2009 Committee

U13's
Well what a day it turned out to be. Arriving at Eastwood Oval 2 at about 7:20am with more than a few butterflies, Tim and myself were in time to see the GHFA vice president and secretary scurrying to set up the trophy tables etc  A beautiful morning for a Grand Final v West Ryde Rovers.    

Next on the scene were Mr Rossi with young David and Alvin from the 13’5’s to help out if required. As the others started arriving, the boys took pot shots at the goal while Mr Sarkis commented that maybe they should stretch and warm up first. With a growing list of injured players it was hard to disagree. Mr Corke arrived shortly thereafter to organize the boys and ready them for the big game (He later confided he had only an hours good sleep or so for going over subs in his mind, I the manager of course had no such problem, I had at least 2 hours of good sleep, after setting 2 alarm clocks!!.    

A quiet confidence was apparent after a good hit out at training and a good finish at the end of last weeks semi against WRR. As we (parents and supporters) set ourselves up on the sideline it was observed that Mr Mullins was on the other side of the field talking with Hector Munoz, a good sign for the boys to see these Redfield heavyweights here to support them. A small discussion broke out on which one carried seniority, it was agreed that we were at the football so it must be Hector!!  

A large partisan crowd gathered along the east sideline and with great anticipation awaited the ref’s whistle. A decider in more ways than one, Redfielfd 13’2’s had played WRR 4 times this year (incl. one semi) for a 2 all return. What a perfect stage for a decider.

After a tense opening, we managed to get the ball inside our opponents’ box with Sid Sarkis having a shot which collected the framework, only to be cleaned up by Harry (Kewell) Bouchahine resulting in a goal to Redfield after only 5 mins for the perfect start. The manager started to breathe a little easier and looked forward to another one, however as is often the case the Good Lord had a few more twists in the plot before games end. An arduous tussle ensued with neither team gaining the ascendancy, but all players on both sides playing as if for their very lives, almost. The game had all the hallmarks of a contest which would provide no respite for players or supporters!!    

John Paul Harb was superb in the middle along with Avishay Mani having a great game. Defenders Mickey Elias, Dylan Bestwick and Sid Sarkis (playing behind the mids) were led by Anthony Wittenburg our outstanding sweeper. Savio Gracious Flor came on after 10 mins and went straight to man up on the giant, a great act of courage after being felled and taken for medical assessment only 7 days prior from unfortunate meeting with same player. Tim Russell and Robert Webb once again showed why coach Corke regards them as as the best wingers in division 2. Johny Elias and Marko Bratkovich were creating headaches for WRR up front.  But none caused more headaches for them than Christopher Healy, easily the best keeper in this division, who pulled off save after save.  

We went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, Darren reminding the players it was 0-0 as far as they were concerned. The second half began with our sideline packed with support, Todd Brodie made a special effort to get there, Graham Hawnt and Hector were fighting for the mantle of loudest supporters whilst Mr Larkin fended off an errant ball in the back of his leg from a very young Lion (Daniel Russell) sorry about that!  Mr Zimmora (Grand final winning coach of 9’3’s) was there with at least 3 O’Sheas, a number of grandparents, Mr North, etc and many others besides!!  Mr Sarkis and myself were celebrating an apparent goal that actually was not, it narrowly missed. I think it was Johny Elias and John Paul teaming up. Carrying a knee injury, Daniel Fraga our talented striker was able to take the field in the 2nd ,half, and show us those silky skills once again.  With just 2mins and 40 secs (who was counting anyway) remaining, from nowhere a WRR player slotted a goal from 15m outside the box that Schwartzter couldn’t have reached let alone our star keeper, Chris.    

1-1.  

So like having our teeth pulled we (the parents of these heroic kids) had to endure another 10 mins either way of sudden death (first goal wins). Alvin Yap Abidin, last minute inclusion and aprox. half the height of the giant dazzled onlookers with his speed and tenacity, having a long shot which narrowly missed.  Coach Corke decided to mark up very tightly on the tall WRR striker, who looked dangerous all day, and asked Tim to be his shadow for the latter part of the 2nd half and into extra time. Tim didn’t give an inch (apart from the 12 that separated them) and beat him to every contest that was on the ground and continued to put the ball out. So with Tim and Anthony working overtime, the ref finally put us out of our misery and called a stop to the game by blowing the whistle for full time.  

In the decider, there was no clear winner and Redfield Lions and West Ryde Rovers were declared joint champions for season 09.  . Final score 1-1. A fitting result in the end. Congratulations to WRR worthy opponents.