Old Boys report Oct 25th - by Sheero

BOB - 1 Tesoro - 3
In stark contrast to the Rover O30s, the Old Boys' form has taken a distinct dip after a bright start to the season.
We were familiar with Tesoro having been promoted from Div II with them last season. They're a typically strong and skillful Caribbean team, but appear to have added "annoying niggly b*stards" to their resume. Maybe it was payback for last season (we were the only team to beat them and snatched a 40-yard last minute equalizer in the 2nd game), but they seemed determined to literally leave their mark on every BOB player after the ball had gone - it almost reminded me of the way Astoria Gaels always played, just less obvious.
Anyway, we didn't prepare well before the game, started slowly and were deservedly 2 down in the opening 20 minutes. Possession given up way too cheaply, we were outstripped and outmuscled for both goals. But we recovered well and got our just reward when the ever-lively Jason was put through on goal - his shot went wide and I looked away in disappointment, but hadn't noticed Jeff following up who tucked it into the corner.
We had the better of the early 2nd half and I definitely felt we could get something out of the game, but we couldn't quite get the breakthrough. And then Tesoro put the game away with one of only 2 shots they produced in the half - their striker left alone in the box 8 yards out made no mistake. That took the wind out of our sails, until they turned up the heat with a disgraceful late tackle on Josh which must have been close to breaking his ankle. Quite how the referee didn't show a red card is mystifying, although he was probably distracted by the pushing and shoving which followed. The ref told me afterwards that if he'd shown red, he'd have to do the same for Bryan who apparently swung a fist - not quite sure I follow the logic.
So a disappointing result, but good to see us battle back after a bad start to the game.
And a warning to our other 2 O30s teams - when you play these guys, get your kicks in first.
BOB: Sheero, Bryan, Billy, Scooby, Dom, Macca, Bazza, Colin, Luxury, Jeff, Josh, Jason, Magnus