Pipped by Parkdale

First Final: 17 August 2013 – and Season Review

Via Gump Media

The late change in venue was the result of the o/n winds
blowing the court surface off at Beaumaris.
According to Bayside secretary Jillian
 it all ended up on the vehicle next to the courts.
That indeed put a whole new meaning into the word "en te car"

Well, it’s simple.

We peaked too soon.

Against Parkdale, at Parkdale, last round of the season: we won.

Against Parkdale, in the wilds of East Bentleigh, elimination final: we lost.

So that’s it for Roosters, Winter Season 2013.

Once again we made finals, then couldn’t quite get the job done.

Reasons? We could say we were thrown by 11^th-hour change of venue; maybe we were too charitable, allowing Parkdale Pete to take the court 30 minutes after everyone else.

And, yes, it was cold and windy. But the Parkdale men coped with all of this.

Main lesson: Tuesday and Thursday-night form matter a lot less than producing the goods on a Saturday afternoon, especially in finals.

There WERE positives:

Nick was as solid as ever. Yuri (at last!) battled valiantly with him in his first final and helped won the important first match.

Stalwarts Neale amd Brian gave their all, despite lurgies, but couldn’t quite recapture the magic they’d displayed the previous week.

But thanks to all of them for their efforts in tricky conditions.

Thanks too for support from the Travelling Roosters Cheer Squad – Michael, Brian and Peter. Given the squally afternoon, this was a big effort. Much appreciated. Thanks too to Joan, resplendent in red beanie in Brian’s corner.

Would have been good to see some fellow Roosters there too… But so it goes.

Obviously a very unpopular Club Champion
between Fischer and the Greek.

Now, as will happen in a couple of weeks on Election Night, I must accept all responsibility (unlike James Hird) and hereby DECLARE THE ROOSTERS' CAPTAINCY OPEN.

Summer comp is looming. Time for a fresh start. Details to come soon.

Come on – we have to help get Nick that team pennant missing from the trophy cabinet.

A few last thoughts on the season:

We had wins against ALL other top teams. Including the Hurls.

Sadly, these victories didn’t come at quite the right time.

Compared to the last season, we were up against it from the start without Deano and the Golden Greeks. So finishing the season in third spot was a good effort.

Great to blood some new Roosters, Peter J and Paul R. Hang in there, guys. Please.

Big Bruce E also helped out a few times. Always good to have him on board.

Mark and Vic chipped in when parenthood permitted.

But we are still relying on too much from too few.

Thanks to all. Over and out. Forrest.

END OF SEASON GET TOGETHER TBA

TRAINING TO CONTINUE ON THURSDAY NIGHTS FROM 6PM

WE NEED A FEW MORE TO STEP UP FOR SUMMER SO SPREAD THE BIRD WORD LADS.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AT THE GSM. NON PENSIONERS NEED TO BE REPRESENTED 

OTHERWISE WE'RE ALL STUFFED (sic) (that's a rooster joke nils)