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
