It was great to see everyone made it to our last game - our very last game! It’s been a lot of fun and a great pleasure “coaching” all the guys this year. How you have all changed over the years! Wow! I hope you look back on your time with the Strikers with fond memories.
This final game was far from being a for gone conclusion; we had to win it to ensure we could be considered Champions. Having played the Falcons once already this season and won a hard fought 4-2 victory, we knew they would be seeking revenge and coming out fast and hard for us. Our preparation was however more than thorough and everyone who wanted one had a donut! For the carbs of course.
Territorial battles appeared all over the pitch; player pitted against player, vying for supremacy. Charlie, Payden and Dominic resolutely defended their third of the field and contained the Falcons many desperate attacks. Jack once again proved to be a safe pair of hands in goal and made a spectacular save right at the end of the first half; turning a blazing hot shot around the far post and away for a corner. But there was no time to take it as the Ref’ blew his whistle for the end of the first half!
Nil-Nil at half time; some reorganization was necessary! As our search for a goal in the first half had proved fruitless we decided to throw resources up the park, flooding the midfield and front line with attacking menace. Hadley was moved inside to central defence, her pace and tenacity could be relied on to close down any Falcon assaults! This switch released the central defenders and midfield of their defensive shackles and soon enough Carson took a shot from distance that filled the net. Rob followed a couple of minutes later; swiveling in the area and shooting high into the net. 2-0 and cruising.
But the Falcons were not done! They rallied hard, really hard, and hit the woodwork twice before being justly rewarded with a goal. Mitchel eased the “Strikers” nerves with a well taken third goal but again the Falcons adjusted and managed to craft a second goal which rattled and rocked the “Strikers”. Could we hold on? We were deep into “Squeaky Bum Time” with only seconds on the clock; the Falcons gunning for that equalizer… But mercifully the Ref.’ blew for time. The Strikers could finally relax secure in the knowledge they had beaten the Falcons for a second time and clinching the Championship!
Well done guys! You worked hard, worked as a team, supported each other and it reaped dividends! Played 6, won 5, scored 35, conceded 16. A great final season and one I hope you will all remember!
The Team:
Jack “The Cat” Kinnaman
Payden “Hot Foot” Rost
Charlie “Bites-your-ankles” Flynn
Dominic “Chopper” Eberhardt
Carson “Big Foot” Anderson
Mitchel “Bomber” Abeln
George “Angry Bird” Pratt
Georgia “Best” Buchanan
Hadley “Harrier” Lange
Elena “Legs” Wallach
“Lightning” Rob Ewing
Grace “Under Pressure” Daniels
Ian “Rocket” O’Leary
Coach: Dan “12-1” Flynn
Manager: Phil “Gaffer” Ewing
Special Thanks to Scott “Busby” Purvines for all his hard work and dedication organizing the Strikers over the years.
Scorers:
Carson 1
Rob 1
Mitchel 1
Champagne Moment: Jacks vital first half save deep in injury time which kept us at 0-0 going into half time.
Fans Favourite: Madelyn for great sportsmanship; having scythed down an opposition player Madelyn selflessly turned round asked if she was OK and helped her back to her feet! That’s the way the game should be played!
Thanks everyone! It's been an absolute pleasure watching you practice and play competitively and fairly. I hope you remember this season as long as I do!
The "Gaffer"
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