the Happy Meals at the worst cementing their spot in 3rd place but possibly jumping into 2nd

 

Playtime woeful as Saints go marching in 

Saints United 2 Playtime 0 (07/01/2003)

The Morrison Bay San Siro was blessed with one of the most erratic refereeing displays of recent times as Saints United played a waiting game and snatched the points in a bruising encounter. Playtime were blessed with a full complement of overweight and ageing stars. Aman took his place between the sticks with Dave at the back alongside Harry, Phil Mac and Adz were playing roving roles while Tex tried to pull things together in a deep attacking role, carrying an extra ten kilos after the holiday break. Chrissy Bryant started on the bench, but was soon to come into the action as the players tired.

The game started with Playtime forgetting that they were out of shape, buzzing around like flies, and had the earliest of the chances, Tex nipping in to intercept a stray back pass, but the keeper forced him wide and Dave was unable to capitalise on the pull back, shooting over the top from distance. Dave then opted to pass when a shot looked on, and Tex was subsequently easily foiled by the keeper. Saints were playing a very patient game, keeping the ball for long periods and frustrating their opponents, and it was from one of their frustrating moves that they took the lead, a square ball finding the last man exposed and his shot was well met by Aman only to squeeze under his body and trickle over the line with Phil Mac bringing the goals crashing down in his attempt to clear. That goal changed the game completely, Playtime were forced forward in search of the ball and Adz began to get himself involved. From one of his left wing crosses, Harry went close, and Playtime threatened an equaliser. Half time though was welcome as the sun beat down on the weary Playtime players.

The second half was going to be known for the referee's dodgy decisions at both ends. First Playtime were awarded a corner when they appealed successfully despite no defender touching the ball as Adz chased down the right. Then Saints were penalised when their attacker ran head first into the immovable Tex, the Refrigerator, which would normally have been construed as obstruction. Then the ref missed a blatant corner for Playtime just to level things up. It was never going to be for the Gladesville boys when Chris fired wide, Harry booted one over and Adz blazed over from an acute angle, and Aman was playing halfway up the field as a sixth outfield player as they forayed for an equaliser. At the other end, Harry finished off what Adz tried to do as he chopped down the onrushing attacker, but Phil Mac was there to clear from the close range free kick. Just as Playtime pressed, they were caught with the sucker punch - a poorly floated Texas corner intercepted by the keeper and a three man assault set up. Playtime did well to foil the raid, but a weak shot somehow found its way into the near post with Aman distracted by a player stood right in front of him. It was a cruel blow and Playtime's heads went down. Adz, to his credit, kept battling, albeit in quite an angry manner, and the yellow card he received was thoroughly merited for a scything chellenge on the Saints defender. Harry's "My referee, my friend" course at the Zorbas Anger Management Institute at the AIS then went out of the window as he was warned by the referee, and the game ended in a foul mood with both sets of players bemoaning the referee for his woeful performance. All credit though to the man in yellow for putting up with the players gripes and keeping the game flowing in the face of a Bryant backlash.

Playtime will need to pull their socks up if they are going to find a way into the top four. At the halfway stage, they lie in the bottom echelons with the other also rans. Hopefully with a few kick abouts and Ravens training to come, and with star player Simon and Stevie Z to return, the Playtime boys will get back on track in the revenge match with Pennant Hills next week. Come on the Playtime!  

Playtime almost cause an upset 

Happy Meals 1 Playtime 1 (17/12/2002)

The most anticipated game of the season so far was fought out at the Morrison Bay San Siro this evening, with honours even after a tense action packed tussle watched by a capacity crowd.

Both teams were fielding strong teams, Happy Meals with the slight edge with an extra sub, but both teams were missing influential players. A hard fought first half saw Happy Meals do all the running, playing their neat interpassing triangles without getting the clear chance on goal. Phil Mac tested the Happy Meals goalkeeper with his first shot on target for eighteen months, while Dave pounced on a neat through ball to drill the ball wide. Playtime were caught on the counter on numerous occasions as the will to score over took their commonsense, and it was from one of these breaks that Willy Newton continued his rich seam of goalscoring to latch onto the loose ball and drill the ball home from a yard. It was hard to swallow for Playtime, who were making all the running. The first half came to a close with Adz blazing one wide after steaming down the left, while at the back Harry and Aman kept their team in it. 

Drama was to unfold in the second half as the tackles continued to rain in, Dave and Bradley going in for some hospital challenges much to the referees dislike. Tex then floored the unlucky Gal with a point blank rocket to the face which left the Meals man dazed, but the game seemed to be slipping away from their grasp. Suddenly a telegraphed Will Newton pass saw Tex lead a three man assault on goal but his square ball to Chris Bry lacked conviction and the bobble took care of the rest; then it was Adz's turn to rifle a shot over the bar when clear of his man. Joely rasped in a shot to keep Aman on his toes, before a moment of utter controversy turned the tide and brought the Playtime team back into the game. Chris Bryant had just 'won' a corner thanks to the somewhat partizan referee, and as he chased the ball down the street, a quick sub saw Harry burst onto the scene, pick up the corner kick and drill the ball into the net from ten yards. Happy Meals were distraught, and minutes later they should have been even moreso, a delicate chip from Tex finding Chris Bryant in space, but his effort was blocked by the onrushing keeper. Dave tested the referees patience a few more times with some professional encroachment tactics from a Happy Meals freekick late on, but the referees whistle sounded soon after and Playtime had eked out an unlikely point, and were indeed unlucky not to have taken all three.

The summer soccer season is now in recess, with the next game coming the first Tuesday after New Year. See you there.

Happy Meals goals bonanza 

Happy Meals 8 Club Mac 1 (03/12/2002)

The Happy Meals were in devastating form yesterday as they tore apart a hapless Club Mac, thrashing them 8-1. The fact that Club McDonalds were short a player had absolutely nothing to do with the one sided scoreline. The Macs could have had an extra 2 and they still would have been helpless against a potent Happy Meals attack. Brad McIndoe, who couldn't score one goal last year as the Ravens striker was on song, bagging a hat-trick Michael Owen would have been proud of. Billy 'Waddle' Newton was also in in mercurial form claiming a brace and The Bird was in awesome form smashing in two pearlers in hope that his one true love was watching on again.

Booza was very composed at the back, and didn't look like conceding a yellow card, much to the disappointment of his team mates. Gal was solid in the middle of the park after Matty again pulled his zorbstring with his brother in law looking on. That is a jinx if ever I have seen one. Percival was as sharp as a tack as usual and it was his piece of handy work which gifted Club Mac their only goal. A back pass saw Purc control the ball in Phil Mac style allowing the striker to get to the ball before Perc put a rock n roll wrestling move on him to leave the ref no choice but to award a penalty.

8-1 the final score, the Happy Meals are starting to roar

Playtime pull out their trump card 

Playtime 2 Juventude 1 (03/12/2002)

It was bellissimo Playtime as the boys in black enjoyed their first victory of the season in front of a capacity crowd at the Morrison Bay San Siro. With three subs to play with, a real goalkeeper, and the experience of last week's tragic loss under their belt, there was going to be no repeat of the horrendous mistake that cost the points last time out.

Playtime played the early minutes with caution, and were close to catching their counterparts on the break as the sun set over the Parramatta River. Stevie Z was unlucky to be forced wide to the right and Adz had a similar effort; Dave went close with a header, but the opening goal was set to come from an awkward piece of defending from the usually reliable Sheldon, pushing the ball too far in front of himself to allow the Italian attacker a simple sweep at the ball, giving Aman no chance. Hands on heads in disbelief, but Rebels did look the better side, Simes taking the game by the scruff of the neck as the half wore on.

Into the second half and it the controversy that follows the Bryants everywhere came out in force, Adz being chopped down unceremoniously in front of goal, leading to an indirect freekick that Stevie Z lashed in. The slightest nick from the defender and it was one all, yet the referee almost disallowed it. He must have thought the nick as off the pad and not the bat. But one all it was and it stayed that way for a long passage of play. Simon had a gilt edged chance firing over from a yard, Stevie Z wasted a golden opportunity when one on one with his man, and Tex found the keeper his equal after gliding effortlessly past his defender. Harry was looking strong at the back with Phil Mac, and Aman had a few scary moments to contend with, pushing one wide and out for the corner. Juventude's time wasting ploy then backfired, Simon beating their defensive stronghold only to see his shot saved, but there was the irrepressible Stevie Z, in slow motion, to crash the ball home for two one. Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhsssss. Two one it stayed. Playtime had won. Against all odds. Now bring on the Club Mac. 6pm post Magnetic Island will be a tough one, but with their opponents in disarray, it could be another good result in the offing.

Happy Meals Dine Out On Italian Cuisine

Happy Meals 2 Juventude 1 (26/11/2002)

It was a different looking team this week, with Robbie and Birdy back in the side replacing Morky, Geoff and Matty Roberts who since becoming part of the Zorbas family has been having problems with his zorbstring.

The Happy Meals looked very composed for the majority of the first half and Percival was not called upon to make a single save. But for all their possession the Meals didn't really look like scoring either, with Robbie and Joel preferring to play from the back, leaving the Kenyan and McIndoe up front. McIndoe was enjoying an ongoing tussle with a much larger opponent, although Brad came up trumps every time, with the big Italian underestimating Brad's strength and balance. 

Against the run of play in the second half the Italians went in front after a through ball caught Booza napping once again. The striker surged passed him with a clear sight on goal. Booza then used his now famous slide tackle which goes nowhere near getting the ball. The attacker went down, the ref awarded a fee kick, then the ball rolled into the back of the net. What happened next was pure pandemonium. The striker abused the ref saying the ball went in and the goal should stand and that there was no need for a free kick, The ref agreed, awarding the goal. Will then fired up saying tough luck, you blew the whistle and gave a free kick, no goal. The attacker then said well shouldn't Booza be sent off for a committing a professional foul when he was the last line of defence. In the end all were happy, as Booza got off scott free, but the Italians scored off the ensuing free kick. The Meals then had to stage a spiritied comeback and that they did, with Newts finding space with a lovely turn before finishing nicely to level 
the scores. With seconds left on the clock, Joel won the ball deep in his own half and set off down the right wing, beating one with a lovely drag and then passing a second with pure speed and strength. He then cut the ball back to the waiting butterknife aka Tim Commerford, who took a touch to control before smashing the ball home to give the Happy Meals a 2-1 win.

The win was made that much sweeter for Birdy and Joel who had one of their greatest supporters watching on from the stands, a friend who knows both of them as joint champions.
 

Playtime exposed in tense encounter 

North Epping 1 Playtime 0 (26/11/2002).

 
It was all change for the league's newest team Playtime, as they went in search of their first goal and first win of the season. It was hello Sheldon, Harry, Simon and Phil Mac, joining Adz, Tex, Zedman and Dave to make up a strong looking defensive team.

North Epping, the team that everyone loves to hate, started well, enjoying a lot of possession, and it was Dave, deputising between the sticks for absentee Aman, who was called on first to tip one round the post. Harry blazed one over at the other end, while Stevie Z tried hard to get around the outside to no avail. Just as Playtime threatened to come up with the goods, they suffered an aberration at the back, leaving no men back and paying the ultimate price with Dave unable to keep out a fine finish from the Orangeman after he sprinted clear. Bugger.

The referee began to make some odd calls in the second half as Playtime pushed for a goal, and how unlucky they were, a van Basten volley from Tex followed by a darting run by the same man only to see his shot hit the post, a powerful shot by Stevie Z handled on the line and nothing given, while Dave sliced one just past the post and Simon began to impose his tricky wing work on the match. In the end it wasn't to be, and North Epping had the ball in the net direct from an indirect freekick that Sheldon cleverly let sail in, before they capped off their criminal finishing display with a miss from ten yards when clean through. In the end a defeat was not deserved, and apart from that defensive lapse, it looks good for the rest of the season. Worrying signs however as Harry ignored all his good training at the AIS "My Referee My Friend" course and reverted to his old ways. Playtime will bounce back, Simon looks a quality player while Dave and Harry look strong at the back and Phil Mac did a sterling job especially in the second half to keep the Orange County Pie Eaters at bay.

Playtime falter in wind-swept debut 

Pennant Hills 2 Playtime 0 (12/11/2002).

 
Playtime came into this match, their debut in the competition with a vastly understrength team, a major worry with eleven more matches remaining, but could still boast Raven regulars Aman in goal, player of the season Dave Atkin at the back, the Bryant Bovver Boys in the terrier roles, Texas Pete in the middle with Stevie Z causing chaos up front. Guesting was former German midfield captain Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, looking to add the Gladesville RSL Summer Comp to an illustrious playing career.

Playtime were quickly on the back foot in the blustery conditions, and were limited to long range efforts from Karl Heinz and Tex, while Adz was tireless in his pursuit of the elusive goal. Disaster struck when Playtime were further reduced when Chris Bryant corked his knee on the hard surface, leaving the remaining battlers to fight for the points without subs. In the end Pennant Hills class shone through and a soft goal followed by a John Barnes v Brazil special made it a comfortable 2-0 win for Penno. Worrying signs, but a whole week off to recharge the batteries with a bye making the next match against North Epping a finger lickin lip smackin prospect.

Agony for un-Happy Meals 

Nth Epping 2 Happy Meals 0 (19/11/2002).

 

This was always going to be a spiteful affair, considering the history between the two teams. Who could forget the incident between Zorbie and The Pie Eater last year at Peel Stadium where it was nearly on for young and old outside the change rooms. The sledging started well before the kick off with The Pie Eater telling the ref that Will wouldn't be able to play as he had boots on. Will told him, in no uncertain manner, to go and read the f$%king rule book, which states boots can be worn as long as the studs are 12mm or smaller. 

Nth Epping kicked off and were soon in front after a defensive blunder between Morky and Paul Galanos allowed their striker to nip in and crack a shot through Percival's hands whilst he was still trying to put his gloves on. The Happy Meals started to enjoy a little bit of possession with Joel and Matty orchestrating a few nice moves. Brad worked tirelessly and Morky started several nice passing movements. However it wasn't long before Booza picked up his first yellow card of the season after he and Paul were made to look silly by the Nth Epping striker, this forced Booza into the old shirt tugging trick from behind, which didn't please the ref. Matty then got booked for dissent and Willy almost followed Matty into the book after he fired up at The Pie Eater for diving. As the clock wound down and the Happy Meals pressed for an equaliser, Nth Epping grabbed a 2nd on the break which killed the game. The 2nd round clash between these two promises to be a cracker.