The Braves went out kicking and screaming on Sunday to the predictably physical, unskillful, sly, plucky Bushrangers. It was never going to be easy for the Braves, with the Bega field being a hoodoo ground over the past years for the boys in blue. There was an undoubted possession share for the Braves, but unfortunately some passes and touches let us down thru the match. The Bega field also seems to have a 'radio silence' effect on the Braves- the boys were unusually uncommunicative on Sunday which didn't help the cause at times.
The Braves started with a 4-4-2 for the first time this year hoping the practice would aid them next week.
Not quite sure what happened here- this was the first draft, I published the fial draft with a funny pic, but it's gone now. I'll have another go somethime. Or not...
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Bemboka Vomit Comet to transport Braves come Sunday
Maz said this was why you didnt want to drink from bottles on the bus...
The following is a copy of the Publicity Poster for the Bemboka Braves Vomit Comet...
Bus to Bega for
Come and watch the action!
BEMBOKA BRAVES v Wolumla- Elimination Final (Winner into Grand Final)
1PM Bega Rec
All the
U18’s-1030
Reserve Grade 1230
First Grade 230
Catch the 32 seater Bus in and support the Braves and Roosters against their arch rivals!
The bus leaves from Pub at 930AM and 1100AM Sunday morning.
The Bus will return at 430PM from the Bega Recreation Ground car park and 7PM from the Commercial hotel Bottle Shop.
Pickups available with prior arrangement.
You can drink on the bus, but NO glass please.
Cost for the bus is $5 one way($10 return)
Call Dave on 64930202 for bookings or more details on the Bus
Go You Braves!
So there it is. No need to Drive- an opportunity to hang about and watch the Grasshoppers embarrass Wolumla in First Grade or slip over and watch the First Grade Thugby League Grannie on the other side of the fence. Prizes for most inventive way to get in for free, so bring`your shovel, trojan horse, ladder etc..
Fire up boys- this is the big one. Until the following week...
Fairytales do come true!
The Boys enjoyed it when Barney strapped his new boots on...
Once upon a time one of the more exerienced Braves turns up for the biggest game of the year and suddenly realises he's left his boots behind. And the game is in Eden. Maz also thought he'd done it, but was happy to find them on the floor in the back of his unmarked patrol car.
Barney it was though that went on to promptly blame Emma for his boots being at home. After trying on a few stray spare pairs of the boys boots (ala' Cinderella), he decided to approach the fairy godmothers of the Bega Devils ladies lineup.
It was there that this fairytale came true. He came back beaming with a size 10 pair of chick's boots and the 3 ugly sisters(Buzz, Fox and Simo) had become very jealous. They refused to pass him the ball and made his life hard throughout the game, but Barney did not turn into a pumpkin, nor did he kiss a frog, nor did he get chased by the wicked witch of the East.
Instead, he went on to play his best and his magical chick boots were returned to their rightful owners, whom they had not performed for the game before.
Barney vowed never to forget his boots again.
And he lived happily ever after.
Go you cross dressing Brave!
Barney it was though that went on to promptly blame Emma for his boots being at home. After trying on a few stray spare pairs of the boys boots (ala' Cinderella), he decided to approach the fairy godmothers of the Bega Devils ladies lineup.
It was there that this fairytale came true. He came back beaming with a size 10 pair of chick's boots and the 3 ugly sisters(Buzz, Fox and Simo) had become very jealous. They refused to pass him the ball and made his life hard throughout the game, but Barney did not turn into a pumpkin, nor did he kiss a frog, nor did he get chased by the wicked witch of the East.
Instead, he went on to play his best and his magical chick boots were returned to their rightful owners, whom they had not performed for the game before.
Barney vowed never to forget his boots again.
And he lived happily ever after.
Go you cross dressing Brave!
Monday, 1 September 2008
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!
Sunday, 24 August 2008
The Braves hit a speed hump. 6 of them actually...
(above)After suggesting we throw the game, Crouch had to feign dissapointment at the result on Sunday ...
The Braves kinda shat themselves on the weekend at Bega. Kind of like when you have your first bout of diarohhea and think it's only a fart(hasn't that happened to everyone?). we had kinda hoped to sneak and win, have Merimbula win and sneak into second. Good thing the Braves took plenty of toilet paper I guess...
The Braves had hoped to play their settled possession game that has worked so effectively at various times, but due to a few shuffles in the Braves lineup, another crap pitch (we'll have to play on it again if we win next week) and some useful Bega play it never came about.
There was no lack of commitment from those on the pitch, just a lack of constructive passing and communication- it just wasn't a day for success for the Braves. More of the patience on the ball that we've shown we're capable of this year and some sensible build up play will put our season back on track. With a solid session on Thursday, a night off the piss on Saturday and plenty of water come next Sunday, the Braves will bounce back against a team that has not beaten them this season.
On a spearate note- before our game on Sunday, there is an under 7's/8's gala day down at Braves Park. We really need some helpers for a few hours Sunday morning before it's time to start the trek down to last years fairly happy hunting ground of Eden.
No dramas today- bad days happen to every great sporting team-just ask the All Blacks at every world cup...
Go hard in the Minor Semi you Braves!
The Braves had hoped to play their settled possession game that has worked so effectively at various times, but due to a few shuffles in the Braves lineup, another crap pitch (we'll have to play on it again if we win next week) and some useful Bega play it never came about.
There was no lack of commitment from those on the pitch, just a lack of constructive passing and communication- it just wasn't a day for success for the Braves. More of the patience on the ball that we've shown we're capable of this year and some sensible build up play will put our season back on track. With a solid session on Thursday, a night off the piss on Saturday and plenty of water come next Sunday, the Braves will bounce back against a team that has not beaten them this season.
On a spearate note- before our game on Sunday, there is an under 7's/8's gala day down at Braves Park. We really need some helpers for a few hours Sunday morning before it's time to start the trek down to last years fairly happy hunting ground of Eden.
No dramas today- bad days happen to every great sporting team-just ask the All Blacks at every world cup...
Go hard in the Minor Semi you Braves!
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Braves get 2 on the bounce!
(above)Miko accidently using his left foot to kick with- the ball even stayed in!..
(above)Barney dared McLoskey to boot the ball as hard as he could into his ass...
It was a game that started in a flurry for the Braves- no sooner had they kicked off, won a throw in, had a long Miko throw (at least 3 metres from the sideline), an attempted flick on by Lenno, a bad bounce, ball struck a Wolumla arm, Dunko appealed sharply ( most useful thing he did all day) and a direct free kick in the area was awarded. When it was finally decided that it meant a penalty kick, el Capitane Maz stepped forward to convert. And convert he did. J Mac wouldn't have believed it had we texted him! He certainly wouldn't have beleived it when no more that 5 minutes later, the Braves were awarded another dotty from another handball. The luck that had deserted the Braves in their previous 2 encounters with the Bushrangers had come back. With a rush! Self proclaimed Association player of the year Crouch was tossed the ball by Maz (a foolish gesture seeing as though they are vying for top goalscorer honours), he duly converted a dodgy kick. Is there nothing this man cannot do?
The Braves then had a chance to play some football with it not being interrupted by pentalies, and by Jove, did Maz, Miko and Crouch put in. They were all carving it up! Our backs were keen and tight at the back, everyone was involved in the mids (except Dunko), Lenno racing up and down the pitch, Fox putting in more tough tackles than a a Beijing security guard at a Free Tibet protest. Stirred them up he did- you can't outfox the fox... The boys were keen up front too- Maz falling over by himself as much as ever and Simo and Al eager and striving for their first goals for the 08 season. They'll come lads...
It was the best period of the game for the Braves- although solid to half time, they were unable to turn some sensibly used possession into any more goals.
Although satisfied at half time, we knew 2 was going to be a slim lead if they snuck one back in the second half. After a spate of nasty tackles and a couple of cards, the one flash of football that was shown by them in the second half was rearded by a puzzling penalty. Buzz was keenly contesting a ball, but it was adjudjed to be a foul. McLoskey went close to keeping it out, but promises to have better hands when he signs up for the Braves offseason cricket team.
After a panicked check with the ref, last 6 minutes zoomed by pretty quick to seal a well deserved 3 points for the Braves. It puts us one more win (and a shock loss by Wolumla), away from a surge into second place in the last game of the year!
Injured Irish international Paddy Mick Sean Brian Dermot Fergus Liam Nial Rory O'Farrell took up bench management duties, despite the fact that he'd have iven his lovely sister away to be fit and play. He agreed that it was always nice to beat the auld enemy, even if there was a healthy slice of luck involved. Get well soon Paddy!
With the possiblility of a game from Naro, J Mac's return and Donnie filling in the hole left by McLoskey in goals next week, the Braves are the team that everyone fears right now...
Go you ever improving Braves!
The Braves then had a chance to play some football with it not being interrupted by pentalies, and by Jove, did Maz, Miko and Crouch put in. They were all carving it up! Our backs were keen and tight at the back, everyone was involved in the mids (except Dunko), Lenno racing up and down the pitch, Fox putting in more tough tackles than a a Beijing security guard at a Free Tibet protest. Stirred them up he did- you can't outfox the fox... The boys were keen up front too- Maz falling over by himself as much as ever and Simo and Al eager and striving for their first goals for the 08 season. They'll come lads...
It was the best period of the game for the Braves- although solid to half time, they were unable to turn some sensibly used possession into any more goals.
Although satisfied at half time, we knew 2 was going to be a slim lead if they snuck one back in the second half. After a spate of nasty tackles and a couple of cards, the one flash of football that was shown by them in the second half was rearded by a puzzling penalty. Buzz was keenly contesting a ball, but it was adjudjed to be a foul. McLoskey went close to keeping it out, but promises to have better hands when he signs up for the Braves offseason cricket team.
After a panicked check with the ref, last 6 minutes zoomed by pretty quick to seal a well deserved 3 points for the Braves. It puts us one more win (and a shock loss by Wolumla), away from a surge into second place in the last game of the year!
Injured Irish international Paddy Mick Sean Brian Dermot Fergus Liam Nial Rory O'Farrell took up bench management duties, despite the fact that he'd have iven his lovely sister away to be fit and play. He agreed that it was always nice to beat the auld enemy, even if there was a healthy slice of luck involved. Get well soon Paddy!
With the possiblility of a game from Naro, J Mac's return and Donnie filling in the hole left by McLoskey in goals next week, the Braves are the team that everyone fears right now...
Go you ever improving Braves!
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Braves Dominate Grasshoppers!
Miko urged the Braves to get more excited after scoring....
It was a game that the Braves Brain Trust had approached with some degree of trepidation-there were rumours that Merimbula could possibly use first graders with the weekend off, so the Braves would be up against it for sure. It turned out that they had their normal Ressies lineup, and the Braves will be washing the shirts for at least one week postseason after winning today.
Speaking of style, the Braves were blessed to have the Bevitt-heavy Braves Orchestra trot down the hill with various weapons of music to inspire the Braves. Inspire they did- some amazingly witty chants, prasie for Rocket Wilton, Miko and the rest of the Braves when they did something clever. If only they were there every week!
After much pre game chat about throwing themselves into it from the first whistle, Maz did well with a 15 metre shot from the kickoff. And the Braves thought Dunko was a dickhead with his kickoff move last game.. At least we kept possession then.
The Braves started pretty well, probably getting the better of the opening exchanges, with the first choice defensive lie of Barney (goals), J Mac, Buzz and Ad keeping things tight as fox's wallet in a shout.
The midfield with Miko on the left, Rocket Wilton on the right( who received chants from the orchestra all game), and the regular central 3 looked pretty good- passing was settled and accurate from word go. Maz (making up for another lost toss and his kickoff disaster) and Mcloskey up front appreciated the balls to feet and were busy and threatening early.
The Braves were doing well playing down the flanks- Fox at his blistering bustling, and ever improving best was a real threat again- until he tried to give the final ball, but they're getting closerto the target each week:)
Miko was his streaking (pace wise) self down the left and was linking up really well with Maz who was hot stepping about the Grasshoppers defense all game. With Rugby done for the year, El Capitane could be a key figure come semi time.
It was (self proclaimed player of the season)Crouch who found himself johnny on the spot yet again to open the scoring for the Braves, a neat tuck in from closish range from some handy passing and buildup play from the braves on the left. After 19 duffed shots from the edge of the area, he was glad to have a short range finish. Can't remember who got the ball over, but it was a goodie.. Dunko started the goalscoring excitement buildup by taking the big man down in a front on hit on his way back to halfway.
Another Braves attack soon after saw McLoskey streak down the right and angled in towards the keeper after beating a defender with Braves lined up in the middle ready for the cross. It turned out to be a pretty shit cross (even Fox agreed), which beat the keeper at the near post. A bit sheepish on the way back on his goal celebration, but taken down in a heap again nonetheless, in order to build the excitement.
Halftime saw lots of positive words bandied about by the Braves, with more of the same for the second half the order of the day. It was not Braves' goalsneaking midfielders, but a weary Dunko who had pushed Maz momentarily back into the mids after a surge forward in the previous attack. Barney got the ball in his hands and Dunko took off on the left on halfway hoping like hell that Barney hit one clean (and not clean over the fence). He did and Dunko ran onto a glanced header from a Grasshopper defender, saw the goalie out and volleyed from at least 60 yards into the net. Had to score one for the year I guess!
Dunko trotted off to the bench(celebrating like a madman), which saw a quick reshuffle in the mids- the amazingly versatile McLoskey slotting into the centre. It wasn't long before a bit of a mess up at the back led to a looping ball sailing towards an empty net, and Barney and McLoskey decided to argue over it. No clear winner in the end- Barney missed the ball and poor old Dan ended up in the net, with a nasty graze making Lenno's one and only slide tackle for the year mark look like a mozzie bite. The big man came off for a little while, but was courageous enough to come back, even though Miko had called the helicopter ambulance for him after looking at his graze. J Mac heard McLoskey squeal when he hopped in the shower at home in Grasshoppertown later that evening.
His Bravery was to spur the Braves on, with Paddy slipping in possibly the most deserved goal of the year soon after, Dunko putting the old man up on his shoulder in his joy. Paddy's passing , patient play has been a boon for the Braves durig the season. At this stage, Goal celebrations had reached fever pitch- the Braves worrying that if Miko knocked one in, he might strip naked, so passing to him was kept to a minimum.
The game came to an end in a hurry as per every week- the Braves were really happy with themselves, the constant beat of drums making the unassailable cauldron of Brave Park that much more intimidating this week. A big Bevo thankyou to our esteemed enthusiastic misicians, backing up weary eyed from Jeff Bevo's 75th the night before!
As ever, A big thanks to Muss Hill who waved the flag on the far side (safer over there he says) and Drake, who came out of the refereeing retirement home, much to the annoyance of Lenno who thought for sure he was off towards goal:)
Wolumla next week (with coach J Mac on a weekend jolly, we'll be looking for a new centre back), then Bega in the last round in a relaxing run in for the semis on August 31.
Go you Braves and the Mighty Braves Orchestra!
Speaking of style, the Braves were blessed to have the Bevitt-heavy Braves Orchestra trot down the hill with various weapons of music to inspire the Braves. Inspire they did- some amazingly witty chants, prasie for Rocket Wilton, Miko and the rest of the Braves when they did something clever. If only they were there every week!
After much pre game chat about throwing themselves into it from the first whistle, Maz did well with a 15 metre shot from the kickoff. And the Braves thought Dunko was a dickhead with his kickoff move last game.. At least we kept possession then.
The Braves started pretty well, probably getting the better of the opening exchanges, with the first choice defensive lie of Barney (goals), J Mac, Buzz and Ad keeping things tight as fox's wallet in a shout.
The midfield with Miko on the left, Rocket Wilton on the right( who received chants from the orchestra all game), and the regular central 3 looked pretty good- passing was settled and accurate from word go. Maz (making up for another lost toss and his kickoff disaster) and Mcloskey up front appreciated the balls to feet and were busy and threatening early.
The Braves were doing well playing down the flanks- Fox at his blistering bustling, and ever improving best was a real threat again- until he tried to give the final ball, but they're getting closerto the target each week:)
Miko was his streaking (pace wise) self down the left and was linking up really well with Maz who was hot stepping about the Grasshoppers defense all game. With Rugby done for the year, El Capitane could be a key figure come semi time.
It was (self proclaimed player of the season)Crouch who found himself johnny on the spot yet again to open the scoring for the Braves, a neat tuck in from closish range from some handy passing and buildup play from the braves on the left. After 19 duffed shots from the edge of the area, he was glad to have a short range finish. Can't remember who got the ball over, but it was a goodie.. Dunko started the goalscoring excitement buildup by taking the big man down in a front on hit on his way back to halfway.
Another Braves attack soon after saw McLoskey streak down the right and angled in towards the keeper after beating a defender with Braves lined up in the middle ready for the cross. It turned out to be a pretty shit cross (even Fox agreed), which beat the keeper at the near post. A bit sheepish on the way back on his goal celebration, but taken down in a heap again nonetheless, in order to build the excitement.
Halftime saw lots of positive words bandied about by the Braves, with more of the same for the second half the order of the day. It was not Braves' goalsneaking midfielders, but a weary Dunko who had pushed Maz momentarily back into the mids after a surge forward in the previous attack. Barney got the ball in his hands and Dunko took off on the left on halfway hoping like hell that Barney hit one clean (and not clean over the fence). He did and Dunko ran onto a glanced header from a Grasshopper defender, saw the goalie out and volleyed from at least 60 yards into the net. Had to score one for the year I guess!
Dunko trotted off to the bench(celebrating like a madman), which saw a quick reshuffle in the mids- the amazingly versatile McLoskey slotting into the centre. It wasn't long before a bit of a mess up at the back led to a looping ball sailing towards an empty net, and Barney and McLoskey decided to argue over it. No clear winner in the end- Barney missed the ball and poor old Dan ended up in the net, with a nasty graze making Lenno's one and only slide tackle for the year mark look like a mozzie bite. The big man came off for a little while, but was courageous enough to come back, even though Miko had called the helicopter ambulance for him after looking at his graze. J Mac heard McLoskey squeal when he hopped in the shower at home in Grasshoppertown later that evening.
His Bravery was to spur the Braves on, with Paddy slipping in possibly the most deserved goal of the year soon after, Dunko putting the old man up on his shoulder in his joy. Paddy's passing , patient play has been a boon for the Braves durig the season. At this stage, Goal celebrations had reached fever pitch- the Braves worrying that if Miko knocked one in, he might strip naked, so passing to him was kept to a minimum.
The game came to an end in a hurry as per every week- the Braves were really happy with themselves, the constant beat of drums making the unassailable cauldron of Brave Park that much more intimidating this week. A big Bevo thankyou to our esteemed enthusiastic misicians, backing up weary eyed from Jeff Bevo's 75th the night before!
As ever, A big thanks to Muss Hill who waved the flag on the far side (safer over there he says) and Drake, who came out of the refereeing retirement home, much to the annoyance of Lenno who thought for sure he was off towards goal:)
Wolumla next week (with coach J Mac on a weekend jolly, we'll be looking for a new centre back), then Bega in the last round in a relaxing run in for the semis on August 31.
Go you Braves and the Mighty Braves Orchestra!
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