Ressies dominate Coota under lights!

Chilli praised his favourite fan after his free kick...

It was catch up time again on Firday night as the underdone Braves took the leisurely drive down to Eden again to meet the Coota ressies.The Braves had a pretty handy looking side on paper, feilding the only fit players in the squad, which included a returning Pip 'Fearsome' Pearson from his 4 match suspension for official abuse:(
Not surprisingly, it was the Braves who lept from the gate and struck 5 minutes in. Dunko picked the ball up on the edge of the centre circle, out paced his marker, split two converging defenders and slotted camly past the advancing keeper. A model for the young Braves to follow. It was Dunko who got on the end of a superbly delivered freekick from the spicy South American import after 12minutes, rising above his defender (he was actually unmarked) and meeting a firm header that caught the base of the metre thick Eden goal post. Fortunately for the Braves, Pip had not lost any of his sense for sniffing out a sneaky goal scoring opportunity and was johnny on the spot to knock in the rebound gratefully. Dunko then went on to play very little part in the rest of the game (other than his usual shouting and carrying on).
The ressies defence at times looked a little all over the joint in the first half, but senior practitioners Buzz and Miko assured all was firmly under control at half time. Adam Hill (playing injured), made his senior debut in the the centre of the midfield, and while he was mainly set in a defensive role in the first half, as always he never shied away from his challenges. Speaking of taking the proverbial teaspoon of cement powder and hardening their hearts, Donnie and Jared continued to demonstrate the general club spirit in playing through pain, Jared with some tape and a quick blood transfusion (Tour de France style), before the game.
Cam was busy (if sometimes a little bemused), in defence and his other wing back Jared again rarely missed a challenge throughout the game. It's a real delight to see the young Braves coming on as they have this year.With Whiskey Walker due back next week from Pneumonia and ankle replacement surgery, the battle for best young player jersey will be on for young and old again!
Pip, Chilli and Fox were predictably keen and adventurous throughout the game, Fox taking on the Coota left back well in the first half making him look as skillful as any player in the competition. Shame about his 14 crosses which ended up on the road.
Half time arrived, Coach Dunko talked about the importance of striking forst, and that was what the Braves did. With Crouchy lurking at the Far post (as he does), Chilli swerved a vicious free kick (some say it swerved 15-20 metres), into the net from a wide angle. He was as proud as punch, and was glad he had been talked into coming down for the evening, forsaking time with the lovely Marika;)
Afterwards, Miko slipped into the Midfield with Chilli, Donnie slotted into the frontline with Pip, Crouchy and Fox swapped wings and Dunko went to sweeper. The Braves had a slight scare when the slightly built mullet from Coota started diving and trying to influence the referee every time a Braves player approached. It was Fox who was unfortunate enough to go near enough for the sly bastard to take another dive just inside the area, this week though, Dunko was unable to gently persuade the referee that it was outside the area, or indeed an indirect free kick- not a penalty. Black mark against Dunko.
After a considerable amount of gentle verbal critisism from Dunko (something like you're a f88king f*t greasy cheating c***), the sly bastard hit the post and Dunko who was already well inside the area when the kick was taken, cleared away before putting a gentle hand on the penalty taker to console him;)
Another big tip of the hat to the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Matty Ellwood- who apart from looking like a baboon prior to the spot kick in his off putting antics, made another string of strong saves and leaps for the ball to keep another tidy clean sheet this year.

Again, a big thanks for the boys who played injured(and Kev who graciously sat in the cold just in case), and no thanks to those who didn't reply to pregame texts or answer their phone when the team was being organised- Pez and his new phone:(

We're up again on Sunday! Both teams (or shall we just say team) in action against the Tathra Seagulls down at the coast.

Go you Braves!

Braves hit by Injury Crisis!

Nick decided using his socket ratchet would stablise his ankle for work..

In recent weeks the Mighty Bemboka Braves have been struck down in numbers by an injury crisis. this terrible list reads like the who's who of Braves legends...
Russ the Muss Hill-Knee injury(season)
Nick Constable-Nasty Ankle injury saving the game v Wolumla (season)
Maz O'Reilly- Forsaken the Braves mid season for Mercedes Gosford(season)
Donnie- Bruised foot(few games)
Gareth-Lack of presence in Bemboka come weekends/viagra addiction(season?)
Kev Barnet-Knee instability(few games)
Pez-shoulder(one game)
Lenno-hammy (3 games)
Johnny Walker-Pneumonia and ankle replacement (half a season)

Coach Dunko has asked the squad to take the rest of the season off work, avoid any physical contact with anyone else and steer clear of Jo Monck if possible:)

As of the start of round 12, Miko and Dunko counted 14 'fully fit' squad members for the 3 game weekend.

Oh dear

Go you Braves!

Bemboka Braves rob Bushrangers!

The Braves steal a win!

The Mighty Braves took on the force that is the Wolumla Bushrangers On the weekend. Again, the Braves were a little undermanned, but welcomed back the eternally youthful and sprightly Sebastian ‘Chilli’ Arrtiatta. He slipped into the front line for both Reserves and Firsts to celebrate the occasion and looked the part. Bemboka were trying to bounce back from an unlucky defeat on Friday night at the hands of the Wailers, so were suitably motivated against the strong Wolumla pack. The Braves found it tough early and possession was not their friend as they were kicking the ball away often under pressure. Wolumla did a bulk of the attacking throughout the game, with the 3 man wall that is the Braves Backline doing some superb work as they have been week in week out. Pez was backing up from Ressies and showed plenty of spirit, Miko defied his ongoing knee ailment and Naro was as strong and challenged as hard as ever. Speaking of hard challenges, it was with much mirth, that Dunko retold the tale of felling the giant that is Rosco during the first half with a mighty hit. He said to look out when we come to Wolumla. He might be ill and unavailable that day...

Under constant pressure from the fast skilful Wolumla outfit, it was the Braves however who scored first when Glen Buzz Brotherton worked his way down into the box and slipped a great ball to the tireless Nick Constable who slotted from point blank range. Nick was later carried off and has a suspected broken ankle- another dodgy call by a doctor... after a Brave goal saving tackle late in the game. Get well soon mate.

So, it was the Braves who stole away with the points- they are visiting Wolumla soon again in a catch up game, so it will be another tight clash. The Braves were well aware that they got 3 points from nothing and really need to sharpen up in their pursuit of a final 4 berth.

Ressies took the field with the last wise words from Coach Dunko to stay deep in defence. They thought they might try doing the opposite though, and paid the price with a couple of break away goals, one which saw Russ ‘The Muss’ Hill injure his troublesome knee which was a real bugger. Unfortunately, it looks to be the end of Muss’s season and it will be a blow to the Ressies midfield. The Braves can look forward to Muss taking a managerial role for the remaining weeks of the season.

Ressies sorted out their transitory defensive problems and steadied the ship at 3-0 which was a shame because the game was lost at that point. Jarred also made his long awaited comeback and was solid along with Adam in the backline. Fox ran his socks off in the midfield as always and Lenno did his best to keep things solid as well.

Back to the drawing board for Ressies, with an outing to Eden on Friday night against the high flying Coota outfit. The Braves then head down to the Tathra Country Club for Ressies at 1.40 and Firsts at 2.50 on Sunday.

Go you Braves!

De Ja Vu for Braves

(above)Buzz was determined not to miss another ball again due to his reach..

After a dissapointing 1-0 loss to the Bega Devilled Sausages the previuos Sunday, the mighty Bemboka Braves took the jaunt to Sunny Eden on Friday night- the first of 2 big games in a double header. It was a night for celebrations and farewells as Naro turned 18 and Maz said goodbye to the Braves, moving to Wyong to keep an eye on Lukey McPaul. It was another solid showing from the semi makeshift Braves lineup, with a handful of Ressie's making the step up again and not letting the team down.
The Braves started strong (as they do), spraying passes wide and penetrating and stretching the Wailers defence early. Maz had a few handy runs down the flank in his testimonial game, and slid some nice balls into the centre. He was Johnny on the spot at the other end however when one of the Wailers hit a strong shot at the far post and Maz made a goal line clearance.
The Braves had the balance of the chances in the first half. After Eden settled, the Braves continued to push forward wide out, and Nick C**tstable shoveled a great ball to the lurking Crouchy on the far post only for him to f**k it up. Goal sneak Fox slipped into the area and hit a super first time left footer really wide of the post not so long after.
After a chilly halftime break and a rousing if somewhat critical team talk from a motivated Lenno, the Braves set off in pursuit of the goal that might separate the 2 teams on the night. The Braves big chance came from an unikley source- Joshy Mac hitting one of those long shots that Dunko had banned him from. It was hard, straight and true, hit the bar, came down (possibly over the line), hit the goalkeeper who then scrambled it back (possibly from over the line), amid a sea of appeals for a goal from the Braves. The ref said that he had a clear view (from halfway)and the ball had not crossed the line:( Disappointing for the Braves, but little Al Mitchell(world's greatest 16 year old ref), would have called it if it was in.
Eden then took to diving and trying to influence the ref, Fox's man in particular looking like Dunko in the early season with his theatrics. It worked for Eden when he took another tumble after a forceful challenge from the birthday boy. A penalty was initially awarded, but fortunately, Dunko was johnny on the spot to explain Law 12... An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper or player, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences: (3)impedes the progress of an opponent, the ref rethinking his earlier decision and awarding a free kick instead.. Probably a penalty, but we'll take that one seeing as though Joshy Mac's shot was so close.
In the 88th minute Dunko decided to use a little more force than was necessary on a Wailer chasing the ball down toward the clubhouse and they were awarded a free kick. A reasonable cross was played in and the Braves hit no fewer than 3 clearances into their own players before the Wailers dribbled a mis hit shot toward the far post. Buzz was wrong footed and the Braves watched the bright brown night match ball sneak in for a thoroughly despised goal. One goal was enough, and the the fulltime whistle deflated the Braves. Never nice to loose to the Wailers
The Braves 3 man backline was exciting again, keeping the Eden attacks at bay time after time with the occasional heat flutter. Fox was tireless in the middle, keeping and eye on Gilly and Crouchy showed some proper mongrel at times, timing a nice sliding tackle at the heels of the Eden Sweeper who thought he'd teach him a lesson until Crouchy stood to his full height:)
Nick clocked up his regular 23km up and down the flanks and Joshy Maz and Pete were keen up front, even if the service was pretty ordinary in the second half.
Miko made a couple of mesmerising runs throughout the game, defying the medical community with his current knee instability.
Again, a big thanks for the boys who came down to fill in- Adam was super while he was on the left, his man never saw daylight. Buzz was very handy against a strong flank (even if he wished his legs were Crouchy's when wrongfooted for the lucky Eden goal) and Lenno was as lively as ever- on and off the pitch. Cheers to Jared who bought his new wheels down with Skip and Pete, and showed some Muss on the way home;)
Wolumla on Sunday- an almost must win game for the Braves- the 4 is becoming very tight now and Ressie's need a win to stay at the top of the table too.

See you there

Go you Braves!

Brave Park under water!

Chilli was happy enough with his new role during his suspension..

All Football was canned after the wet weather this week. Not the usual done thing at Brave Park , being the greatest pitch in the world and all that, but as you can see from the pic, it was pretty wet on Thursday. It will undoubtably be sunny and dry come match day, but have a weekend off and come one come all to Training Tuesday and Thursday. Or just one night! Please!
Have a good weekend off!

Braves v Eden 17.6.07 (Maz's B'day)

(above)A Glorious day for the Bemboka Braves!

Sunday saw a momentous day for the Braves when they opened a can of whoop ass on the Eden Wailers! The Braves went undefeated in all grades-U7’s, 25-0 in U9’s (might have been 5-0), 5-1 in U11’s, 1-1in Ressies (should have been 2-1) and a magic 2-1 win in First grade!

Club cornerstone Mick O’Reilly and his comedy curators had the ground marked up a picture on Saturday afternoon while the rest of the Braves were at Maz’s BBQ. Miko found the paint explosion over poor Dunko particularly funny when he tried to open the line marker canister which was still pressurized.

Sunday dawned bright and sunny (not that anyone but Donnie was up), and most of the Braves were able to meet the 12 noon deadline down at the ground. Ressies still struggled to get ready for the 12.50 kickoff, which is something we will work on at training (getting changed quicker). As the U11 Braves slipped in 3 in less than 3 minutes (surely a full field record for the club), the Ressies began their lack lusture warmup moaning of their calamitous evening and lack of sleep. With Braves custodian away for the day with a nasty case of Bankitis (only affects those who work in a bank), Dunko stepped in to his rather large purple goalkeepers jersey for Ressies. Johnny (Whiskey) Walker was also out for the day due to illness and became the first Brave ever to ring in sick more than 5 minutes before a game. Well done Whiskey and get well soon! With Gareth Burns pursuing other forms of exercise in Bungandore (see post), the Bemboka Hotel Motel Ressies took a different shape and look onto the field, with young enthusiastic striker Donnie Canby booting up looking for a goal.

It was Donnie indeed who opened the scoring after the Braves has peppered the Eden goal, He took a crossed pass on the chest on the edge of the Eden area and bought the ball down and beat the keeper with an unstoppable volley which brought the hundreds of Braves faithful to their feet. Unfortunately the Braves couldn’t keep the Wailers out, and after a slight mix up in defence the Eden Striker slipped past Barney to lob Dunko who had anticipated a low shot and already hit the deck.

The Braves continued to push forward in the second half, Adam Hill really shining on the right of defence and Maz running about chasing Dunko’s long and sometimes wayward goalkicks about. Towards the end of the game (last 30 seconds), a long ball forward led to the Braves breaking into the Eden area and a perfect lovely low cross eluded Lenno(airswing), and enabled the Fox to accurately pass the ball back across the goal from point blank range into the hands of the hopelessly out of position keeper with the goal yawning. It was one of those that was simply harder to miss than score. So, the Braves Ressies had to be content with (yet another) draw that probably keeps them at the top of the pile in their grade.

First grade was a tight tense and entertaining affair. The Bemboka Pie Shop Bemboka Braves were hoping to break a hoodoo of never having beaten Eden in the First grade competition. With the Bemboka Braves Bevitt Noise Orchestra creating stirring encouragement, the Blues took the field exchange pleasantries with the opposition. A slightly shuffled lineup had Birthday Boy Maz O’Reilly in goal, throwing on the large purple and yellow number the Brave Matty Ellwood usually wears. He showed his worth too, positioning himself well right throughout the game to grasp cleanly most of the shots aimed his way from the Wailers attack. He also showed that wayward goal kicks run in the family, putting most of his over the sideline as per the stand in reserves keeper.

There was more than a few nervous moments for the Braves, but they were able to push forward well in attack, winning a number of corners in the first half, but failed to make anything of their set pieces. It was from a cross however that the score board started ticking over for the day, when an unfortunate Eden defender nodded an accurate cross into his own net past his keeper. It was a deserved score for it was the Braves exerting the most pressure at the time. In the period shortly before half time the Wailers showed their teeth, cutting through the Braves solid backline and slotting past stand in goalkeeper Maz O’Reilly. The Braves were reasonably happy at half time despite conceding, and knew it was going to be a battle to break the hoodoo of over 25 years.

In a real ding dong contest, the ball swung end to end with both sides shooting at goal and possession shared quite evenly.It was a penalty decision that decided the next goal, after the Braves Italian import was bought down 3 times for good measure in the Eden area. Glory Boy Mc Paul stepped up to make his mark on the game after Luigi politely turned down the opportunity to convert the penalty. No mistake from Mc Paul, even if he was a little lucky to slip the ball under the Eden keeper.

The next bit of excitement was Braves striker Magical Pip Pearson receiving marching orders after an accidental high foot led to some grappling (more like an unfriendly ball room dance really), in retaliation between he and an Eden defender. The Braves down to 10 for the remainder of the game. The braves backline and midfield held together well in the final stages of the match to keep Eden at bay and a famous win for the Braves in front of at least 14 proud supporters. All the Braves would like to thank Bevo for his unwavering support as well as the rest of his band of merry supporters for the day.

Hoodoo broken.

The Braves meet the competition leaders the Bega Roosters this weekend at Brave park (3.00), with Ressies taking on the Mallacoota Maulers in the lead up game at 1.50. All senior players are requested to be there12.30ish or before to cheer on the kids:)

See you there!

Go you Braves!

Play in the Rain, Train in the rain!

The Great Liverpool manager Bill Shankly used to say it (according to Robbo anyway), so the Braves will do the same! 6.10 at Brave Park will be the place to be tonight. At this point of the season we are moving towards using players who are appearing at training more (eg Cam, Fox and Crouchy from Tuesday this week), so if you want to be in the starting lineup you better start showing your face at training..
We need to work on some set plays tonight as our dead ball work is atrocious. Giving the ball away from throw ins (especially), free kicks and corners is not going to take the Braves to the top of the pile. So, keep your warm kit on after the warmup tonight- there may be a little staning about to be done (i'll try to keep it minimal..).

If we can score from set plays it's a massive bonus and a great feeling!

Go you Braves!