Week 3 (2 May)
Result: Draw 3-3
A big crowd stayed on at PHCS to watch one of the oddest games of football that we’ve played in. The Sharks were your typical low AA team, big, rough, with 2 or 3 actual ball players in their team. They got the best of us in the opening exchanges, with our midfield MIA but our backs holding strong. We eventually got the first away thanks to the ever dangerous Southy, but a bizarre penalty (ref actually admitted he got it wrong…) was awarded when one of the Sharkies tripped of the back of Skips ankle. A more even passage followed, before a pinball machine invaded the pitch and resulted in Pumas going 2-1 up. The Sharkies pulled us back again just before half time with a throw tapped into the box, and a header/falcon seeing it over the line. Second half saw us playing much smarter, using our skill and speed to put it over the opposition. Rang put away the lead taker, but yet another penalty was awarded, with Priddy pushed in the back onto the ball and a handball awarded. 3-3 and Gladesville got very rough, with 2 red cards issued, but we couldn’t take advantage of the superior numbers, ending the match drawn. Like I said, an odd game of football against a very rough, but rarely dirty, opposition. The ref did a great job on the day, with his only mistakes unfortunately costing us goals. Southy was always dangerous up front, and our backs stopped the Sharks from having a single good shot all game. The draw though was overshadowed by a horrific injury to our star keeper. Aaron was playing a blinder, putting his body on the line in a couple of tough challenges like he does every game. Unfortunately, a late and heavy hit on him did some bad damage internally, with Az heading to the ICU and hospitalized for at least the next week. We wish him all the best in recovery, and everyone who’s every played with him is in no doubt about his courage and commitment against always larger opposition. Ranga Number 7’s opinion after the hit ‘Get up you sook, it wasn’t that hard’ (expletives removed). Glad he’s not my doctor.
Man of the Match had to be Southy. Looked the most dangerous of all our players, with the Sharkies resorting to chopping him down later in the game to keep him quiet.