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

please note - only comments from valid email addresses can be published.

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

In attendance

John H, Mike, Phil B, Eamonn H, Aidan, Dave H

1. Matters arising from the previous AGM

The minutes from the 3rd AGM 5 May 2009 were agreed. There were no matters arising.

2. Chairperson’s report

An 8-a-side tournament is arranged for 29th May. 7 teams expressed interest so far. Games will be 18 minutes long with no half time.

Late starts are eating into playing time.

Suggested we enquire if we can play for extra ½ hour by starting at 7.30. Phil will ask Eddie.

No international trip arranged as yet. Suggestions were: Isle of Man or Morecambe. Or back to Spain.

Agreed we will continue to play at Scariff throughout the year due to lack of numbers expressing commitment to Tulla and extra cost.

3. Treasurer’s report and certification of accounts

The treasurer presented an excellent report.
Agreed that weekly subs would be paid before game on entry to arena.
Agreed to write off some of the monies owing.
We showed a small surplus for the last financial year.
Projected Surplus to September due to lower cost of pitch hire in summer.
Agreed to reduce annual subs due to this and because we no longer need to pay Tulla AFC membership.

4. Election of Committee

No change to this and so the following are elected:

1. Chairperson – Phil B
2. Vice Chairperson – Aidan
3. Secretary -Eamonn H
4. Treasurer – John H
5. Ordinary Members – Dave H, Shaun

John will look after kit and balls while Phil is away.

5. Subscription Rates

The following rates were agreed by consensus:

1. Annual Membership: will be €10 flat fee for all members.
2. Weekly Subscriptions: €5 (to be paid prior to play to avoid arrears)

Only new members need complete membership forms.

Jakko's miss out on three-in-a-row

The venue is the Scariff GAA all-weather pitch on Saturday 29 May 2010.

There will be two groups of four teams. Each team will play the other teams in their group in a league. Standard points allocation applies. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knock out stages (semi finals, final).

Registration of teams and payment in full must happen before start of play. Registration for Group A will begin at 10am; Group A matches will kick off at 10.30am. Registration for Group B will begin at 12pm; Group B matches will kick off at 12.30pm. Any team that delays the start of a game by 5 mins will concede that game 1-0.

Rules of Competition

1. Eight-a-side matches, eighteen minutes long in group stage, 25 minutes long in knockout stage, no half-time break. Max 2 subs allowed – roll-on, roll-off, player coming off must leave the pitch before the sub comes on. Subs allowed on/off as many times as they wish.
2. Ball allowed to be played in the air as in normal 11-a-side game.
3. Ball kicked out over fence – play restarted by opposing team with throw in where it left field.
4. Ball touches back of net – keeper’s ball.
5. Goalkeeper area marked on pitch.
6. All free kicks direct, opposition must be 5 yards away.
7. Goalkeeper touches ball with hand from back pass, or keeps ball in his hands for more than 6 seconds – penalty.
8. In league stages: if two teams are level on points, goal difference will count, then goals scored, then the head to head record. If still level then a penalty shoot out will be held.
9. Knock-out stages: if teams are level- penalty shoot-out; each team takes 5 penalties, then sudden death. A sub may take a penalty. No player can take a second penalty till all team mates have taken one
10. Play will not be stopped unless: injury to goalkeepers, serious injury to outfield player, or head injury. Otherwise play will continue at all times. The ball can bounce of the fence without play stopping. Attention should be received off the field of play.
11. There will be no added time, except for stoppages mentioned above.
12. Each team is expected to bring a set of matching shirts or bibs.
13. Each team or player is advised to be covered by insurance (individual or Group) as Mixed Bag United will not accept any liability for injuries or accidents that occur on the day, nor will it accept any liability for the personal belongings of players.
14. Each team should bring water bottles. The Red Cross will be present, but you might like to bring basic first aid supplies.

Disciplinary Rules

The referee’s decision is final. All the normal rules of soccer apply. In addition:

1. If a player receives one yellow card in a match, that caution will not be carried into the next match, and the player will be caution free for the next game.
2. If a player receives two yellow cards in the same match, he will be dismissed and will be ineligible for the next game.
3. If a player receives a straight red card he will be dismissed and ineligible for the next game.
4. If a player receives a straight red card for any of the following offences, he will be dismissed immediately and will be ineligible for the remainder of the tournament:
   • Violent Conduct
   • Serious foul-play
   • Spitting

A senior representative of the Ennis and Clare Samaritans will present the winning team with the Iniscealtra Community Shield.
Any queries contact Phil.
Best of luck in the tournament.

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.

Phil B

Despite a promising start in which we responded immediately with an equaliser after the Torry Tigers opened the scoring on 5 minutes, Mixed Bag trailed 4-1 at half time and had to dig deep for a rugged fight-back during the second 45 minutes in the gruelling heat. At 4-3 the game was very much in the balance, but when the Torry Tigers made it 5-3, it left us too much to do.

Mixed Bag left the field with our heads high and were consoled with unbeaten runs in both pool and table football challenges against our hosts at the very enjoyable post-match refreshments in a local bar.

[View with PicLens]

Pre-match training in Guardamar

So lads, two more Grande and a vino tinto – kickoff isn’t till Saturday morning.

…and of course the boys are talking tactics.

As it turned out a panel of 8 players have made the trip to Guardamar in the Costa Blanca, namely:

• Andrew
• Eamon H
• Gerry M
• John Joe
• Kalin
• Paraic
• Phil B
• Shaun