Game 1 under our belts....... (to the tune of Madonna's - "like a virgin.......")

Well, the season is underway and a true thoroughbred at the Melbourne Cup, the team held themselves back to ensure they peak later in the season.

It was obvious from the fractured small talk and the line up of players going to the gents before the game that this was a nervous start top a new look (younger!) Farts team, Maybe they were nervous because they had heard rumours of the infamous initiation processes that new players are subjected to. The old hands held back from enforcing this on sunday, heightening the nervous tension of the new Young Farts.

Breaking another Old Farts tradition though, we actually had a full team for our first game of the season.

Karori also had a very youthful look, and heaps of subs, won the toss and hafter taking out their sextants and calculation tables chose to play into the sun in the first half. The had calculated that in the second half the sun would be lower, and with the reflection off Trappers head the entire Farts defence would be looking into the blazing sun.

It would be nice to be able to give a blow by blow account of the game, but to be honest my memory is also getting older (funny that) and i spent most of the time trying to will my body to move and/or just to breath.

The game was reasonable even sided, and the Farts went to the half time sheds 1 down, a goal that had come from a dubious Karori umpires decision, blowing the whistle when they were on attack in our circle, and of course the entire Farts team stopped playing (i think to be honest because they wanted to get their breath as well) but Karori played on and slotted the goal.

The second half was a harder affair, as the Karori team used their rolling subs to keep the players fresh, while a couple of Farts were rolling to, but across the ground. I was waiting for the umpire to give them yellow cards for Simulation, but realised he would have to resuscitate them first so he stayed away. Karori had most of the possession and territory, although there were some forrays into the Karori circle. Trapper had a stunning run down the right flank, beating the left back and forcing the goalie to save what would have been a certain goal (well, in trappers mind anyway).

At the other end the defence held up against Karori, Damon (the new Gok) saved a goal off the line, Toddy and Nuts were "solid" and Rearend was often sprawling to save shots.

Karori did manage 2 more goals, and the game ended with a 3-0 loss .

Although a loss, there were pleasing points to the game, with such an influx of new players (most of whom i can't remember their names) and the Older Old Farts rusty and almost at their peak fitness (yeah right) the team looked ok. After a few games we will be a well oiled winning machine.

MVP

3 - Nuts - strong game in defence, some great tackles as well, even managed a jog (although it was onto the pitch before the game started)

2 - Gok (Damon) saved goal off the line

1 - Rearend - managed a few saves, took out a couple of Karori players and was over heard advised Gok that he needed to beef up if he wanted to stay in the Farts team!

Check out the blog for reviews, news and coming events.

Next weeks game is at NHS1, 3.45 V Harbour town. Can you please confirm or decline via teamer , or let me know closer to the game so i can arrange an umpire if necessary.