Sunday 15th July 2012, Central Park Malvern
Central Park 1 - RMIT 4
School Holidays prove a curse as depleted Rangers outfit get schooled.
Following a massive win over nemesis Bayside, the scene was set for an epic showdown against competition top dawgs RMIT. Central Park's form was timely and they were acutely aware of needing to be at their Sunday-thirds best to take down a smarting RMIT who were coming off their first loss of the year.
Such aura surrounding this game should've been enough to whet the appetite of all, and it seemed most unfair that this game of all games would be cruelly robbed of the hype it deserved - no fewer than half a dozen Central Park regulars succumbing to injury, illness, suspension, unavailability and the ever frequent 'whipped' tag.
Instead, a brave Rangers outfit attempted to do the impossible against a class outfit, and at times genuinely looked like pulling off the upset of the season.
Central Park's cause wasn't helped by the mid-week distraction of news that the good folk at the FFV were investigating this marvellous not-for-profit football club amid a swathe of claims ranging from embezzlement (thank god for our secret Lichtenstinian account), match fixing, insider trading, manslaughter and buggery, just to name a few of the more 'vanilla' accusations aimed their way. For the record they did manage to turn up a breach of player eligibility allegation, breaking the hearts of all involved. Quivers of "coal in the stockings again this year kids" could be heard, as it's been a costly season for the lads, though i'm told there'll be more than a slug of the old Remy Martin in the nog at this years FFV xmas party courtesy of Central Park. Swings & roundabouts.....
Back to the football though!
A good dozen finely tuned footballers hit their straps pre-match, the early bird enthusiasts given a solid display of tight passing drills, set plays and various militant plyometrics in a warm up the Luftwaffe would've been impressed with. Was this red and black army ready to rumble or what? Well yes, only that it wasn't of the red and black striped Central Park variety, but the slightly younger RMIT lads in their away strip that had all (including me!) confused.
With 11 on board (including a welcome cameo from John) and a battle hardened (and extremely generous) Paul Davies offering his services, Central Park started against the odds but with real vigour and willing to have a genuine crack under the circumstances.
One couldn't work out if it was horrendously windy or horrendously cold, certainly a bit of a both, as Central Park attempted to use the downhill advantage. Dave in his first match from a lengthy bout of bird flu quickly blew out the cobwebs, dominating at the back, whilst Colin pulled off countless last ditch sliding tackles on the last line against a very speedy opposition.
At the other end of the ground, Tim Charters stamped his Player of the Year intentions with a golden 90 minute performance, never wasting a possession in yet another bullish display combining superbly with those around him.
Rangers used the flanks regularly and to great effect and could very easily had opening goal bragging rights, Tim, George, Tom and Gaz going close early.
They're numero uno for a reason, and a counter attack ensued as the RMIT captain found himself in space, running at Tim in goals and safely disposing the ball into the roof of the net for an impressive opener.
Half time, and Central Park hoed into the oranges more than having held their own and very much in the game thanks to hard work off the ball from the likes of Stu and Tom.
However, it was RMIT who came out the fresher, some quality players coming off the bench causing headaches against a tiring Central Park trying to hold it together. Rod, splitting best on ground honours with Tim C, repelled wave after wave of attack and more often than not disposing of his opponent in the process of winning back possession for the Central Park midfield.
But he couldn't do it all, and it wasn't long before Central Park were again stretched allowing RMIT to stroll through a gaping hole and skipping round Tim for an unchallenged second. Poor Rod, bless him, was then unfortunate to encounter RMIT's token 'Arts' student who put in a NIDA worthy performance, treading the boards that is the penalty area. The penalty was comfortably converted as the RMIT Thespian pranced back to the balcony.
If he wasn't creating them for others, Tim C was ferreting out scoring opportunities for himself. Too fleet of foot for most, Tim bedazzled yet another RMIT kiddy half his age and was brought down in the area. He stepped up and helped himself to a much earned goal.
Central Park 1 - RMIT 4
School Holidays prove a curse as depleted Rangers outfit get schooled.
Following a massive win over nemesis Bayside, the scene was set for an epic showdown against competition top dawgs RMIT. Central Park's form was timely and they were acutely aware of needing to be at their Sunday-thirds best to take down a smarting RMIT who were coming off their first loss of the year.
Such aura surrounding this game should've been enough to whet the appetite of all, and it seemed most unfair that this game of all games would be cruelly robbed of the hype it deserved - no fewer than half a dozen Central Park regulars succumbing to injury, illness, suspension, unavailability and the ever frequent 'whipped' tag.
Instead, a brave Rangers outfit attempted to do the impossible against a class outfit, and at times genuinely looked like pulling off the upset of the season.
Central Park's cause wasn't helped by the mid-week distraction of news that the good folk at the FFV were investigating this marvellous not-for-profit football club amid a swathe of claims ranging from embezzlement (thank god for our secret Lichtenstinian account), match fixing, insider trading, manslaughter and buggery, just to name a few of the more 'vanilla' accusations aimed their way. For the record they did manage to turn up a breach of player eligibility allegation, breaking the hearts of all involved. Quivers of "coal in the stockings again this year kids" could be heard, as it's been a costly season for the lads, though i'm told there'll be more than a slug of the old Remy Martin in the nog at this years FFV xmas party courtesy of Central Park. Swings & roundabouts.....
Clearly it's not just the FFV's footballing supergrass with the lemon in his mouth.....
Back to the football though!
A good dozen finely tuned footballers hit their straps pre-match, the early bird enthusiasts given a solid display of tight passing drills, set plays and various militant plyometrics in a warm up the Luftwaffe would've been impressed with. Was this red and black army ready to rumble or what? Well yes, only that it wasn't of the red and black striped Central Park variety, but the slightly younger RMIT lads in their away strip that had all (including me!) confused.
With 11 on board (including a welcome cameo from John) and a battle hardened (and extremely generous) Paul Davies offering his services, Central Park started against the odds but with real vigour and willing to have a genuine crack under the circumstances.
One couldn't work out if it was horrendously windy or horrendously cold, certainly a bit of a both, as Central Park attempted to use the downhill advantage. Dave in his first match from a lengthy bout of bird flu quickly blew out the cobwebs, dominating at the back, whilst Colin pulled off countless last ditch sliding tackles on the last line against a very speedy opposition.
At the other end of the ground, Tim Charters stamped his Player of the Year intentions with a golden 90 minute performance, never wasting a possession in yet another bullish display combining superbly with those around him.
Rangers used the flanks regularly and to great effect and could very easily had opening goal bragging rights, Tim, George, Tom and Gaz going close early.
They're numero uno for a reason, and a counter attack ensued as the RMIT captain found himself in space, running at Tim in goals and safely disposing the ball into the roof of the net for an impressive opener.
Half time, and Central Park hoed into the oranges more than having held their own and very much in the game thanks to hard work off the ball from the likes of Stu and Tom.
However, it was RMIT who came out the fresher, some quality players coming off the bench causing headaches against a tiring Central Park trying to hold it together. Rod, splitting best on ground honours with Tim C, repelled wave after wave of attack and more often than not disposing of his opponent in the process of winning back possession for the Central Park midfield.
But he couldn't do it all, and it wasn't long before Central Park were again stretched allowing RMIT to stroll through a gaping hole and skipping round Tim for an unchallenged second. Poor Rod, bless him, was then unfortunate to encounter RMIT's token 'Arts' student who put in a NIDA worthy performance, treading the boards that is the penalty area. The penalty was comfortably converted as the RMIT Thespian pranced back to the balcony.
If he wasn't creating them for others, Tim C was ferreting out scoring opportunities for himself. Too fleet of foot for most, Tim bedazzled yet another RMIT kiddy half his age and was brought down in the area. He stepped up and helped himself to a much earned goal.
A fourth and final was added as an exhausted Central Park ran out an honest performance in readiness to get to their winning ways against lowly ranked Monash.
Best: Tim C
The Rest: Rod, John, Colin, Gaz, George
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