Broomedesliga Grand Final: UN Barbarians Unite to Claim Title

By Mike Doyle

UN Barbarians turned on the style to win the Broomedesliga title 7-4 on Wednesday night. Travelling Royals came into the finals full of confidence having destroyed a talented Racing Gauntanamo side the previous week. With a victory over the Barbarians and the absence of their opponents powerhouse skipper Alan Armstrong the Royals had every hope of causing an upset.

Indeed an upset looked on the cards early with the ever improving Jono Falconer giving the Royals an early lead. UN Barbarians were rattled and with Venter and Tarbotton’s physical approach reaping rewards the final quickly lived up to the hype. The strong tackling and passionate midfield battles had the crowd on the edge of their seat, but it was the returning Jimmy Asimacopoulos who found the net with a low drive to draw the sides level. The goal settled the Barbarians and their next was a perfect example of the team ethic that has seen them prove so lethal. Media superstar Drasko Jankovic chased down a seemingly hopeless long ball and produced a pin point cross for acting captain Fortune to head home and when JJ Murray powered home shortly before the half the UN Barbarians had the title within their grasp.

Amir Hammad added a fourth for the Barbarians, which sparked the Royals into life. Under pulsating captain Richard Brunger the Royals are a tough nut to keep tied down. Vini Belotti gave the side hope with a well taken goal and another cracker from Falconer ensured the Barbarians had to fight the game to the last. Like the champions they are the Barbarians did so, Geoff Peck and Jankovic netted for the champions-in-waiting before Asimacopoulos scored again. The hard working Stainton managed a consolation for Royals, but there was no doubt the title was heading to the UN. In the highest quality final in Broomedesliga history not only the Barbarians, but futsal itself was the winner.

Hat Trick Hero Gives Troppos Inaugural Title

By Mike Doyle

Troppos won the inaugural Broomedesliga women’s title defeating a valiant Shamrocks 4-0 in front of a packed BRAC stadium on Wednesday night.

Tropppos had too much firepower for Shamrocks with Karen Salkilld scoring a hat trick in a devastating second half performance.

The result could have been quite different however had Shamrocks taken their chances in the first half. The girls in green had met every challenge coming into the final and were undaunted by their much vaunted opponents. Melena Cole-Manolis and captain Kath Dabrowska controlled the midfield and created plenty of headaches for their opponents. Indeed Troppos had Cindy Watterson to thank for keeping them in the game. The Troppos shot-stopper continued her impressive form in goals by producing a number of fine saves, including denying young gun Lexi Tang-Wei. Despite having the better of the game, the sides went into the break level.

It was a different Troppos who came out for the second half. Salkilld and Naomi Vandeweem were in more determined form and they began to take control of the game. It was a touch of misfortune in the form of a ricochet own goal that eased Troppos nerves and from there Salkilld took over with three powerful finishes to give Troppos a deserved title.

Shamrocks did have chances to close the game, but once again were denied by Watterson. Shamrocks deserved their grand final place and were worthy opponents, but Troppos have been the best side in the league all season and on the biggest stage won the title to prove it.

The women’s competition has developed rapidly to the point were every game was hugely competitive. With the inaugural outdoor season set to commence on July 21^st one of the closest competitions in BSA history could be the result.

Finals Action Tonight

The Broomedesliga wraps up the season tonight in what should be a cracking final between UN Barbarians and the Travelling Royals at 7pm.

Both teams have lost only once this season, and the match should be an absolute cracker.

In the women's competition, Troppos take on the Shamrocks at 6pm, with the Shamrocks having a massive challenge ahead of them if they are to knock off the strong premiers.

In the other match of the night, Jiminies FC take on Cardiff City to determine who will walk away with the wooden spoon, also at 6pm.

The official presentation night will take place at Murphy's Irish Pub on Friday 28th May at 7pm.

Broomedesliga Round Nine: The Road to the Final

A place in the Broome Soccer Association Broomedesliga Grand Final was on the line on Wednesday night as Racing Guantanamo met the Travelling Royals in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Royals had reached the match on the back of a great regular season campaign, losing only once, ironically to Guantanamo.

The match began with a cagey start, both sides concentrating on the defensive aspects of their game and neither wanting to give away an early goal.

With both teams worried about going down early, chances were few and far between as stubborn defences on both sides broke down any attacks coming through.

The Royals’ Ken Goatley was particularly impressive at the back, portraying a sense of calm to soak up pressure from Guantanamo’s Raiko Kiudmaa, who was kept relatively quiet by the stalwart Royals defender.

Before the end of the first half however, the Royals struck with a great counter-attack to put Guantanamo on the back foot.

If the first half was relatively even, the second half couldn’t have been more different, with Guantanamo looking nervous and making schoolboy errors that resulted in some cheap goals against them.

The Royals were starting to get into the scoring mood, and pressed higher up the park to force Guantanamo into their own half more often than not.

Jon Gallichan worked hard in the Royals’ midfield to pressure the Guantanamo defence, and netted a hattrick to aid his team in their quest for the final.

With the final score of 6-1, the Travelling Royals claimed their place in the Grand Final against UN Barbarians next week, while Guantanamo take pride in knowing they went farther in the competition than any other time in their history.

In the other match of the round, last year’s champions Sanga managed to avoid the embarrassment of the wooden spoon by dispatching Jimnies FC.

Sanga had to wait until penalties though to see off their plucky rivals as both teams took part in a very spirited match which could have gone either way.

Jimnies will now take on Cardiff City next week in a curtain-raiser to the Grand Final to see who will pick up the dubious title of 2010 Wooden Spooners.

W-Broomedesliga Results & Grand Final Preview

By Mike Doyle

Tighty Whiteys 0 Shamrocks 2

Captain courageous Kath Dabrowska and Melena Cole-Manolis scored crucial goals to continue the fairy tale finals series for the Shamrocks. Tighties pushed Shamrocks all the way, but the twinkle toes of Melena Cole-Manolis up front and the Scottish grit of Erin McDermott was enough to keep the Tighties scoreless. It was a professional performance from the girls in green who are improving every week, and played a perfect counter attacking game.

Alisha and Rachael Gabb worked hard for Tighty Whiteys who missed their talismanic skipper, Monique Kelly on loan to Tasmania United. The team should be proud of their season; finishing second after a slow start was a super effort and with a year under the belt should be competitive come the outdoor version.

The question now is will the luck be with the Shamrocks yet again come Wednesday evening? Only a fool would bet against them. The team are gelling at the right end of the season; so not only does their hair look fantastic but the blend of youth and experience is proving formidable. Two finals wins in succession have the side full of confidence and eager to continue their fine form. This amazing run began when a lucky Alsatian was tied to the BSA whiteboard. They will face their biggest test on Wednesday and rumours are already circling the Biggest Name in Broome Soccer will be in their corner too. If he is tied to a whiteboard anything is possible for the sentimental favourites.

Troppos 3 Nancy Girls 3

Troppos win 4-3 on pens

In one of the greatest games ever played on the slippery slopes of BRAC indoors Troppos booked their place in the grandest of finals. A dramatic penalty shoot out which ended 4-3 had everything – penalties, shoot outs, disputed goals and a victor. (and we don’t mean the one visiting from Bulgaria) Even WKFL premiership players Brett Salkilld and Vernon Dann were in attendance as a record crowd watched one of the most physical contests in the history of the Broomedesliga - women’s version.

League superstars Alissa Byron and Karen Salkilld played out their own mini battle. Salkilld gaining the upper hand with the opener, but Byron scored one of her own to keep the teams level at the break.

Naomi Vandeweem put Troppos back into the lead in a pulsating second half, but Nancy Girls came back again once again through young gun Zoe Bilston to send the game to penalties. The shoot out was a thriller but Troppos held their nerve and sneaked through, but only just.

Nancy Girls have now experienced the highs and lows after successive penalty shoot outs, but will be better for the experience. Under the administrative brilliance of Nancy Kennedy a major signing or two would not be a surprise, but on another day the team could beat anyone with the squad they have. Troppos normally do, but will need to be at their best come Wednesday. The week off may have affected their performance, but with a finals game behind them and their growing band of fans they will be favourites for the final. They have a wealth of talent, plenty of experience and some really nice shirts. There is no doubt the minor premiers will be looking to end the season in style and have the ability to do so.

Fixtures for Semi Finals

The fixtures for the semi finals are as follows, please click on the image for a larger resolution.

Broomedesliga Round Eight: Finals Series Starts With a Bang

The UN Barbarians re-asserted their dominance of the Broome Soccer Association’s Broomedesliga competition on Wednesday night, as the first finals round saw another series of shock results.

The Barbarians took on the Travelling Royals for the second time in as many weeks, with the Royals claiming bragging rights in their first encounter, knocking off the Barbarians unbeaten streak.

The rematch was a passionate affair, with both sides looking to make an impact early.

Alan Armstrong was again at the centre of an iron Barbarians’ midfield, and he managed to control the play and turn the match in their favour.

The Barbarians put on a footballing lesson, ending the match 3-0, and giving us the first match of the season were one team has failed to score any goals.

In the other top match of the round, it was another Guantanamo Derby, as Racing and Sporting went head-to-head once again.

Racing got off to the better start, and soon had Sporting on the back foot.

Racing’s Martin Kessler again proved that he is one of the best players in the league combining excellent team play with individual brilliance.

By the end of the match, a sturdy Racing defence had managed to curb Sporting’s attack, while providing excellent through balls for their own forwards to counter with, ending the score 7-1.

At the bottom end, the play-offs for the wooden spoon proved to be entertaining affairs, with the crowds providing a great atmosphere.

Hobbits FC took on Sanga in a play-off for fifth place, with the men from the Shire looking surprisingly potent as they tried to end their season on a high.

Allan Meikle took on the Hobbits’ coach’s role, alternating between a place in the stands and coming down to the touchline to scream commands at his men.

With the fiery Scotsman controlling the tactical side of the game, the Hobbits looked dangerous, and managed to score some important goals, including a stunner from Molefi Nong who rounded four players before slotting it home.

Sanga captain Shane Bilston tried to inspire his men with a desperate goal just before half time, but the Shiremen were too strong, and finished the match 11-4.

The final play-off match was a nail biter between Jiminies and Cardiff FC.

Both teams had come into the play-offs on the back of some disappointing results, but this night, both upped their game to a whole other level.

Matt and Chris Harris were on song for Cardiff, while Tong Klahan again produced the goods for Jiminies.

At the end of a close game, Jiminies edged home 4-3.

Going into the next round of finals, Racing Guantanamo take on Travelling Royals for a place in the Grand Final, while Jiminies take on Sanga to see who will face Cardiff City for the wooden spoon.

Hobbits Get the Horn

By Allan Meikle

Women and children fear not, Viagra was not involved in this game. The horn referred to was courtesy of the South African contingent in the crowd warming up for the World Cup.

What a spectacle they witnessed tonight. It may not have been Viagra but something got the boys exited tonight and that was goal after goal after goal. No you have not tuned into the wrong reporters script we are talking about the lowly Hobbits who played a blinder of a game tonight..11 – 4 was the final result in this demolition of a good Sanga team and a win worthy of the championship.

If only these same players had been there for previous games it could have been a battle for the top not the bottom.

The Hobbits again were short of players through illness, suspicious travel and feigned injury (Misfit Meikle’s performance as the “injured party” was still on display tonight as he hobbled about on the sideline trying to remember what side to limp on). It may have been his un-understandable Scottish comments being thrown at the team that forced the play, but most probably was just his absence from the defence, but something worked tonight and worked well.

Young Jon Gallichan in goal “on loan” in the first half and then the well seasoned Selwyn Taylor “another loan player” in goal in the second, both turned in very professional performances and were responsible between them for the low score by the Sanga team who must have been aghast at the amount of brilliant goalkeeping they encountered and must have been shell shocked at the end of this game..

The team tonight, “the dream team’ consisted of Invincible Ian, Big Ben, Back Heel Molefi , You Watt and Paper Doyley.

Paper played through the pain barrier tonight and apart from the face pulling every time he kicked the ball you would never have guessed at the bout of gout causing the pain. Face pulling similar to having sex he was heard to comment (no we don’t get it either and don’t want to!) Perhaps Viagra did have a part to play in tonight’s game after all! Doyley played like the consummate professional he is setting up many chances and scoring several from long range.

“You Watt’ again played the hard man in defence and midfield playing a sublime game setting up many goals, tackling hard when needed and scoring as well. Hell everyone scored!

Invincible Ian had many thunder shots at goal and played one of his best games tonight as did Big Ben including a few noses rather than headers. The two big men combined well with many a goal scored between them as the ball flew past the Hapless Sanga keeper tearing into the net. Again, football poetry in motion, a delight to behold.

Now to Molefi the “Back Heel King” who in recent weeks has had some astounding misses whilst trying to show to the world the South African Skills he has brought to this sun burnt country and gained him the nickname. Tonight he was forbade to do anything like that “None o’yer fancy fitba here ok” Misfit was heard to instruct at the start of the game (well we think that’s what he said…Jimmy!).

Molefi was doing so well, until Paper tried to emulate him, then the gloves were off and the fitba patter flowed freely. Best example of this being the “Kings” weaving through around 4 players (5 aside football, remember) before scoring. The concrete walls at BRAC shook like a mini earthquake to the sound of the horns following this one man show!

A brilliant performance from the Hobbit boys tonight indeed the sort of game that even the most cynical Hobbit fans would find hard to fault.

Next please!!

Round One Finals Fixtures

The fixtures below are for this Wednesday. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Broomedesliga Round Seven: Competition Blown Wide Open

Bookmakers hastily closed all bets on the Broome Soccer Association’s Broomedesliga competition last night as the finals series was blown wide open with a series of shocking results.

UN Barbarians, who up until Wednesday night had been undefeated and looked set for a definite place in the grand final, succumbed to a steadfast Travelling Royals side 9-7.

With this win, the Royals went equal top of the table with the Barbarians, confounding critics who had hadn’t even considered them to be a blip on the radar.

Jon Falconer was again the driving force behind the Royals, while Geoff Peck once more looked unstoppable in front of goal for the Barbarians, netting four.

The other match of the round saw the much-hyped Guantanamo Derby between Racing and Sporting.

If Sporting were able to win, they would garner a spot in the finals, while if Racing won, they would cement second spot on the ladder.

Adding to the importance of the fixture was the appearance of legendary goalkeeper Francois Kruger, who made his return to play his final match for the club.

The match was a fast-paced affair, with both teams going all out to secure the win, but in the end it was Sporting Guantanamo, helped by star player Thank U-Ten who secured the win 7-5.

Elsewhere, Hobbits FC went down to Jiminies FC 9-8, a result that gained Jiminies their first ever Broomedesliga win.

Mat Aristei in goals was inspiring for Jiminies, and his performance meant that his team were lifted off the foot of the table for the first time since Round One.

The final match saw Sanga pick up all three points as a result of a forfeit by Cardiff City.

With the regular season now over, all attention now turns to the finals series, which has been turned upside down as a result of the shock results on Wednesday night.

In the first round of the finals series, UN Barbarians will take on Travelling Royals, and Sporting and Racing Guantanamo will again meet to try and book a place in the Grand Final, while at the bottom, Sanga will battle Hobbits FC and Jiminies will clash with Cardiff City as they attempt to avoid the ignominy of the wooden spoon.

Old Twinkle Toes on Form, but Not Much Else Goes Right For Luckless Hobbits

By Allan Meikle

It was meant to be the night of nights when everything fell together for the luckless Hobbits, a full squad, no injuries and a demolition of the opposition.

It was with this conviction that the many Hobbit fans turned up last night to watch a spectacle indeed, the flags ready to be unfurled, the Champaign on ice everything set for the Night of Nights.

So what went wrong?

All season the Hobbits have had to make do with last minute make shift teams, often borrowing from others just to make up the numbers. Tonight was no different with several of the critical main characters for this performance simply not showing up, leaving it to the understudies. An array of non match fit and under skilled reserves all of whom fit the veteran category to fill in once again.

The result could be foreseen by any blind man attending this travesty!

It could have been oh so different if old twinkle toes had found his goal scoring form earlier! Paper Doyleys goal scoring form has never been in dispute, having been responsible for his brief spell with Barcelona at the start of the season, but even old twinkle toes himself has been critical of his goal scoring form of late, so it was with great delight that the Hobbit fans saw the return to form last night of the leagues star striker (earlier in the game would have been better, but its back for sure).

So what of the game? Well the end result was 8 -9. The hobbits had a spell of self destruction midway through the first half when the relentless and very on form Jiminies cut through the Hobbits like a knife through butter. Even the return of what some say is the best Goalkeeper Broome has, namely Golden Golding AND his “gloves’ could not stop the goals from piling up behind him. His back was noticeable aching from bending down so often and so quickly to pick the ball up out of the back of the net after this brief spell.

When the Hobbits finally pulled themselves together and kept position things did change and a miraculous comeback almost came to fruition.

It’s a hard one to call, as all the Hobbits played fairly well and at times the passing was sublime but the fact remains that critical player did not turn out again. Big Ben was sorely needed up front and Mr Watts skills in midfield and in front of goal would have changed the score line for sure.

Ah but it’s a funny old game is it not as they say. Tonight was far from being funny!!

Fishnet Dawie (it seems fishnet stockings and garter belts have been found in his locker) turned in another great performance and played better than last week, as happens each week as this “young” talent finds his feet and develops strong skills in defence. Macca again played well in defence and in goal; Golden Golding not only wore “the gloves” for a while but played a crucial part in the recovery scoring as well. “Young “Nifty the Shifty played well, agreed, but he needs to simplify his goal attempts. Back healed goals are all well and good but when the situation arises quantity is more important than quality.

Finally What of Misfit Meikle, well at least he managed a whole game without scoring an own goal , so a vast improvement there but late in the game he must have had enough of the torture as he limped off again feigning injury with an injured, nay suspected broken, toe supposedly suffered during a HARD tackle. Didn’t we hear the same story a few weeks ago!

A travesty of the game indeed that this is supposed to be the leagues “best player”!!! A warranted academy award performance perhaps, but not a lot of football there.

So it’s into the Finals next week. The long suffering fans will be hoping that finally the Hobbits can field a full strength team for once and see the machine in action as it was intended by God, snuffing out the opposition in a tidal wave of sublime skilled football!

“It is a dream I have.”

Broomedesliga Fixture Amendment

Fixtures have been amended for tomorrow night. Click image to see larger resolution: