Round Robin 1 (9 Aug)
Result: Win 2-0
Scorers: Ranga, Gordon
After the great win over first placed Sharks, and a hard fought draw against the Panthers, we came into the finals with a bit of momentum, something we haven’t had all year. Unfortunately, a Sunday match meant Clayts was busy watching small children play cricket, and with Corey’s ankle still on the mend, we were undermanned against a team we had yet to beat. Nevertheless, the hunger was there from the kickoff, with first Southy then Godders troubling the defense. Mini-Godders was holding the backline very well in the absence of Corey, so much so that Locky had to make just the one save in the first half. Despite our good performance though, the halftime scoreline was nil all. We started the second stanza a bit shaky, with the backs getting a bit nervous on the ball. But some great cover defense and a dominant midfield saw the game swing our way. We couldn’t create any clear cut chances like last week, but we stayed patient and were eventually rewarded when Rang let loose from about 25 yards out. The ball curled over the top of the keeper to the jubilant celebration of both the Pumas and a sizeable crowd. More domination followed until Nicho served a corner ball on a platter for Gordon at the far post to head in, and we held out for the last 6 minutes to record 3 points and another clean sheet. The guys played a great game in a crunch match, with lads like Godby playing out of their regular position to rescue a team still devastated by injuries. The greatest disappointment was the lack of fines, but with the total now reaching biblical proportions, it wasn’t missed much.
MOTM: Has to go to Ranga. Put in such a big game he was retching after the break, he nonetheless retook the field to again dominate and put away the goal that has us with one foot in the final. Still doesn’t come to training though.