Farts go down to the Young Guns, but hold their heads high (and their tummy’s in!)

Yesterday the Farts squared off with the young guns in the first of the promotion/relegation games for R1/R2. Both teams fielded teams that were different than those that took the field for last years R2 final.

Willy sat the game out, recovering from his calf strain, and a couple of younger “future” Old Farts bolstered the reserves bench.

Both had chances and pressure. The Guns scored first, and then soon after again but the Frats pulled one back with Adrian powering a ball past the diving Guns keeper who managed to nick the ball but not enough to divert the powerful shot away from goal.

Trapper made some searing runs, and teamed up well with Scotty, latching o

nto a couple of his through balls (and one from Toddy), in one case getting shot away that hit the post. Following that the Farts were almost camped up in the Guns red zone, with successive free hits and several PC’s, but unable to hit the boards again.

Trapper started to struggle; the calf strain he was carrying slowed him up

Half time game, with the Farts 2-1 down, and Rearend limped towards the sheds, calling for a replacement, quickly stripping off and then helping Trapper into the pads. Whatever divine hockey God was looking down we don’t know, but it was like a “Moses parting the red sea” moment when Trapper strode onto the fields, maybe because he cut a fine figure in the huge gear, or possibly as everyone was laughing because the pads were on the wrong way around!

This was a sporting moment to savour, Trapper seemed to take to keeping like a duck to water, he was all grace, strength poise and balance as he kicked, dived and cleared the ball with pads and stick. It added new found confidence to the entire team as they kept the pressure on the guns. Nuts nearly had a moment of glory in front of goal but his shot was saved at the last moment (and debs let out a very audible “sigh of relief” from the side line)

Rearend had taken up Trappers position on the right wing, he must like standing in goal because he spent most of the second half standing in the young guns goal mouth.

Others plays played their part as well, another energetic game from Craig, a skilful and tactically aware Scotty saw a good number of through balls and searching passes, some strong defence by Toddy and good clearances.

Overall it was a good result , and one the team can build on. It was a widely held belief that if the Farts had last year’s team they would have thumped them.

Maybe the scene is set for a proper grudge match later in the season......

Goals

1 – Adrian – well Hit PC that fair thumped the back boards

MVP’s

3 – Craig – energetic game, and a bit bolshy too, the Silverspoon Voucher will apparently be put to good use for mothers day!

2 – Scotty – deserved some points, even if just for passing to Trapper (Cam never did!)

1 – Trapper – to see him in goal was sheer “poetry in motion!”

2- Robbie -1 for umpiring the 4^th team early Sunday morning, 1 for bringing the oranges