Old Boys DG entertain in first game

The beginning of the Donald Gray season and Old Boys draws Winton, new comers, first up.

After a marginal pre-season effort but with a comprehensive 6-1 defeat for Winton I’m pretty sure the lads were feeling confident coming into this game.

I was a barmy day, the sun was high with the humidity even higher as we made our trek out to Moores Reserve, better known as The Paddock. Mike Preddy and myself (Foz) discussed many important issues on the journey out such as the upcoming festivities of duck shooting and many useful techniques to keep yourself well hydrated during the perils of the weekends we all must suffer through.

So the team arrives at their destination but alas their fearless leader and coach extraordinaire Reuben was nowhere to be found, the boys took it upon themselves to gear up and fully prepare for the task at hand with no leadership arriving in the foreseeable future, but thankfully Reuben arrived only late but leaving his reasons a mystery….

It was the tactical flat start from the lads with them dominating the possession and territory for the first 13 minutes until Jordan makes a break through with a shot on goal but the keeper saved it with a deflection and unfortunately for Winton, Monie pounced on the opportunity and was able to slot away an easy goal to start us off on the score sheet.

After a couple of near misses on goal for Old Boys disaster struck for Winton as their right back makes a huge pass back to their own keeper which ended up lobbing over the keepers hands and into the back of the net for an own goal. (Old Boys 2, Winton 0)

Game goes flat again for a while until Monie makes a break through the Winton defence and passes the ball off to Preddy who is at the penalty spot and he is able to slot it into the back of the net putting Old Boys at 3 goals to none in the 39th minute.

Just before half time the Winton attack sparks up as they catch the Old Boys back line taking a nap on the lush grass of the paddock and they were able to sneak past almost unnoticed to fight back and score. Reuben was at least able to prove to everyone on the pitch and sideline that he could count, well to four at least.

Straight after kick off Preddy shoots from 30 yards out!!!! Most would say it was a desperate attempt to regain control of the game with some luck, but he proved that the skill from many long and vivid dreams of idolising the form and grace of Danny he sent it flying on target into the top right corner of the cross bar with the ball playing its own version of pinball it sat safely rested in the back of the net. Thus he turns to the rest of the team asking in shock “What did I just do??!!” and with a sigh of relief from Reuben that makes it half time. 

Game play resumes and after just 2 short minutes Jordan is able to beat the feeble ploy of an offside trap and was able to cross to Monie who was supporting him with every move and Monie was able to calmly slot the ball past the keeper to score again while Winton was unhappy with the referee not calling the offside. (Old Boys 5, Winton 1)

52 minutes into game play and Hammy fails execution of a back pass with the grazing style pitch besting Hammys abilities, the Winton strikers were able to pounce on the rare mistake and send the ball screaming past Alex to bring Wintons goal total to 2.

10 minutes have passed with Old Boys dominating possession again, with many opportunities on goal Old Boys were not able to capitalise to increase the lead they already had.

62nd minute and Winton break down the left side of the pitch and they were able to cross low and send the ball into the goal in their attempt to bring the game back into their favour. They have left all the Old Boys players looking dumbfounded and wondering what had just happened?(Old Boys 5, Winton 3)

4 minutes have past and Winton forces a corner for another opportunity. The corner is taken and one of the Winton strikers channels the spirit of Lionel Messi and he volleys the ball towards the goal which is saved in impressive fashion from Alex but alas another Winton player was able to toe the ball into the net with the clinical finish from some amazing game play. (Old Boys 5, Winton 4).

10 minutes has passed with some questionable defence happening from both sides, the paddock is wreaking havoc for both teams, and Old Boys is left pulling their hair out in frustration as they look to regain control of the game as they had dominated the entire first half.

77th minute in and Danny rises like a salmon up a waterfall, after a free kick taken by Cuffy, completely unchallenged he nodded the ball home to let Reuben breathe and provide some stress relief for the coach but even extending the score to 6-4 it did not create safety for the boys as just 2 minutes later Winton attack at the Old Boys goal but the post lent a hand the Alex saving him from conceding another goal and the Old Boys defence were able to let out a sigh of relief.

82nd minute and Old Boys have a free kick that Winton were unable to clear, the fearless coach took it upon himself to lend the boys a hand and Reuben chases it all the way to the by line, hooking it across goal to the steady head of Ben who nods it home. (Old Boys 7, Winton 4)

Score stays the same with the occasional blunder almost costing Old Boys but thankfully we were able to pick back up the game for the final few minutes.

Final result Old Boys 7 and Winton 4, plenty for the lads to works on for the rest of the season. Hats off to Winton who are an intense side to come up against and may very well cause a few surprising upsets during the upcoming season ahead, but in my own personal opinion I would rather play bad and win than play good and lose. (direct quote, Foz)

Man of the match Mike Preddy for his committed game play and stunner of a goal.

Special mention to Jerry for the after match celebrations, sorry about the chair!