The Flight of the Bald Eagle

Coming off an easy win last round, the Bald Eagles had to re-focus on the big game against Werribee City. The undefeated Werribee were going to be a tough opponent as you would expect from any team living near a poo farm. With too many points lost to the top teams in 2008 it was crucial that maximum points were achieved in this Round 3 game. With Slater and Johnny AAAA missing it was good to get the General and the Flying Dutchman back for some stability. Two forwards replaced by two defenders – what a strategic maneuver! As expected, Werribee came out hard in the opening part of the game scoring a goal within the first 5 minutes. Just remember that the first 10-15 minutes of each game, the Bald Eagles use as their warm-up period.

Fortunately, the equalizer was quick and decisive. Some great work on the left wing resulting in Matt U crossing a great ball (or as Bruce McAveney would say “delicious”) into the path of Boz. With the defender right on him, Boz smashed the ball first touch from 30 yards out into the top right hand corner of the goals. Not even the great Captain Bug would have stopped that shot and it will go down as early contender for the Grinders Goal of the Year. The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair with both defences doing well to prevent any real chances. The Zapman restrained himself from tackling Bruno or anyone else wearing a white shirt.

The stamina of the Bald Eagles was really going to be tested in the second half against such young opposition. The switch of Paul “Ronanldo” Cif up front was a masterstroke by the super-coach (who must remain anonymous). However, Werribee were the first to strike with some sloppy defending by Boz and the G train allowing an easy goal. And just like the first half, the La Trobe equalizer was swift and sharp leaving Werribee little time for celebration. The Gabmeisters long range cross caught the keeper a bit by surprise providing his first and only fumble for the game. It wasn’t pretty but compared to what was about to come, it was an absolute gem. Thunder, Boz, Matt U and Bruno the Oztrian controlled the midfield, providing the Gabmesiter and the G Train with magical 30m through ball after through ball.

With the Thai Superfreak carrying an injury, it was up to Ronaldo to try to make the breakthrough. A scintillating run down the left wing followed by a beautiful low cross across the goal mouth had the keeper completely beaten. With the Gabmeister standing alone in the 6 yard box it only required a deflection of some sort for it to go in. What happened next my just have knocked off Slaters long standing claim to the Best Missed Goal in history. You may remember back to the mid 1990s during the Junior leagues when Slater Carmichael put it over the bar from 1 metre out. Well, there is now one thing he can at least brag about! At least he hit the bloody thing!!!

What was going on there Gab?

The ball was not too hard, not too soft, it didn’t bobble, there was no pressure. In fact it must have taken some real effort to dodge that ball coming in. He did well to prevent it from hitting him and ricocheting into the goal. What could have been a deflating moment in the game was quickly turned around by Ronaldo. A great goal kick from the General found the head of Boz who flicked it over the defence into the path of Ronaldo who finished in his usual clinical fashion to give La Trobe the lead for the first time that day. The last 10 minutes were a real slog but every player can hold his bald head high, tuck the guts in and be proud of the way they played that afternoon – even Gab.

A great 3:2 win against quality opposition.