Monday, March 29, 2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Broomedesliga Round Four - League Tightens Up as Teams Hit Top Form

With controversy flying around the Broomedesliga over alleged reporting bias, it was no surprise that Round Four became the tightest round in terms of competition so far.

Last season's champions Sanga, with a largely new-look roster of players, set out to prove they were no fair-weather title holders, taking on a Jiminies FC outfit that has everything to prove and nothing to lose.

Dima Routman hit top form with a hat trick to help Sanga to their second win in as many weeks and allow them to stake their claim for a place in the finals, running out 10-8 winners.

In one of the closest matches of the round, Racing Guantanamo were almost shut down by a resurgent Hobbits FC, boasting the return of their talismanic skipper Mike Doyle.

It was James Watt and Mark Goulding however who were the foundations upon which the Hobbits built their fighting display upon.

The match ended with a final desperate goal in the last three minutes to give the points to Guantanamo and end the scoring at 7-6.

The Travelling Royals travelled to Cardiff, facing a City side depleted by injuries.

A gutsy performance by Royals' Sam Broadhurst provided a solid platform for his team to finish the scoring at 8-4.

With most of the matches being somewhat close, it was left to the UN Barbarians to spoil the party, destroying Sporting Guantanamo 7-1.

Drasko Jankovic proved his worth to the Barbarians, scoring a brace, while top scorer Amir Hammad was kept fairly quiet, scoring only one.

With three more rounds of pulsating football left to play, the top of the table is dominated by UN Barbarians and Racing Guantanamo, both of whom are yet to suffer a loss, while Hobbits FC and Jiminies FC prop up the bottom.

Broomedesliga Women's Report

By Cindy Waterson-Bolst


The Troppo's beat Tightey Whitey's in a closely contested game which showed that great passing and relentless goal attempts are likely to give a high scoring game (9-8). The prowess of Troppos' Karen Salkilld putting four goals to the back of the net, most of them power kicks with the ball going high into the corner of the net led Troppos to the win. Sascha Mitchell scored a hat trick while Rebecca Morgan's top defence footwork was capped off by a brace. For the Tightey Whitey's, Lily put in a four goal haul, with some great skills with the boot at crucial times and Karen Hemsley and Rachael Gabb got the ball past the goalie twice each. Towards the end of the game both of the teams were getting tired, largely due to the heat and lack of breeze and it showed in the slower footspeed of defence trying to beat the lead attacker toward an open goal on a couple of occasions. Best players were Sascha Mitchell and Karen Salkilld of the Troppos and Rachael Gabb of Whiteys .


The Nancy's were out to prove themselves after the draw with Troppos last week, and won 6-3 against the Shamrocks. Alyssa Byron showed her usual skills with the boot and lodged 3 goals to the back of the net, whilst Rosie Stark scored two and Jess Richards put one to her name to give a total of six goals. The Shamrocks fought hard and Kath Dabrowska put two away and Melena Cole-Manolis a great goal, combined with her all round great effort to gain best Player of the Match, with teammate Kath Dabrowska and Nancy's Jess Richards the other best players.

Black Magic and Tightey Whiteys had another close game with the Whiteys showing really great stamina considering they played two games on the hot, still night. Magic won out by just one goal, and the score was close the whole game. Tightey's Rachael Gabb played a blistering game, finding the net the most, with a few of the goals for Black Magic coming from Karli and Kristen Orazi. Kali Owens exhibited excellent skills and put one to the back in both halves, she was deemed best player for the match, with Rachael Gabb of Whiteys getting recognition for her great game and goal scoring and Kristen Orazi of Black Magic close behind.

The Futsal season takes an extended pause for Easter and school holidays, on which the Broome Soccer Association will be running a Driver Reviver stop between Broome and Hedland for a couple of days, and a social kick at the beach. The Troppos are looking forward to a double header on return in April!

Hobbits FC - A Retrospective Look At the First Round

By Allan Meikle

A spate of injuries plaguing the Hobbits which has seen ‘Jinky MacDonold’ out through a training injury to his foot and ‘Inconceivable Vincent” also taken from us through illness, continued last night with the loss of a further two of its Star players. “I can play any position “ Mark Golding going down to a thigh injury that may see him miss several games in goal and outfield, whilst Molefi the Shifty bravely played through the pain barrier “twice” and may have caused grievous harm again to a thigh ..Both it must be said payed well during their time on the pitch.

The good news for the night was the return of Packie Bonner Sheridan in goal who although suffering from serious respiratory problems bravely donned the Gloves when the team needed him the most, (some pushing and prodding was required fair to say) , however he took up the mantle and ran with it and did a good job considering the quality of the team attacking and the fearsome attacks.

Some very unfair back heeled goals were scored which some in the crowd were heard to say was “just taking the piss” but the lads bravely fought to the end although to no avail.

Some would look on tonight as an annihilation , but those amongst us , the long suffering Hobbit fans would consider it a rehearsal for next weeks big game …Which sees the first appearance of Big Ben , which is sure to put the fear of death in the hearts of the opposition. One other player well worth a mention was ‘Ian the invincible’ who although anything but match fit put in a stalwart performance…

All in all “The lads done weel” an “the referee robbed us so he did”…Taken from a phone conference with absentee player Manger and Captain Mike Doyle via Skype shortly after the game.

Come back Doyley. The crowd were heard to shout as the team left the ground….unfair considering the current player shortage and injury situation this author thinks…

So another week an other team and another game looms…Hope to see you all there.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Doyle's return did nothing for the Hobbits, who are still looking for their first points after Round 4 - not gloating or anything...)

News From the Hobbits of the Shire - We Was Robbed Ref!

By Allan Meikle

In the same way that we all intrinsically know a brick can hang, nay, float in the air unaided, the Hobbits fans went to watch tonight’s game with that same knowledge that it will, it must happen someday!

How fickle is the game of football we love so, so much but torments us at every opportunity!

“We was robbed ref!” “We was robbed!”

A close game indeed tonight between the Mighty Orange - Guantanamo all stars and the sturdy boys from the Shire which saw a 7 – 6 defeat that was an actual victory for the Hobbits.

‘It’s a funny old game’ and “a game of two halves. There was the first half, then the second”……and many other clichés were bandied about during and more particularly after the game tonight.

The one that stands out is “how one man can make a team’…now many may think this refers to “twinkle toes’ ‘Paper Doyley’ and it is true that his return from a drinking binge in South America (evident by the very noticeable beer belly) (like a piece of string with a knot in it, some were heard to say ) did make a huge difference as his twinkle toes were there for all to see but no, this refers to James “you Watt you Watt” who turned in a great performance for the Shire boys tonight …Up front scoring a scorcher of a goal and back in defence thundering into would be attackers leaving them dazed ! An all round stunning performance indeed..

In goal again Mark golden Golding was just short!!!…………

Nope sorry just short of pure brilliance, making that many great saves that it defied the laws of physics…his nickname may turn out to be a very Russian name indeed as there was one disallowed corner (bad sportsman like play indeed from the evil opposition, taken a good five miles from the corner spot) that careered “Inov the Arse!”.

One other highlight of the game was the South African influence on the game, ( some of whom are more accustomed to the oval rugby ball),with Super Sub Molefi scoring with the first touch of the ball in the second half and “Dawie the Dangerous” turning in a sound performance in defence where he was seen to literally throw himself at the attacker…(the rugby influence shining through , where the ball seemed to be unimportant) but the end result was that many attacks were seriously cut short or deflected away from Grabbing Golding in goal.

Big Ben again managed to plough his way through the defence and once again is proving to be a very smart signing, as is the talented youngster “Jeremy the Weasel Hall” who ran himself into the ground tonight playing every position possible in his sneaky, sleekit style of play that leaves the opposition for dead, or at least wondering what just flashed by.

Lets not overlook Wee Macca who again used his scoop to good effect until instructed not to by Player Manager” Paper Doyley” who fresh from his exploits playing Spanish style fitba preferred the pass to the lob ! Good move or not, well we will see in future games.

The only other high or low point worth mentioning was that Misfit Meikle finally scored a goal….yes an own goal it must be said , but his first goal ….and did it in style indeed !!! “The keeper never stood a chance!” Meikle was heard to boast later following a few beers!!

All in all a brilliant performance frae “the wee free men frae the Shire!!’

Onwards and upwards is the rallying call for the next game. (As we canny get any lower).

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hobbits Player-Manager Returns - But is it too Late?

By Allan Meikle

The long suffering Fans of the Hobbits will be buoyed by the news of the return of Player Manager "Paper" Doyley to the team for tonight's grudge match (kick off at 7.00PM).

Paper has returned from his self imposed loan spell to Barca and it is hoped he can bring with him some of the legendary Barca skills for tonight's important game, however fans should not get their hopes up too much.

The long suffering but ever faithful and hopeful fans, will, it is hoped finally see the machine that is the Hobbits Caledonian Thistle Athletic fire up tonight and provide the first win of the competition so far, following some very near run things in recent weeks.

With a full squad playing for the first time this season great things are expected.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Women turned up for the Futsal on St Paddy’s Day

The Futsal men’s teams were very obvious in their absence from the BRAC courts for St Patrick’s Day whilst (allegedly) having a few ‘quiet’ ones at the new social home of Broome Soccer Association, Murphy’s Bar, although there were a couple of Irish soccer fans at the courts! With the lads away, the ladies snuck onto the inside courts for three hot, and hotly contested, games.

Black Magic fought hard but lost 0-3 against Tighty Whiteys. Rachel Gabb and Alisha Gabb were BOG for the Tightey’s and Kali Owens put in a great showing for the Black Magics. It seems however, they were well warmed up for their second game for the night against the Shamrocks.

The Nancy Girls did not live up to their name, as they put up a fight but the fearsome defense of the Troppos saw many potential goals not make it to the keeper. That being said, the Troppos had a fair few kicks at goal, however the Nancy’s held fast and only let two goals through, one each to the quick feet of Karen Sakilld and Sasha Mitchell . Quick on her feet, Rosie Stark and the flying Alyssa Byron each sent the ball to the back of the goal. Despite desperate attempts by both sides to get one last shot before the whistle, the end result was a 2-all draw. Best players were deemed Sasha Mitchell, Nancy Kennedy and Zoe Bilston.

We expect a great night again this week as the men come back to Futsal well rested, and the ladies head back to the outside courts for a game under the stars. Games start just after 6pm Wednesdays for anyone interested in coming down to check out the action.

By Cindy Watterson

Told you more was to follow.......

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Luck of the Irish destroyed by Black Magic

In round 4 of the BSA Women's Futsal competition, Shamrocks were considered to be the team to beat in - with the expected Luck of the Irish putting them in favour for a St Patricks Day game.
The luck ran out in the first half however with the Black Magic team making the decision to push on the attack. The girls from Black Magic scored 4 goals to take their first ever win over the Shamrocks 1 goal. Black Magic new team member Kali Owens showed stylish finish on her 2 goals supported by teammates Emma O’Mally and Alex Quigley with one goal each. Stylish goal keeping by Nicole Nicholson and defence from the Orazi sisters kept the Shamrocks at bay. Black Magic have now shown that they are no longer the underdogs in the competition.

by Kristen Orazi

more results to follow.......

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Broomedesliga Round Three: Guantanamo Race to the Top

With five rounds left of the normal season still to play in the Broome Soccer Association Broomedesliga, the congestion at the top doesn’t seem to be thinning.

UN Barbarians and Racing Guantanamo are locked on nine points each, while Sporting Guantanamo and the Travelling Royals are still only three points behind.

Round three’s match of the round saw Racing Guantanamo pitted against old foes, the Travelling Royals. With Royals captain Richard Brunger sidelined, it was up to former Guantanamo player Ken Goatley to provide the spark for the Reds.

The Royals however, were on the back foot early, as the fluid passing of Mighty Orange players Martin Kessler and Raiko Kiudmaa cut their defence time and time again.

Only some unlucky finishing from Guantanamo kept the Royals in it, until some lucky breaks of their own had them slotting home some important goals.

However it wasn’t to be, as Guantanamo edged home to remain equal top 5-4.

In the other match for top spot, the UN Barbarians announced the return of the Biggest Name in Broome Soccer, Jimmy Asimacopolous who inspired them to a 16-4 win over young guns Cardiff City.

Asimacopolous took a hat-trick to announce his return, while Amir Hammac proved that he could also grab the headlines with seven goals of his own.

Hobbits FC launched their new-look strip before their game, proudly modelled by Andy McDonald, before they took to the field against a Sanga side itching to avenge last week’s loss.

A hat-trick from Emmanuel Navarette was enough to sink the Hobbits, who will be proud with their efforts, despite being pipped 7-5.

In the last match of the round, Sporting Guantanamo kicked their bid for a finals berth up another notch as they brushed aside Jiminies FC 14-6.

Luke Turner scored a whopping eight goals for the Mighty Orange, while Tong Klahan impressed for Jiminies, scoring one goal in the process.

With the UN Barbarians firming as favourites for the championship with the signing of Asimacopolous and Racing Guantanamo right up there with them, it will be an interesting race to the title in the next few weeks.

Capt'n Murphy's Irish Pub to Become Broome's Home of Soccer

The Broome Soccer Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with Murphy's Irish Pub at the Mercure Continental Hotel.
Murphy's will now become the official home of the BSA, and is pleased to offer BSA members the following discount:

$1 off on House Spirits, House Wines and All Tap Beer.

In the next few weeks, members will be issued with a 2010 membership card which they can use over the bar at Murphy's to obtain their discount. The discount will apply on St Patrick's Day, but as there are no membership cards at present, members will need to get a committee member to put their name on the bar for the staff to see.

Being the home of soccer in Broome, Murphy's will also be hosting any BSA events, including presentation nights, World Cup nights and other social events.

Please support this excellent sponsor.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Broomedesliga Round Two: Determined Royals Claim Second Win

Another round of pulsating football at BRAC has pundits wondering just who has the guts to go all the way to the final of the Broome Soccer Association Broomedesliga.

In the match of the round, a tough looking Travelling Royals outfit came up against an equally steely Sanga, with both sides going in hard from the get go.

A number of controversial refereeing decisions sent the match one way and then the other as both teams tried to assert their authority.

With local legend Shane Bilston leading his side well, Sanga looked to be the goods before the Royals managed to take control of the game through the determination of a fiery Chris Stainton.

The score finished at 6-5 to the Royals as they held out to claim their second win of the season.

On the other pitch, the most improved player in the league, Terry Ragoonanan, inspired Sporting Guantanamo to a win over Hobbits FC.

The Hobbits worked hard to get into the game through Ben Holden, but the Mighty Orange held firm to take the win 12-7.

Sporting's brother team, Racing Guantanamo, put in a sterling effort to keep out the young guns of Cardiff City, as they started to stake their claim for a run to the final.

Ben Jones scored his first ever goal for the Mighty Orange, as they looked rampant up front.

A couple of shaky defence periods however, saw Cardiff get back into the game through Joel Hamling, but Guantanamo stood tall to prevail 12-6.

In the last match of the round, UN Barbarians pillaged and plundered their way through Jiminies FC 11-1 to keep them at the top of the table on goal difference.

Geoff Peck looked the goods in the attacking third, worrying the Jiminies defence at every turn.

Round 2 sees the Barbarians sit astride the top of the table, while luckless Hobbits FC prop up the bottom.

Member Update

Thanks a lot for a great round last night - a record 60 goals were scored in the competition, making us - I believe - the most exciting competition in Australia. :)

Just a reminder, your $20 registration was due this week - if you have not paid, we will allow you to pay next week, but we will not be extending this any further. Please bring your registration fee next week or you will not be allowed to play. Please pass this information on to your team mates as well, as some still not have supplied an email for us to use.

Also, next Saturday, 13th March, the Broome Soccer Association will play its annual Delgado St Partick's Day Challenge Shield match between Ireland and Australia. All members are welcome to come down and play. We will find room for you on each team so please come down and support us. The match itself is a purely social laugh and kicks off at 9:45 am with the singing of the national anthems (no, I'm not kidding).

Afterwards, we have organised to have a meet up at Murphy's Irish pub where we will party into the afternoon.

The match will be filmed for WIN news and also will be covered in the newspaper - it is a really great day so please come down.

I will have a sign up sheet for approximate numbers on Wednesday night so please come and see me.


Thanks again,
Ryan

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Irish Out For Four-In-A-Row

The Kimberley’s only international sporting event will come back to Broome again on the 13th March as the Broome Soccer Association hosts its annual Delgado St. Patrick’s Day Challenge Shield match between Ireland and Australia.

The Delgado Shield, which sees the cream of Broome’s Irish stock compete against their Australian and international counterparts, has been won by Ireland three years in a row with the Irish looking to make it a history-making fourth this year.

The wins though, have not been without controversy – Team Ireland have been accused of granting honorary Irish status to anyone who has drank a pint of Guinness, as well as getting in the referee’s ear during the match with some very dodgy calls.

Despite the ongoing debate, history has recorded the Irish team as legitimately dubious winners for the last three years, and this looks set to continue in 2010.

“Spectators are most welcome,” BSA Treasurer Tim Gray said. “I think this will be a sporting contest that you won’t forget in a hurry.”

The action will begin at 10am, with the customary singing of the national anthems by Broome celebrity Sarah Goyder and the traditional pre-match potato eating by the Irish.

If there is one sure bet to make on the day, it will be that the Irish will claim a win – even if the scoreline doesn’t reflect it.

“It all comes down to the luck of the Irish,” Gray said.