Under 9 Division 2

Major Semi Final: Sat 08-08-2009 v Chipping Norton at Ash Road (3-0):

Picture this ...

Kick off is scheduled for 12 midday. We all arrive at Ash Road Complex at 11am sharp and head straight for the change room for our ritual pre-match rev up. Once inside, the Natural Confectionary Company Snakes are released and quickly snatched up by the talons of the ever-eager Hawks. And then, the pack is presented with their favourite delicacy … an offering of fresh, juicy mini Red Frogs. These are also ripped apart and devoured within seconds.

Energy levels rising, the coaches commence the rev up process. Strategy and instructions are communicated and then, after a lightning fast pit stop, the U9-2 Mack Truck Mighty Moorebank Hawks launch into their infamous Huddle Cry. My word, the boys are on fire! All revved up like a Mad Mack Truck and ready to strike like a Mighty Hawk.

Together, we head out for the pre-match warm up. After a good 20 minute run, news is received that the Division 1 game between Colts and Mounties is running late and headed for extra time. Without concern, the Hawks perch themselves on the sideline to watch their 2010 opponents battle it out. Within 2 minutes of extra time, the Colts bag the Golden Goal and secure their place in the final. An inspiring event indeed for our eager Hawks to witness. Chippo were still warming up.

On with the game ...

The ref calls the teams in for the toss. One more Huddle Cry for good measure. Hands are shook and good luck is wished. Chippo win the toss and give us the kick off. The game commences with the usual settling in period which is, of course, played at 100 miles an hour. Notwithstanding, the boys keep it calm and collected and soon take full control. The eighth minute saw Chippo give away a corner on the left. The Carroll Curve was summoned and executed with pin-point accuracy.  A six yard box scramble saw the ball only half cleared to the awaiting James the Avenger who proceeded to smack the ball, on full volley, straight into the back of the Chippo net. One up and message delivered.

Ten minutes gone and interchange time. On comes Michael the Magic and Aaron the Awesome. The boys continue to dominate during the next five minutes with our solid defence and crafty midfield working hard to ensure Chippo can’t get into their game. The fifteenth minute saw some excellent team play work the ball into the Chippo box for Matt the Mauler to latch onto a perfect chip over the Chippo goalie and into the back of the net. Two up and first half complete.

The second half saw Chippo come out with a mission. They had some work to do and they sure did let our boys know that this game was not over. At the 25 minute mark, after some relentless pressure, their right winger broke through our defence and looked certain to give us a bit of a wing clipping. Not to be! Seemingly out of nowhere, Blake the Lionheart appeared with an almighty last second slide to completely block what would have been a rocketing right footer and a certain test for Jester Josh the Gatekeeper to ensure his gloves were in fact fireproof.

This was by far my favourite moment of the match. Firstly, because I just could not fathom where Blake had come from to do what he did and secondly, because that piece of sheer determination seemed to have inspired all the boys to get back on track and reclaim control of the match.

This they did and in the 34th minute, Jack the Juggernaut picked up a loose clearance and connected sweetly with a half volley from the edge of the Chippo eighteen yard box to sail the ball high over the keeper’s head for goal number three. Well done to Jack who also scored the Man of the Match Award today.

... Game over.

To Josh, Jordan, Jared, Tom, Isaac, Michael, Lachlan, Aaron, James, Jack, Blake, Matt and Daniel, congratulations boys, you did it!!! You Mighty Moorebank Hawks snatched that cherry off the Minor Premiers in one fell swoop and deservedly booked your spot straight into the 2009 Season Grand Final.

Let me just say that you have two coaches, one manager and a whole bunch of parents who are extremely proud of you all. You should also be very proud of yourselves and what you have managed to achieve this year. Well done boys.

One more strike to go. Remember, it’s All for One and One for All. You are the Mighty ...

Cheers

Glenn