Round 8:

What a difference a week can make in Rugby League, Oh, and Soccer for that matter.

A trigger happy referee from last week was replaced by one this week who had either swallowed his whistle, and cards for that matter, on his way to the game or left them at home.

Unfortunately the referee was not the only one to leave something at home. On being quizzed about what Dave had done with the shirts from the previous week, Anthony yelled out 'Oh Shit', as he recalled their nice and cosy resting place in the back of his other car at home.

The game was delayed at least 15 minutes as Anthony scooted home and returned with Shirts in hand and all was in readiness for an important encounter from the Grangers.

It wasn't long before Grange unluckily fell behind. A free kick on the edge of the area was kicked low and hard, taking the slightest deflection, if any at all past the wall and a diving Eroy and into an unsuspecting net.

Grange slowly improved during the first half and a number of times an equaliser looked on the cards with Anthony filling the place of Dave up front. Merrick was also playing one of his best games so far this season and was challenging well, holding the ball and providing passes for the midfielders who were enjoying the return of a jetlagged Rob. Once again Harry and Mark were solid at the back with Eroy making life tough for a fast a skillful Bribie attack. Jimmy, Barry and Nick were also keen to show their passing and running skills too.

Pete, Russell and Froggi were showing the much needed intensity considering Andy was also having a weeks holiday for this game. Pete in particular provided challenges and talk when needed. Omar had also kindly come out of an early retirement to provide more options from the bench.

Unfortunately for the large contingent of supporters, Grange went into the half time break still a goal down but with hopes of a better second half.

The referee was consistent through the match, having not blown his whistle often in the first half he wasn’t going to waste his breath further in the second half. This didn’t effect the Grangers as they pushed for an equaliser. It finally came when Rob found Ray on the left who was able to push the ball past the keeper into the opposite side of the net. One all and Grange pushed for a winner. The game had opened up and despite more close chances that’s where the game ended. One all.

An improved performance by the Grangers but frustration that we hadn’t converted our dominance to the scoreboard. Once again in Rugby League and Soccer, there is always next week …

Team: Troy, Mark, Harry, Nick, Jimmy, Barry, Froggi, Russell, Pete, Rob, Ray, Omar, Anthony, Merrick.

Quote of the Match: Oh shit! (Anthony recalls that the shirts are at home).