Lane Cove West 0, West Pymble 3

Not a happy score 0-3. Australia lost that way to Uruguay four years ago in the second leg. Just as in our game theirs was 0-2 with not long to go. But amongst the differences between that game and ours was that Australia had a 1-0 lead from the first leg; and with a few minutes to go, at 1-2 overall, had a chance of the away goal and glory. There wasn’t much hint of glory around for us at Blackman this week.

Another difference was the crowd. In Montevideo, there were 900 police to guard the Australian supporters, who turned out to number 25. At Blackman, not counting injured stars on the sideline, Steve & Tim, there was just the one; and my Mum needs no guarding.

It was, in fact, an historic occasion. Not just Ernie’s birthday; also the 26^th anniversary of my Mum watching my very first game for Lane Cove West back in 1979. Exactly half a lifetime in my case, and it’s a bit scary to realise that I’m almost as old now as she was then.

And 1979 was also when the Pope began his reign (following, you may recall, the much shorter one of his predecessor. When he died, Jasper Carrott pointed out that Birmingham City were the only team ever to fail to win a game during the entire reign of a Pope).

All of this is not to talk about the game, which might be just as well. It was a disappointing start to the season, particularly after our unbeaten pre-season run.

Hot as hell, it was, and the unrelenting sun beat down on a squad not much changed from last year. Welcome to David Clarkson; welcome back (next week) to Tony; and farewell to Mark L & Warren.

Dave W was resplendent in a new strip. As a canny accountant he is no doubt amortising the cost over 10 years, so despite the fact that he clocks up two-thirds of a century later this year, we should expect him around for a good while yet.

The first half was fairly even. Dave B & Neil up front looked likely to trouble a static defence and man-of-the match Martin C (by a big margin: 33 points to 8!) seemed capable of dealing with what came through. But it was midfield where our opponents held sway, and we could not settle into the crisp passing of recent weeks.

Not long before half-time, a smart West Pymble move on the right led to a cross over Dave W that hung nicely at the far post for an easy header: 0-1.

In the second half we wilted in the heat. John & Mark S, who tied for second place in the MOTM, toiled valiantly, and no-one gave up, but the second goal – also following a move on the right – was no real surprise.

Only two chances for us in the second half. A good run and pass from Dave B put me in space but I tried to give it back to him rather than shooting. Then Dave had our best chance for 1-2, when set lose by a through ball and just the keeper to beat. But his shot went past the far post; and, as in Montevideo, the moment was gone.

The third goal soon followed. I called for a ball in midfield, then didn’t get control it when it came, and a few passes later it was 0-3. I went off in disgust, to be told by my Mum that maybe I should have shot when I had the chance: thanks, Mum!

Right at the end, Eric took a nasty blow on the head, which ended his day’s entertainment.

All in all, a day mainly memorable for being hot.

Our lack of goals is a bit of a worry, but we should celebrate the next one: it will be our first in the league since July 10!

Thanks to Brian & John for reffing the two games, and Tim for the beers, and Peter for putting the nets up.

MARK BRYANT