Mens F 1 - 1 HKFC E

15 April 2010

Dear F Team,

The much delayed and anticipated 'grudge' match finally took place last night under cold grey skies.

A good turn out of 14 against just 11 opposition started in a whirlwind fashion, and the F Team took on a dimension and form not seen since the average age was under 65 !!

It seemed all those Happy Chappie talks on passing, movement, ruck and maul etc all came together in one collect phase and we just blew the E's away. Starting with "newboy" ( yes another one ) Kubo-san in goal, who had a brilliant first half, the defence were rock solid and no matter what the E Team did could not get through. Fergus was on form and has made up for the loss of George on the right ( but come back soon anyway Georgie !! ) and on the left and in the middle !. David watt had a storming game and was in the thick of the action and making great tackles all night. Tim had a brilliant game, never once leaving the pitch, and again pulled up short many an E Team attack in full swing.

Midfield were all outstanding in the first half, comprising Bertie, stepping up and right to infill Chris's shoes as he moved to right wing, then swapped later back into his midfield role too. Buno and David G had top games passing and moving the ball around all over the pitch and creating good chances. Thorsten moved left as well as midfield and also had a good game. Pete K as well had a top game drilling passes into the D and hassling the opposition all night. JP was defending well and pushing forward too. Up front as noted Bertie and Chris were on the right wing due to Dermot having other cricketing commitments ( ! ) and old newboy Oscar return to the fold to torment his former teammates ( the E Team I mean ). Place "upfield" to slowing work his way back into the game, and not stress or stretch anything to much, he kept his speed down to a slow 99mph on most runs !! We really began to open up the E's usually solid defence and had several good chances.

Mid way through the first half we had 2 short corners, with the second seeing the WMD move the ball left to David G who lined up a massive shot, cleverly sliced it across the D that saw Oscar, this time only going 49mph, pick up the ball, drive forward and drive a lot shot past a stranded DT in goal. 1 - 0. On we went and twice more within 10 minutes we broke with Oscar leading the way and was only inches away each time to a pass left to an open WMD, but DT managed to just take the ball away. At the other end, attacks and short corners saw great saves, including one at full stretch off the end of his boot by Kubo, to hold onto out lead at halftime.

Second half we knew the E's would come out charging and they did and suddenly we lost some of our shape and form and a little composure. Chances were few and possession ebbed and flowed , more and more to the E Team. They had short corners galore but could not convert with more solid and at times desperate defending. Final, the only short all night they actually struck cleanly caught Kubo unsighted and it went straight in unluckily for 1 - 1. The E's then thought it was their game but we dug deep, held on and held out. Last moments of the game we came forward again and Chris came through to the D, line up and shot. DT once again was there and the rebound went straight out and past a waiting WMD.

So it ended. Fair at 1 -1 and an excellent game. A valuable extra point in our climb to mid table safety.

We retired to the Sportsmen's to recount classic moments and missed chances and then scored a few more times at the bar.

Soon to be repeated at our favorite venue..RECRIO..Sunday at 10.30am. Thanks to all.

GAME : HKFC F vs HKFC E

RESULT : DRAW

SCORE : 1 - 1

GOALS : OSCAR

MVP : DAVID WATT and TIM HANCOCK this time.

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