Tournament Report

Well the tournament went ahead, but was quite different than any of us envisaged. We had in mind a friendly kick around in a neighbouring county, but experienced something quite different. (In fairness to the organisers I’m sure they hoped for something similar.)

Played without referees, this meant there was no control over players’ actions. Mixed Bag reached the final, where we played a team of teenagers we’d earlier defeated in the group stage. For the final a referee was requested by us, and provided, but he was so inexperienced as to be almost totally ineffective (at one point telling me if a player trips another player up,kicks him etc. it’s only a foul if he meant to do it!), and an ill-tempered affair ended with three of the five Mixed Bag players picking up injuries (but having to carry on regardless), and a clear penalty (and sending off) denied, along with countless other injustices and examples of dangerous play. We lost the game, so it sounds like sour grapes, but it really was quite a shocking experience – I for one have never played in a game with so much unpunished foul play. Added to this was a constant barrage of personal abuse from (again, teenage) supporters which went unchecked throughout. The restraint shown by Mixed Bag under such trying circumstances should be acknowledged here.

A day to forget, really, though that will be easier for me personally when I can walk without limping! Phil B

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In Group A the teams were:

Mixed Bag Allstars

Johnny’s FC

Boru’s Titans

Fabulicious – who didn’t show up so lost their matches 1-0 as per the rules.

Scores:

and in Group B the teams were:

Clare Corinthians

Absolute FC

United Men of Tulla

Ogonneloe Soccer Appreciation Society

Scores:

The first of the two semi finals saw familiar rivals Mixed Bag Allstars take on Absolute FC. Mixed Bag started strongly, and early on took a two goal lead. In response Absolute redoubled their efforts and deservedly got back on level terms, before taking a one goal lead. They held on to this as Mixed Bag searched for the equaliser, and just before the end as the boys in tangerine pressed forward Absolute scored again to book their place in the final.

The second semi final was a tight affair, seeing Tulla take on a youthful Johnny’s FC. Goalscoring chances were few, but one such chance was converted by Tulla and this looked enough to see them progress. Johnny’s didn’t give up however, and just before the end struck an equaliser. Consequently the game was decided in a penalty shootout, where Tulla’s experience saw them confidently progress to the final.

The final, then, saw a rematch of the Group B game between Absolute FC and The United Men of Tulla. The first game had been a somewhat heated affair, but both teams showed good discipline to make for a thrilling and sporting final. Played at a fast tempo Tulla took a crucial lead, only for Absolute to score, thus making for a thrilling finale. Tulla again took the lead in the second half, and weathered the storm well as Absolute searched for a way back in to the game. In the end it was not to be, and Tulla held on to be crowned champions.

Thanks go in abundance to our referees – Owen and Declan – for their expert performances on the day. The Red Cross also deserve our gratitude for the invaluable service they provided, attending to a couple of nasty knocks during the proceedings. Thanks also go to Scariff GAA Club for the kind use of their facilities for the day, for which they took no fee. Consequently every cent raised was donated to Samaritans to help them carry out their invaluable work.

Our refs

An enjoyable family social get together after a chilly match.

John the Hammer takes his team's defeat out on Andrew the Spurs man!

To mark the festive season we played a long game in chilly weather on the astroturf, followed by a meal and family social in a nearby pub. Thirteen hardy souls braved icy roads to play, and a fast paced game was enjoyed by all. Some past members of the club turned up, which made for a great re-union meet.