Round 15, Sunday 11 August 2013

1.00 pm

Bunyip Recreational Reserve

Peninsula Strikers versus Bunyip District

Result: 3:0 win to Peninsula Strikers

Goal scorers: Anders Jaeger (2), Scott McKinney

Having been nudged off the top of the ladder by Monash University last week and been beaten by Bunyip in our last encounter, we knew we’d have a challenge on our hands this week. Unfortunately, Harry was injured at training and he would not be playing. Nevertheless, Hayden Hicks from the Reserves team stepped in to replace Harry and made some spectacular saves keeping the opposition scoreless.

We also welcomed Blake Hicks who played a brilliant game but had to be the unluckiest player on the pitch because he had so many foiled attempts at goal, including hitting the post on a few occasions.

A big thank you to Hayden, Blake and Troy for stepping in at very short notice, especially since it proved to be a costly exercise buying new gear to replace the kit left in Blake’s car!

An uncharacteristic fit of temper from Robert Miscamble when the ball was awarded to Bunyip, despite it leaving the pitch off the body of the opposition brought about the first yellow card, which was followed by another given to Scott McKinney for unsporting behaviour. In the face of some very questionable referee decisions, the punitive cards were not unexpected. As the frustration mounted, so too was Bunyip on the receiving end of a yellow card.

It was very difficult to select outstanding players as best and fairest on the day because there was not one player who did not give 110% to the game. It was certainly another achievement of which players, officials and spectators alike should be proud. From a score of nil all at half time, Peninsula Strikers played a blinder (literally into the sun!) in very windy conditions to take the score to 3:0 for the victory.

Next week, we play away against Monash University which we know will be confronting but we are confident that the boys will rise to the challenge and acquit themselves admirably.