With the rain torrential, the temperature dipping well below 10 Celcius and the wind approaching hurricane strength it was amazing that more than 18 Eagles showed up for Saturday's game. Twenty-two players showed up with their boots, all set to go, and as things went this was rather fortunate. With some Eagles having made the most of their end of lectures shin-dig, there were a few fairly pale faces around the place, with honourable mention needing to be made for Rob "Bluey" Williamson. "Powerhouse" Morel had over-exerted himself in the moshpit at the Stein and provided streling service as a completely impartial and exceedingly damp goal umpire at the windward end of the field.
The Blues would surely have been rueing the draw we offered them just before kickoff as our superior skill, athleticism and being one man up on the opposition saw us through for our third victory over them this season.
Good luck to those among us travelling up to Auckland at the weekend to play for Canterbury in the NPC. Go hard boys, and show the rest of them what the Eagles are all about. Late breaking news is that El Presidente (Sweaty) has made the squad as well. Training is still happening on Wendesday though.
Match Report: In an extremely scrappy game we were able to overcom some slick passing and coordination from the Blues through plenty of hustle and scrapping hard for the ball (and only playing against 17 men). Big Red and Genghis Chung must have been rueing their decision to pick this game to make their second trips down for the season, but both played blimmin well and will hopefully have recovered from any symptoms of hypothermia by the time they receive this missive. The game was tight after the first quarter, with one goal apiece but we shot ahead in the second spell with the wind behind us. 15 minute quarters were the order of the day and the quarter-time huddle was a welcome respite from the conditions. Sweaty had a good day with the boot and "Old Man" Jorn kicked his first goal. I couldn't see the backs from my end of the field (a combination of poor eyesight and the weather) but they did a good job of keeping the Blues to two goals for the game, especially when they had the wind behind them more than us. We were grateful for the subs as Hutton and Carden Junior both took nasty head knocks and had to leave the field early. Hutton almost started off an Eagles Party all by himself but managed to intimidate the other guy so much he backed off. The weather really settled in after half time and the game was called off early after three-quarter time. I think everyone was greatful to gap it home as quickly as possible by that stage.
Eagles: 5 - 6 - 36
Gaydogs: 2 - 2 - 14
Highlights:
Chungy and Red strapping the boots on. Seeing Isaac "Powerhouse Junior" Firestone repping headgear out on the park apparently brings back fond memeries of a young James Whitehead. We have also now won all three regular season games against the Blues, and have jumped four points clear of the Cougars to hold the top spot on the ladder. Win or draw next week (so really, win) and we take out the minor premiership which would be a fitting step on our journey to hold onto the trophy.
Lowlights:
Flagrant disregard for the traditions and institutions of the Eagles. Dane, Adrain and Toby all wore tops underneath their guernseys in direct contradiction to the "GUNS OUT" rule instituted a couple of years ago. Dane was there on that day and really has no excuse. It also needs to be noted that Adrian was wearing gloves as well, but that these seemd to have no effect on his catching ability. Captain Carden needs a mention for his many (and futile) attempts on goal, including kicking it well wide of the behind posts, into the wind, with a clear goal in front of him.
Social Report:
Don't know about you guys, but my shower was awesome and Waikato locked the shield away for the summer.
Dick of the Day:
Simon "Wayward Boot" Carden.
Player of the day:
Warm post-match shower.
The Other Result:
Bulldogs: 4 - 13 - 37
Cougars: 2 - 4 - 16
Next Game: SATURDAY AFTER NEXT. TAKE LABOUR WEEKEND OFF.
Venue: Northwood Park
Opposition: Cougars
Kick-off: 2:30
Be there: 1:45
Attitude: Romping
Last Modified on 15/10/2012 11:02