Braves bounce back!

(above)McLoskey said he loved pulling out of tackles as goalie!

(above) a new location for the after match beers for the Braves...

On Sunday the Bemboka Braves faced a very evenly matched opponent in Tathra in the Minor Semi final in the Far South Coast Football Association Reserve grade competition. With only a goal or two separating the teams over the 3 matches played this season, and Tathra looking strong all over the park, the Braves were pretty nervous approaching the game. Missing a couple of regulars due to injury and disloyalty, the Braves were a little thin on the ground, but their bench has not let them down at all this year. Al and Simo were as pumped as the boys who started for sure.

Tathra started strongly, with the first 5 minutes of the game played in the Braves half. We seriuosly couldn't get the ball away! It was a relief to the blues to finally get the ball over halfway. The backs and midfield continually hit clearances against Tathra players, and we were bustled off the ball in 50/50's a few times. It looked like a long day at the office..

It took 10 minutes for the braves to get their first attempt on goal- one of the many duffed edge of the box chances that fell to Dunko. The barrage of shots on the Tathra goal was occuring, we just weren't on target. Maz finally scored with an unstoppable shot late in the first half for his 22nd goal of the year.

At the other end, McLoskey did the gentleman's thing and took (another) turn in goal- rewarding his team with probably the biggest hit of the year when he advanced without fear to take a freekick speccy over the pack and lay out their best midfielder. Dunko was quick to point out that he might take a look for Mcloskey next header he contested. Absolutely smashed him.
The Braves mids had worked really hard to close the Tathra lads down- which showed with the lack of real quality ball they got forward. Saying that, Barney(with his magic chick boots), J Mac and Buzz were fantastic at the back- part of the whole squad who stepped up a couple of levels from Bega. They were strong in the air, won almost evey tackle, played deep to prevent the pacy Tathra lads sneaking away and communicated really well.

With the slender advantage at the break, the Braves braced themselves for the onslaught from Tathra, who were keen to level. Chances were pretty even in the second half- a few dodgy attempts from the Braves (crouchy's rubbish first touch buggered up one of the best chances), and Tathra's attempts only thrawted by the bar and stout defending.

Best on Park for the Braves were Maz who once again was winning tackles no one expected him too(even with a dead ass from his little dark haired mate), Paddy(the old legend back to form), J Mac(storming at the back- but bitterly dissapointed at being penalised more than once for the game) , Barney(mr intensity), Miko(Mr Tazzie Devil), Fox (only one shithouse cross for the game) and self proclaimed European Footballer of the Year Josh Crouchy Green(who along with superstriker Maz suffered from chaffed nipples). Lucy has offered the lads some spare self adhesive breast pads for this weekend.

The Braves came out strong again in the second half- Simo was on the warpath, but failed to mow anyone down this week. Al zipped about in the front line making keen tackles, good touches and getting into goalscoring positions without quite getting the final magic touch(it will happen mate).

Dunko got Axed by the oldest man in Tathra 10 mins into the second half, hitting the deck like the sook he is. Bit of intensive rehab on his worst cork ever on the cards to be fit for Thursday night training. Speaking of Thursday night, Donnie made a pledge to come to training this week(after a few drinks), get fit and score 3 goals. Dunko said he was worried he'd turn up, do his hammy and the show would be over...

Fox knocked up for the first time ever and later said he was glad to take a break late in the half. It's not all about running around the old slow wide men is it old mate? He was later heard muttering the R word- retirement-and Dunko said he'd slap him if he mentioned that silly idea again. Maz said he should retire and the rest of us wouldn't have to put up with him asking when he could go home and have his steak after 12 minutes of training. he could also wear his watch on Thursdays again. Enough of that rubbish talk. Boot up again next year Fox or we're coming to get you. No one gets better each game at his age and then throws in the towel.

The Braves lost a bit of steam later on in the second half- They made some nice scoring chances like Barney's hectic strike directly froma Shitty Dunko corner, Miko swiped the left foot towards the goal, Crouch turned crotch (or should that be chafe?), Donnie slapped a couple of handy efforts and Al and Simo were ready to creat glory at any second. Next week lads.

Some desperate defence kept the Braves in front, even if that involved a couple of dodgy shoves, a sly handball and a lucky deflection into McLoskeys arms. Some rather erratic passing showed how knackered the Braves were at the end, but the Braves had done enough- Tathra were held at bay.

It was 1-0 when the fulltime whistle went. Perhaps fortunate for the Braves, but as always the Tathra lads were good natured about the result and wished the Braves luck for the rest of their campaign. Definately the gentleman's award for the boys from the coast.

Wolumla had a bit of a rubbish game against Bega, apparently loosing it and having their best player sent off- so hopefully the positive passing and possession play fromthe braves will wear them down too and we'll put some past them on the massive Bega field. It will be all about controlling that bouncing ball and keeping things tight. Possession will once again be the key- the long ball game from Wolumla won't work unless we keep giving the ball away..

Dave has a bus leaving Bemboka at 0930 and 11 Sunday morning and returning home at 430 and 7 in the evening. $5 each way if you don't wanna take your car. Probably do the same if we make the Grannie the following weekend, so lets make sure we do!

The weekend Elimination Final is on at Bega Rec at 1pm v Wolumla. Let's show them who has the best squad in the comp!

Make it to the Grannie you mighty Braves!