Game 1 - 14/4/7

SCORERS: Scott Blunden 1 (pen)

The first game of the year is always an exciting one, with everyone keen and ready to go after a long off season. The team this year sported some new recruits, with Dave, Bazzo and Scott taking the field for the Pumas. As per usual, the game got off to a sloppy start for the Pumas. While we retained possession, we just couldn’t push past the last line of the Glenhaven defense. But, as per usual, the pressure finally started to build, with a few shots getting fired off that, as per usual, were normally well over the cross bar. A fairly un-remarkable half, the only interest being in Bazzos start debut in defense, providing the speed and power that we sometimes lack, and an unapologetic hack to Kyle which left him with an injury. (As per usual).

The second half was much better, with the mids piling the pressure on the Glenhaven backs. Kyle and Dave weren’t at their best up forward, with both still having to adapt to each others play. (Kyle: ‘I’m used to this blinding go-fast-red speed partner, but now I have a Ronaldo. After he got fat.’) I assume this means that Dave is both very good, but also lacks the lightning speed of Nathan. The game turned a bit rougher after Glenhaven figured out the only way to get the ball off Scott or Al was to kick them in the knee, but the pressure finally paid off when Kyle was awarded a penalty after a push in the back from a corner. Scott duly obliged, and the Pumas were one up. The backs, after having a watertight first half, showed a bit of weariness by letting their structure break down. Luckily, the sheer ‘A for effort’ (Bazzos term) from Bazzo, Barker and Jumbi were enough the keep the opposition out. All in all, a good game with lots of room for improvement, and thanks to Stuart who filled in for us after backing up from his teams big win.

Erik Maasepp