LOSS: CRU 0 – Circle C 3
The Honey Badgers had the pleasure of another early morning match this week, but they were back at Onion Creek to face the favorites for the league title – Circle C – or as they shall now be known, the pool boys from Frank’s Pool Service. Circle C are a good side, and they were out warming up early as Badgertown began its population explosion with another decent showing of 3 subs.
The game had ominous overtones as the referee informed Chappy it was only his second weekend in the league and this was the first for one of his linesman…. what could go wrong? Well, apparently a lot in the first 5 minutes of the game as CRU had two players receive yellow cards without ever entering the field as the ref decided to enforce his “EVERYONE AWAY FROM THE SIDELINES” policy even though we were doing what we do every game. Anyway, after the headache of early morning theatrics, the game continued.
For about 20 minutes, the pool boys were coming forward in attack, but the Honey Badger defense was absorbing all the pressure. And when CRU did get the ball, good things were actually happening as the ball was moving around the pitch with purpose. The Honey Badgers were waiting for that one counter attack to snatch a goal as the team defended. Gianluca was often spotted behind his customary center line boundary helping defend deep into Jaybone’s zip code.
After the water break, the dam finally broke as Chris G’s well-timed tackle was deemed a penalty which was converted. Later towards the end of the half one of the forwards, with a body built for deep pool algae scraping, showed some gentle touches for a big man and drilled home an impressive top corner goal to put them up 2-0.
Still, at an orange-less halftime, the mood was positive and the team thought they were playing pretty well given the opponent.
The second half had its ups and downs, and Circle C snuck in a late goal, but the match was not without its positives. Ciro won a header. Jake was looking pretty nimble on the ball (before he eventually succumbed to gravity). There were more Badger back heels than shots on goal. And Schwarzy slammed a shot off the crossbar that nearly gave the Badgers a little more of a feel-good factor near the end of the game.
CRU considered this a “tactical loss” and will wish the pool boys a fond farewell to the Prem next season – but the Honey Badgers really did continue their good form and are looking forward to a much more even affair with Celtic next Sunday.
Man-of-the-Match: Even without a goal or many opportunities, Gianluca was all hustle and often seen defending deep with his Badger brothers.
