Game 5 12/5/07
SCORERS: Scott 2, Bazzo
The usual slow start from the Pumas saw Gus pull off a brilliant save to keep the slate clean for the half, but the mids couldn’t control the ball and took a while to get going. After about 15, Dave ‘Not another Dave’ Stearne made his debut for the Pumas, and the mids started creating chances for the forwards. Kyle penetrative runs down the right lacked only inches from the cross, and it took a Scott Pigeon special to break the deadlock, with the ball from outside the box taking a magnificent dip to creep under the bar. 5 minutes later Al’s ball into the box saw Scott with acres of room, to slot away easily for a 2-0 halftime score.
We came out determined to keep up the intensity, but it didn’t happen as Penno put two chips over Gus to level the scores. The game then turned into an epic, with both teams giving it all they had. Stearne was having a great first game, but the Pumas unable to finish. I missed a simple one on one, and then Scott stroked a ball for Kyle, who rammed it up to the keeper, the spillage then sprayed away by Klish. Then the Penno forwards really hit their straps. Barker, who has had an indifferent start to the season, showed what a true champion back he is, covering for the injured Jumbi and denying any opportunities to score. Bazzo then sharked Driscolls shot from deep in our own half, ran it up the right, cut in and fired away the winner just minutes before time. A truly great effort from the guys, with the Pumas being 5 and 0 for the start of the season, our best ever.
Man of the Match: Hard to go past Bazzo and Barker, both of whom really stood up in the last half to take the Pumas to an epic victory.

Erik Maasepp.