Round 3: Blue vs. Red, 3:1

Capt'n Gary's Log

Breaking news of a Red juggernaut car crash that left many wounded, dazed and confused .Team officials are lost for words as to how this happened.

With the Blues coming off a loss last week to the rejuvenated Whites, it was back to the drawing board for the much anticipated matchup at home to the Reds. With lots of headlines regarding Red domination early in the new season, it was definitely time to sort the men from the boys.

Team Blue reverted back to a more defensive game plan given the Reds scoring threat from Jimmy two shoes and Oleg the giant, with Mitchell the mauler pulling the strings from midfield. Shutting this mob down would not be easy but after reading comments in the press from certain Red players regarding their invincibility and some pre match trash talk from the Mauler, the Blues needed little motivation and came out of the gate very strong in the early going with several decent chances created and lots of possession even with their defensive formation. Reds also had their share of the ball but were not comfortable and appeared to panic after being closed down quickly and relentlessly from a Blue team obviously not willing to let the Reds dictate play.

Scoreless after 15 minutes and Blues squandering some early chances, the Reds drew first blood with usual suspects Oleg and Jimmy linking up for a pretty goal finished off ruthlessly by Jimmy, 1/0 Reds. It seemed the Reds were on course for their 3rd straight win but Captain Mowbs knew they were still in the game if they stuck to the game plan. Following a fierce battle with the Mauler, Mowbs was in no mood to lie down and lick his wounds, some strong challenges from both sides ensued and the Blues once more got the better of possession rewarded with the tying goal after catching the Reds on a 3 on 2 breakaway with Chris teeing up Mowbs for the finish from just outside the box leaving Terry in net no chance, all square at halftime.

The two teams came out for the second half trading chance after chance with Minos, Chris and Ben all coming close, Ken and Guy were kept busy in the Blue end as well as Andrew making 2 or 3 crucial saves to keep things even. Then a piece of good fortune after Ken found Captain Mowbs in a wide position ,with Chris and Minos in front of the net Mowbs hit a left footed cross in their direction only to see the ball swerve and dip into the top corner, 2/1 Blues with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Red juggernaut side were on the ropes and the Blues could smell blood.

Keeping their shape, team Blue broke down the Reds slick passing moves one after another, forcing both Jimmy and Oleg to shoot from wide and far the few times they got close to goal with Blue midfield tracking back to break up the play. With 4 minutes to go, Guy found Mowbs who ran thru challenges from Dave and Greg up the left touchline, cut into centre all alone on his favoured right foot and beat Terry on a blistering shot nearside for his hat trick and the 3/1 victory.

Blue scoring.

Mowbs- 3 goals

Chris- 1 assist

Guy- 1 assist

Ken- 1 assist