Forest Killarney Soccer, AL6s
2004
Cozily buried deep within the folds of a leopard-print rug, I enjoyed one of the few Saturdays with as much sport planned as Stephen Hawking. After 5 straight combined seasons of soccer and cricket, I was looking forward to some free weekends …
I got the call up the day of the 2nd trial from Dan Ev, one of a few forest B4s cricket rookies from the summer carrying on with winter sports. The AL6s team (managed by Duncan “The Male Nurse”) needed another player and I was happy to help out. Originally intending to play only the odd game for a bit of fun and fitness, I found that I liked the social environment, the way these lads played and was there some potential to improve my skills?
Not being a great player, the main drive to play for the previous two seasons was to hang out with friends that I’d known for years. A motivating factor for me to play out this season was to discover that these boys were good fun and just plain “Tops” (patented by The Chief). As you can see from the pictures of the soccer dinner dance, we had some good times together. The late signing of Villiotis was an added bonus!
It was a memorable season, a season that will be remembered for scoring my first goal (a screaming header off a corner just outside the 6-yard box). Our team was less than desirable result wise with only the 3 victories and 2 draws. We can all take positives away from the season. Not the least, Jon and myself, who enjoyed playing in many positions (stirker & mids mostly) and held a private contest for leading goal scorer. Villy amazingly won 3-2 in the last round with the Golden Goal winner!
Also this season, I managed to help out a couple of good mates, Mike & Greg, on the Rezzies (1st reserves) team. This will surely be the highest level of soccer I play (there’s a couple of pics below from one of those games).
[Left to Right] Dunc, Bog, Cock, Ben & partner, Rus; Broatchy, Tommy & Dunc behind Deckum & partner, Rus & Greg behind Ben's wife and I.
[Left to Right] Broatchy takes best player award; Greg & Julie and Steve & Kieva; Do I see shoe drinking?; Tommy & I.
[Left to Right] Me, Kingy & Dunc ... What is Kingy doing? Everyone's lost interest but him.
[Left to Right] The injured Ben and Greg look on with Jonny; The Pointman and The Messiah get the call up for Ressies
You can email me at tjcrouch@hotmail.com