Week 4 saw the arrival of GN Sporting to Point Grey Fortress (technically a school). Having gotten back to winning ways against Akal, Rino’s were confident of taking the 3 points, but just like Luke’s new girlfriend, a tight affair was expected, with GN coming in to the game with 0 goals for, but only 2 against.
The fans were expecting too, with the biggest turnout of the year, Paddy, Emily, Tash and Hurley. Paddy expecting beer more than anything.
The first half, as predicted, was a close encounter, with Rino’s having the better of it, but not creating any great chances. The teams were set to go in even at the break before Moore stepped up with what is a contender for goal of the season. Norton, free on the right, wearing a yellow jersey for some reason, clipped a ball to the top of the box for the unmarked Moore. With all the time in the world, he deftly chested the ball up, caught it on the back of his neck, rolled it down his back, back heeled it over his head, controlled on his thigh, and side footed past the goalie. Horrendous defending, and GN were made to pay. Luckily Luke had his go pro on, and had his usual amount of movement around the box… Wonder Goal I
There was still time for one more chance right before the half time whistle, this time falling to GN. On a rare breakaway the striker shot low to the corner, but the shot was brilliantly stopped by returning Rino’s legend Marek ‘The Flying Slovak’ Gasperik.
After the break it would be Moore again to find the net, taking his tally for the season to 3, overtaking his nemesis O’Sullivan for top scorer. If the first goal was good, this one was, well, not as good, but still quite good. English clipped in another cross to Moore, this time actually marked, but a quick thinking, overhead kick into the top corner beat the flailing keeper. Note: Rino’s had to change kit at half time, Billingham unhappy with how small he looked in an adult male sized jersey. Rob on the camera this time, hence a bit shaky, and dodgy editing… Wonder Goal II
Rino’s settled in to the 2-0 lead and were looking comfortable until a fluke goal was conceded, only the 2nd of the season. The blustery conditions carrying a whipped in corner to the far post and going straight in. If Rino’s were a bit more edgy after this, they were outright panicking at the site of talismanic captain, mentor, and friend, John Bligh having to go off with a grade 7 hamstring tear.
Rino’s knew a 1 goal lead would not be enough now, and pushed for the 3rd. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and it was Mike Carr who delivered the death knell. Another delivery from English, and a powerful thunderbolt drive to the near post put the ball and the keeper into the back of the net, unstoppable.
Rino’s would somehow keep GN out for the remaining minutes, and made it back to back wins for the first time this season.
Man of the match went to Geoff Stoakes for his tireless efforts up and down the left wing… ah to be young again.
Team: Gasperik, Atleo, Petersen, Bligh, O’Genski, Billingham, Stoakes, Norton, Hauk, O’Sullivan, Moore
Subs: Thom, English, Carr, Duff, Pickett