Round 9 – Slippery Fingers

Round 9
Rock Lobsters vs Wendy’s Team
Score: 7 - 10

Best: Em
Goals: Chris 2, Em 2, Ray 2, Sylvia 1

Team: Chris, Em, Pete, Ray, Ree, Sylvia
Injuries: Ray (blood rule) - available, Pete (corked thigh) - test

The first early match in a long while caught some of the Lobsters napping with Chris not even bothering to turn up till well after play had begun. While his cheery absence was missed in warm up, it was a buoyant mood surrounding the Lobsters as they finally entered a match where things all seemed even. Wendy’s Team had two useless Wendettes and three Wendellows, two of whom were stars. However not even five seconds into the match Wendy’s Team had scored the first goal with a strike from the opening kickoff. Clearly Chris’s lackadaisical attitude had spread amongst the team. The opening score really knocked the wind out of the Lobsters and left them looking flat. It was not long before another goal was let in and the Lobsters had the sinking feeling that they were facing the Swingers reincarnated. But all was not lost, the Lobsters regrouped and managed to cause some damage of their own. The goals scored by the Lobsters were all from great creative attacking plays rather than long range strikes and cheap knock ins from the back net. Having said that, gifting Wendy’s Team so many cheap goals and allowing them time to load up on long range strikes really should have been avoided. It left the Lobsters heading into half time 3-6 down. Still, while the team went into the half down, there was a buzz and knowing excitement that they would get back into the game in the next half. This positive attitude could be attributed to Sylvia converting her first goal which was quite the team lifter when the Lobsters needed it. Not that Chris had bothered to notice.

Entering the second half the Lobsters felt confident that their one great strength they hold over most teams, their superior fitness and willingness to run all night, would play a big part. So apparent was the disparity that Wendy’s Team vented their frustration and acknowledged our superior work ethic. Utilising ‘Lobster time’ the team caused many headaches for Wendy and her band of cocky men. The Lobsters even scored their first header.... unfortunately it was an own goal scored by Ray. Had that not happened the Lobsters would have won the second half however it ended in a 4-4 draw. Again the Lobsters let themselves down by allowing cheap goals and not supporting the keeper however the costly lesson hopefully has been learned and a tighter defensive effort will be produced next week. Also it wouldn’t hurt to have some stickier fingers from the goal keepers.

Chris’s clear priority of work over the Lobsters obviously counts him out of the running for best on and Ray’s own goal effort also let the team down. Ree ran hard all night and clearly had her best game yet, she managed to hold up plenty of attacking forays and began to take her passing to a new level, however best on had to go to Em with a strong return to form. Kicked 2 goals, created others, danced around defenders and brought teammates into the game, this award couldn’t be bestowed on anyone else. I’d also like to point out that she now holds the most best-ons as well as the pants in a certain household..... Glad you’re on the Lobsters team Em!