Round 9 vs Dingley
by Dusty
Our brave Over 50s hosted Dingley at our home ground, on a bright, sunny day perfect for football except for a strong breeze favouring one end. The setting was ideal for Matty D’s 100th game. He is everything a Warrior should be – fearless, strong, dashing, potent in the boudoir and a man who has given so much to the club off the field in his quiet, unassuming manner.
In the pre-game Damo spoke of how it was a privilege to play with Matty and there was not a man, woman, dog or rodent in the room who did not wholeheartedly agree. The mood in the rooms was a mixture of emotional sentimentality and determination, we were all hellbent on doing our best for Matt. He might say it was the bright sunshine, or the strong wind but I think we all saw the mistiness in his eyes as he burst through the banner. Elevated to captain for the day, Matty lost the toss and we found ourselves forced to defend a Dingley side intent on using the breeze to their advantage.
The Dingley side, a comparatively youthful looking outfit confusingly clad in a mixture of red jumpers and white jumpers due to an unforeseen clash, attacked relentlessly in the first quarter. The desperation shown by our defensive unit was heroic to say the least. The pressure applied by AJ, Pas, Paul and Munga resulted in Dingley missing quite a few shots and with Matty showing his customary dash across half back we were right in the contest at the end of the first quarter. After some very clear and precise instructions from Coach Kayno during the break we knew that we had to make the most of our opportunities with the wind. Martin and Lou were the targets, and the idea was to flood in behind a deep entry in order to overwhelm the Dingley defence. This was effective, goals to Bruiser and Lou put the pressure on Dingley. A great mark at centre half forward by Speedie and neat disposal led to another score. The Dingley side reacted with some unnecessary physicality, which went unpunished by the umpires. We missed a few chances, but at half time we were only down by a handful of points.
If we were to win, we would have to restrict Dingley’s ability to score as they kicked with the wind in the third quarter. In a coaching master stroke Kayno shifted Marko into defence and also threw Lou back as a spare. Marko looked bewildered for the first few minutes but then settled into the role like a duck to water. (As long as the duck was 60 years old, had had open heart surgery and had a liking for expensive red wine.) His pressure and tackling was fantastic, and may well see him become a fixture in the Warriors back six in future. Goldy was inspired, taking on three Dingley players by himself and winning the contest. But despite these moments of brilliance, the younger legs of Dingley began to show, they were able to run the ball more effectively and used the ball well. Despite Carbo’s dominance in ruck contests and the individual brilliance of Frankie in the middle we went into the final change needing something of a miracle.
Kayno spun the magnets, Matty went forward, Dusty went forward. Then Big Al ran into Dusty as he went forward and Dusty went sideways. Scotty went into the middle, Speedy went onto the wing, Ari went to the shops. We tried everything but just couldn’t extract the kind of hail mary victory we so desperately wanted for Matty. Smiling through the disappointment he was chaired off to a rousing reception, well deserved and unreservedly given.
Sportsbet were paying two million (and a lifetime supply of cocaine apparently) for the following multi:
- Kenny to have 20+ bounces
- The banner to break before Matty ran through it
- Col to be sent off
- Consistent, coherent and accurate umpiring throughout the game.
I got everything except the last leg. And I’m still waiting for the inducements from responsible gambling companies after mortgaging my house without my wife knowing and stealing from my children’s Mighty Mites accounts.
Ace
Dusty
