A Gloucester over 35s soccer team participated in the Tuncurry Football Club’s Golden Balls Six-A-Side Soccer tournament, run over the weekend of October 17 and18 in Tuncurry. The team, made up of eight over 35s players from the local twilight/futsal competitions (Jim Bird, Peter Hancock, Geoff Hawkins, Greg Leighton, Michael Lloyd, Mark Lukas, Darren Royce and Phillip Schulz) went through the four pool games undefeated without conceding a goal, finishing in first spot. The Gloucester Scorpions then won the major semi-final convincingly 4-0 and put up a strong performance in the grant final, only to be beaten by a very classy Lane Cove side 2-0 to finish runners up.
With no Gloucester teams participating in the Manning competitions currently, this was always going to be an interesting test for the “old men” of Gloucester soccer.
The first game matched us against the local Tuncurry side DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). With excellent team play and goals to Greg, Jim, Michael, Phil and an own goal the Scorpions were off to a flying start with a 5-0 victory.
Second up was Mayfield. In a fast, torrid and physical game Gloucester claimed a 1-0 victory. Brilliant midfield play by Daz, Jim and Geoff kept Mayfield at bay and secured the win. Unfortunately we were down to seven men from the start of this game when the two minute warm up was too much for half century birthday boy Phil, who collapsed in a heap and took no further part in the pool games.
Our old foes Pacific Palms were next up and how sweet the 1-0 victory was against a skillful, physical Palms team. With great combination up front between Mark, Michael and Greg and rock solid defense from Peter and Geoff the unpopular Palms side were frustrated and well beaten by a classy Gloucester performance.
Sunday morning bought on the fourth pool game against the Amcal Boca Seniors (last year’s runners up). The bodies were tiring with only one sub available but Gloucester played a superb game to again come away with a 1-0 victory. This game saw the goal of the tournament scored by Daz. A bicycle kick volley gave the keeper no chance and secured the Scorpions No 1 standing after the four pool games.
With injured ankles, knees, backs, heads etc Jim’s medical bag was running on empty by the time the boys fronted for the major semi. Phil somehow reappeared for the glory games and played in goal to give the weary team two subs. Gloucester’s good form continued and in a commanding performance they beat local team Zenith Surveying 4-0 to progress to the grand final.
Gloucester, as the local underdog against last year’s winners, were well supported in the Grand Final by the large crowd but could not quite match the skill and experience of the very well drilled Lane Cove side. The rigors of playing with only 1 sub through most of the tournament caught up but it was a spirited final game in which we had our chances. We conceded the only goals of the tournament in going down 2-0.
Congratulations to the eight players involved. Greg and Michael up front had all the defenses worried with their skill and pace. The midfield comprising Mark, Geoff, Daz and Jim were tireless, winning all the 50/50 balls, showing silky control and passing skills. Defenders Peter and ¼ Phil kept the opposition strikers quiet. All the players showed they can become goal keepers when required, with everyone having a half in goal and conceding no goals in five games.
Playing and winning games against over 35s teams from Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Mid North Coast was certainly a good experience and the theme of the weekend fun, frivolity and fair play was enjoyed by all the players.
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