Over 35′s

Back In The Winners Circle (Bats 6-0 Hunter Hill Yellow)

Over 35s are back in the winner’s circle after a sluggish couple of weeks with a 6-0 win over Hunters Hill Yellow. Our scorer extraordinaire Maryann kicked four goals, while our newbie Lara, continued to score goals for our team with another one this week. Ellen also provided a goal for the team in a well played game. We hope to take this winning form into the remainder of the season!

Written by Sharon

Div 2

Comeback Queens (Flying Bats 2-2 Gladesville Ravens)

After our two “easy” games against Normanhurst, Div 2 were brought back down to earth on Sunday with a tough game against the league leaders Gladesville Ravens.

It seems World Cup fever has hit north west Sydney, with opposition players diving at the first opportunity (and asking for yellow cards for our team), and some questionable refereeing decisions (although they probably evened out in the end). We started well, and had the best of the early action with a couple of chances for Sue, Devon, Jane and Erin. Mid way through the first half the Ravens began to dominate but, thanks to the crossbar plus some sound defending and great shot-stopping from Cara, the game was still goalless at half time.

The second half didn’t start so well, and we conceded a couple of well-worked goals to leave us with a lot of work to do. A change in tactics followed, with Erin switching to sweeper, and Devon joining a three-pronged attack with Alice and Jane. This put the Ravens on the back foot and we started to create chances and win some corners and free kicks. From one of these free kicks, Ange/Erin (I couldn’t see which one of you it was J) played the ball in, Devon got a touch, the keeper spilled the ball and Jane followed up to bring the score back to 2-1. The Ravens were rattled, and we continued to press with Nicky and Sue down the wings, and Kerry, Anna, Caz and Ange through the middle. At the back, Cara kept us in the game with some good anticipation and excellent clearances. Tex continued to track any runners, and Jen capped a great performance with a goal-saving tackle late in the game.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Michelle came on to play some great crosses in to the box. The pressure paid off when a ball was cleared straight to Caz who struck a super sweet shot into the top corner to draw us level. Who says this jabulani ball is difficult to master?

Written by Jane

Div 4

We took down the undefeated (Bats 5-2 Normanhurst)

This game was one hell of a victory. Our best game yet. Solid from start to finish. I am so glad too as I simply couldn’t have written about another sad loss.  Normanhurst had not lost a game this season until they met the primed Div 4 Bats on Sunday. The first half we played chase. Normanhurst 1 goal, Bats 1 goal, Normanhurst 1 goal, Bats 1 goal. Whilst Normo stopped there, the Bats were passing and calling and pumping up to peak performance and with some fantastic footwork by Fin in the mids and a run from right corner to the near the goal post, Alex was always there to finish off and we scored 2 more. As time ticked by Normo had a few breaks but the brilliance of Holly (goalie) to block and the pressure of Alicia and Michelle in the backs kept the opposition frustrated. The final goal came from a free kick (after Fin was slammed to the ground from the back = amazing site) that slipped over the defence and onto Alex’s head and like a Tevez, it was in and we all erupted with pride and surprise. We are fired up and are feeling invincible.

Written by Suz

Div 10

Flying Bats 1 – 1 Thornleigh

After their first win of the season last week Div 10 were given a much-needed injection of confidence. They had been improving every week but looked as if they didn’t believe they could take it to the next level. Thornleigh provided a stern test, despite their position on the table. They seemed to feel this game was something special, donning blue and yellow war paint and dying their hair accordingly. (Yes, we were bemused too).

A sluggish start saw the 10s concede a goal but as the first half wore on they began to impose themselves. A well-worked move from the backline and down the left wing saw the ball fall to Emma Molloy who, still smarting from last week’s miss,  made no mistake this time and buried it. I think I can safely say, there was relief all round.

All players put in a sterling effort but could not convert numerous chances. They continually put their bodies on the line against a much more, er, muscular opposition but Thornleigh were hanging on to their point.

Special mention to Clancy who played out of her skin in an unfamiliar role as a defensive midfielder, a deserved lady o’ the match.

Written by Georgina

Div 2

One goal winners (Bats 1-0 Sydney Uni)

After subjecting Normanhurst to two crushing defeats last week, we decided to go a little easier on Sydney Uni yesterday – after all, one goal is enough to get the three points. With Sam still out, Jane suffering from a ‘charley horse’ (see Google or Dena for translation), and Caz pulling a muscle early on, Dena shuffled our pack with Erin going to sweeper, and Anna pushing forward from midfield.

Despite a dominant first-half performance, all we had to show for it was a rattled crossbar, courtesy of Alice. The half-time team talk was all about pushing Devon and Alice further forward, to ensure we capitalised on our pressure. Knowing that a win could put us as high as second place was added motivation.

The second half brought a fantastic shut out performance from our defence, with Erin and Jen pushing forward when possible to add to our attacking options, and Tex and Cara keeping the Sydney Uni forwards quiet. Angie ‘twinkle toes’ Whitmore had another great game in midfield, along with Kerry ‘corner queen’ Fluhr, Anna ‘miss consistency’ Kearns, Nicky ‘crossing queen’ Aldridge, Michelle ‘flick fiend’ McMahon, and Sue ‘touchline terrier’ Ellem. Up front, Devon’s headers and flick-ons caused endless problems for the Sydney Uni defence, and provided some good chances for Alice and her speedy running. The pressure finally told when Devon was on hand to turn in a low cross at the far post (sorry, I can’t remember who supplied the cross, but we all know that assists are just as important as goals! J). Cue major sideline celebrations!! We held out for the last part of the game to boost our chances of a finals berth. Nice work Batties!

Written by Jane

Div 4

If only we played a 75 minute game (Bats 2-2 Putney Rangers)

Oh how I need someone else to write the Match Report this week. I am so heart broken with the draw that I cannot bring myself to write down the details so I have to summarise.

7th minute – Awesome goal by Emily Shrubb

30th minute – Awesome goal by Emily Shrubb

75th minute penalty shot given to Putney for a Bat ‘not playing the ball’.

76th minute Bats 2-1 Putney

80th minute Putney get a lucky one in.

Now let me go cry in the corner.

Written by Suz

Div 2

Bats blitz basement dwellers: Bats 16-0 Normanhurst (over two games)

Whilst many were mourning the ‘performance’ (and I use that term very lightly) of the Socceroos, Div 2 had to face off against the same team less than 24 hours after our Sunday game. Luckily for us, we drew absolutely no inspiration from that Socceroos clash – apart from the slick passing of the Germans.

Given that our two games this weekend were against the same opposition, and played out in almost identical fashion, I have decided to save time by summarising (plus my study is freezing and I need to return to the heater asap):

Goals for: 16
Goals against: 0
Goal scorers (a few each): Devon, Alice, Nicky, Jane, Erin, Angie, Michelle… erm, and probably some others (sorry if I forgot you)
Assists: many, from all players in the team, mostly very beautiful ones at that
Yellow cards: 0 I think (although Angie was lucky to escape one for a blatant handball in game 1 ;p)
Red cards: 0 (unlike poor Tim)
Highlights: Devon’s overhead kick (although this did not result in a goal), Jane’s shot deflecting off a kookaburra sitting on top of the crossbar (he/she was ok, I was p*ssed off I didn’t score)
Lowlights: recurrence of Angie’s groin injury (too much ‘painting’ at home apparently)
Players of the matches: Angie (game 1), Alice (game 2)

With some tough games to come, this weekend did a lot for our goal difference (and confidence). Nice work everyone!!!

Round 8 will be replayed on Sunday 18 July:
·         AA2  v Epping YMCA 11.45am Morrison 2

·         AA4 v Nth Epping Rangers 1.15pm Meadowbank 9

·         AA8 v Gladesville Sharks 1.15pm Meadowbank 8

·         AA10 v W Ryde Rovers 1.15pm Bremner

·         O35 v Ravens 3pm Monash

Round 9 will be replayed on Sunday 25 July:
·         AA2 v Putney Bowlo 1.15pm Morrison 2

·         AA4 v Syd Uni Yellow 3pm Meadowbank 9

·         AA8 v Sydney Uni 1.15pm Meadowbank 8

·         AA10 v Putney Rangers 1.15pm Morrison 6

·         O35 v Nth Epping Rangers 3pm Meadowbank 7