Round 7

Well, it actually felt like a win.

A few frantic calls in the hours before game time and it was clear that the Red Bears would be playing short-handed. Our lone female player would be Sam, meaning we would be a player short against our good friends, the Wombats.

A tight first half with plenty of scoring chances at both ends, and the Bears struck first with a classy goal to Lee. Whilst we were still a long way from full-time, the defence held and the 1-0 lead was maintained to half time.

Coming out in the second half the Bears continued to create chances but were unable to add to the lead. The Wombats were just as committed, and after some sustained pressure pulled back the equalizer with 5 minutes to go.

With plenty of the time on the clock the ball moved from end to end with plenty of close calls. In the end, time was called and the Bears had held on for an improbable 1-1 result. The excitement from the Bears was countered by the disbelief from the Wombats. Overall, a great result, and an encouraging sign of improvement for the final 3 rounds.




The Black Bears were coming off 2 impressive wins that saw them in outright second place. A win this week would put them as high as first place. The matchup with PESV would reacquaint us with the team who scored a solid 2-4 win in the opening round.

A positive start to the match with the Bears notching the first goal within the first few minutes. The PESV tactic of attacking from long range saw Macer peppered with plenty of shots but he was, as always, equal to the task.

Eventually the defence cracked, and first one, then a second goal slipped through to give PESV a 2-1 lead at the half.

The second half saw an increase in intensity (and niggle) from both sides. This wasn't helped by the WAG on the sideline adding to the banter. Lee's refrain that we were 'playing leek my gran mar' was spot on, with the Bears failing to capitalise on some chances and slipping off in defence. In the end, PESV slotted 2 more through to score a solid 4-1 win.

Post game, there was a sombre feel, but knowing that we haven't slipped too far from the lead (only 3 points) gives us opportunity to claim another finals chance in the coming weeks.

Round 5

Entering the round the Black Bears were in equal 2nd place with three other sides, and just 3 points ahead of last place. This game had the potential to be season-defining. The front-running Blessed Cheesemakers were undefeated to date, and would be a tough match for the out of form Bears.

The Cheesemakers started the game positively, stretching the Bears defence to slot in 2 quick goals. A reply from the Bears steadied the ship, before some tight defence and brilliant strikes resulted in a 3-3 halftime score.

At the break, Lee explained that we simply had to score first in the second half and the game would break open. I think that's what he said, but it sounded more like "uf wee git thu fist gool, thees poofs weel bend ova and skweel like an inglishmun". Inspirational stuff.

Within 30 seconds of the resumption, the BC's slotted in a goal. Sorry Lee.

Some back and forth and with 5 minutes to go and the scores locked at 5-5 the Curd Churners were awarded a penalty from the spot. With the weight of the game on his shoulders, the blue-booted milk maid's shot was saved (some say brilliantly, most say by accident). Would this inspire the honey-eating, picacnic-basket stealing, lost at Paddington Station, tweed jacket wearing, pantsless, furry mammals. You betcha!!!

Pushing the ball forward, the Bears surged ahead via Cliff's boot. With under 2 minutes remaining and the goat milkers peppering the goals, the Bears repelled the attacks and slotted in the decisive goal. Final score, 7-5 to the shaggy-haired carnivores. Time to celebrate.




The Red Bears were matched up the Northern Monkeys in a game that they needed to win to stay in reach of the finals. After a slow start the Monkeys created some chances to jump out to a 0-2 lead before the Bears struck back. Unfortunately the wave of Monkeys (there's a visual) continued to run rampant and the half-time score of 1-6 looked almost unattainable.

A quick team talk and the Bears emerged from the break with a new defensive structure to cover the mid-field, whilst keeping three forward to claw back the deficit. After some frenetic end to end movement the Bears nailed 2 quick goals to get back in the hunt. By this stage the weight of possession was turning and the Bears manufactured another 2 goals from the sidelines. 5-6 with about 3 minutes to play.

By this stage the Monkeys were rattled and took some desperate shots to close out the game. A mis-read in midfield led to a Bears equaliser with 90 seconds to play. Could the Bears pull off a miraculous comeback??

The answer of course is no. With less than a minute on the clock a clear strike flew by 2 defenders and the flailing goalie, pushing the Monkeys to the final score, 6-7.

Plenty of commitment and improved ball control were evident throughout the game. Perhaps there is hope after all

Round 3 - Red Bears first Win!!

The Red Bears improved to 1 win and 2 losses with a strong win over EMI FC by 3-1

After a tight first half where the score remained 0-0, the Bears came out strong in the second half to take the lead early and hold back the surging opposition

All of the Bears were impressive with David and Gav threatening often, and both Chiara and Feb in the thick of the action in front of goals. Kylie was at her persistant best, creating a number of turnovers, and Ges drew the first yellow card of the season with a gentle nudge of the keeper to remind him who was ahead on the scoreboard. Great effort all up.

Doc made some impressive saves late in the match, drawing inspiration from the great Peter Schmeichel to retain the lead



Unfortunately the Black Bears game was forfeited due to lack of available talent

No game next week due to the long weekend, but we return the following week with the Red Bears matching up against the bottom placed RyanRovers FC and the Blacks against NorfolkNChance.

Finals Bound!!!

Congrats to the lads on progressing to the finals despite a less than stellar final few weeks. The quick start held us in good stead as despite only 1 win from playing the bottom four sides, we playoff with Mullets for a chance to progress to the Grand Final

The less said of the game last night the better. Suffice to say, we need to recapture our early season form in the next 7 days if we are to have a chance.

The final mixed game was a tough one - on a cold night with no bench for the lads, it was fair workout. The experiment of moving Macer to the field and Josh in goals produced a 1-7 halftime deficit. The hook came out and the positions were switched in the second half, with a much more respectable outcome. Fed up with the lack of respect displayed by the opposition, Doc switched on his inner Hulk and walked the tightrope of agressive play, resulting a 4 goal surge in the second half - final score, a 5-12 loss.

Once again, thanks to Sam, Jen and Kylie for your efforts over the season. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Hopefully you can attract some additional talent so you'll have a better show next season. In the interim, we've been approached by a group of girls to play mixed in the upcoming season. Since they were kind enough to send us a group photo, we're considering the offer.

Back on track

Who needs a bench when you get an effort like that? Despite having the bare 5 Bears available, the lads fired up for the clash with MennerNMen, led by the crafty Giancarlo. This side has always troubled the Bears, and after 2 poor efforts in recent weeks, a win was required to stay in the top 4.

Sticking to a plan to control the ball and frustrate the opposition, the Bears created some opportunities and took advantage with early goals. A mix up at the back led to a soft reply from the 'Men, but it was the Bears who ultimately prevailed with an emphatic 5-1 victory. Everyone got on the score sheet, including Spud with a cracker from the left side that spared us all from the possibility of a nudie run.

The effort was fantastic, but unfortunately left the lads flat for the second game. Despite the best efforts of the girls, we were out-hustled and left Macer with too many 2 on 1 situations. The score could have been a lot worse and was kept in check by the athletic custodian.

Next week is the final week before the finals with the lads squaring up against Million Dollar Babies at 6:30pm, who held us to a 3-3 draw in round 4, and the mixed side completes the season against WhiteLightning at 7:00pm

To inspire us to greatness, enjoy the clip - "No pain.....no pain"

"It Beggar's Belief....."

So said Billy post-game in response to the refereeing display that prevented the Bears getting away with a lucky draw. To be fair, the Wombats played well and deserved the win, though it remains a mystery how half-time can be called with a clear 2 on 1 raid in progress at the goal. A strong start to the second half with a long range goal from Boony gave the lads a sniff, but the enthusiasm of the Wombats was the difference. Playing without a sub they kept the Bears on the run and held on grimly for only their second win in 2 seasons. In the end a disappointing 3-4 loss has the Bears in danger of dropping down the table from the current 3rd position. Next week, the re-match with Giancarlo and MennerNMen could be decisive.

Whilst outmatched, the Red Bears retained their enthusiasm against the league leading JugglingJuggernauts, with Kylie her energetic self and Jen getting into the thick of the action. As in the previous game, the lads were flat and were out-run and out-skilled by their counterparts. The 2-10 scoreline could have been a lot worse if not for the brilliance of Macer in goal.

Notable mention to Gav who had the presence of mind to drag Doc off the field before the Big Fella completely lost it. An artists impression of what was going through Doc's mind:

Next week, a chance for redemption with the Black Bears at 6:30pm and Red Bears at 7:00pm

Pre End of Season Trip

The Black Bears will be making their final pilgrimage to Cypress Lakes under the family rate on the weekend of the 9th to 11th May. With the grand final scheduled for the Monday following, this trip could make or break the chances of the side - or alternatively, turn out to be an end of season trip after all.

Boony has set up luxury accomodations with golf on Saturday and shenanigans planned for the evenings. Ganga Gav will be supplying the tunes and has been training for his burlesque show, live from the top floor bathroom.








RSVP to boony ASAP to book your spot