Two Grand Finals - Two Uni Wins!

Men's Social Teams

Hensley Park last night was a scene of double celebrations for Uni as both AA4s and AA3bs won their Grand Finals 2-1.

The AA4s were the first to kick off against the league Premiers Maccabi. As the two teams ran onto the field, many of the fans were pondering the rather cryptic banner hanging from the Grandstand "Go Uni! Back the Slobber!"

Whatever the meaning of those words, it had the desired effect as Uni were certainly the brighter of the two teams in the opening exchanges. And they were rewarded with an early goal as a Maccabi defender made a complete hash of a goal line clearance, only managing to scuff the ball into his own net. I assume the ref awarded an own goal but Rama may have words to say about that.

Maccabi picked up their act as the half wore on but the Uni defence held firm and they maintained their lead into the break. However, no sooner had the second half begun than tragedy struck as Rocky Wolters, playing his last game for the Club, had to be stretchered off with a dislocated knee-cap. Without their talisman, Uni hung on grimly, with only a couple of brilliant saves by Boggle maintaining their lead. However, with about 20 minutes remaining, a Maccabi shot took a wicked deflection and found the top corner, 1-1.

Uni had been camped in their half for most of the second half but they were now forced to come out and attack. And attack they did. A well placed pass found Ben Godwin in wide open space on the left wing. He managed to resist the urge to produce a Ronaldo step over and instead headed straight for goal. One-on-one with the keeper, he made no mistake, 2-1.

A tense final few minutes followed before Uni were able to break out the champagne (and the cheese and biscuits). Rocky was stretchered back onto the field to join in the celebrations and as the team jubilantly lifted their trophy the AA3s grand final kicked off.

The match saw 2nd placed Uni take on 4th placed Dunbar Rovers (resplendant in their pink collars). The game began at a fast pace with little between the teams in the early stages. It took a wonder strike from Jake Salwick to break the deadlock.

Uni added a second a few minutes later as the Dunbar keeper fumbled a long range free kick and Johann Heners headed home. The crowd were on their feet and it looked like Uni would romp home. But no sooner had we begun planning our celebrations than Dunbar struck back. They produced a dangerous ball into the box and managed to get a head on it first to pull the score back to 2-1.

The second half was a tough affair and both sides had their chances. However there was none better than when Mark Fryer streaked away from his marker and found himself bearing down on goal. In post match discussions all Mark could say for himself was "I didn't go left. I didn't go right. I didn't shoot. I didn't do anything!" So needless to say, the score remained 2-1.

But fortunately Uni weren't made to pay for this slip as they held out against all Dunbar could throw at them. So the night ended with two Grand Final wins for Uni, both by teams newly promoted this year. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to all the fans who came out to support the teams. Also thanks to Sean and Dan at the Nags for keeping the bistro open well past 10pm so that all those who continued their celebrations could do so on full stomachs.

In the day's other match, the Men's AA8s won their semi-final 3-0 againts UNSW (yes, I could could barely write an article this long without mentioning us beating them in something). Michael Fotheringham scored 2 goals to give him 16 so far for the season (however he'll need another 16 in the grand final to tie Angelina for the Golden Boot).

So with the Men's U20s winning on Saturday, Uni were 4 for 4 on the weekend. Always satisfying!

Comments (3)

Posted Monday 2006-09-04 10:55:26 by Terry Hogan

Comment #1

Bodah scored the second goal for AA3bs and Jake Saulwick scored the first.

Posted Monday 2006-09-04 13:55:15 by how many beers did you have Terry?

Comment #2

The AA4's were seen out partying beyond 4am in the casino, True commitment to the world game.

Posted Tuesday 2006-09-05 06:46:54 by After party

Comment #3

Obviously too many. Bodah already has a GF goal from last year anyway. Time to give someone else some credit.

Posted Tuesday 2006-09-05 09:05:11 by Terry