Mosquito
Joined: 18 Feb 2005
Posts: 15
Location: the cricket club or some other drinking den
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| Posted: Tue 01.3.05 12:39 Post subject: Hindu College OB 1 Colombo Lions 3 |
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THE PRIDE OF LIONS
INSPIRED LIONS CRUISE TO VICTORY
HINDU COLLEGE OB 1 COLOMBO LIONS 3
(McManus 2, Bingham)
Saturday February 26 2005, Hindu College, Layards Road, Colombo
Colombo Lions roared back from a string of disappointing defeats to register an emphatic win against the Hindu College Old Boys on Saturday, with probably their best performance of the season - fluent passing, fluid movement, firm defending, flashes of creativity and fine teamwork.
Two early goals from Paul "Mucky" McManus enabled the Lions to stamp their authority on the first half. The first was a sweetly struck drive from distance off the outside of the boot and over the wall, the second a coolly taken penalty converted at the second attempt after a rebound off the goalkeeper. 2-0 to the Lions. But, just before half-time, Hindu College replied with a lovely curling, dipping free kick that left wall and keeper stranded. Half-time. 2-1. Jitters. So often the Lions have got themselves into a dominant position only to let the match slip away as energy levels fall and fatigue sets in.
Not this time. Midway through the half, McManus drove the ball fiercely across the goal mouth for Martyn Bingham to tap it in. That's 3 goals in 3 games for the magic toe. The Lions dug in. Spirited defending by Donald Spivey, Kevin Pullen and Nick Degg and exciting counter attacking led to a penalty appeal controversially denied and a fourth goal disallowed after it became clear that Matthew Lister had sprinted 10 yards to shoulder-charge the keeper into the net. Hindu College's best effort was another direct free kick. This one dipped over the bar.
As the light began to fade, so too Hindu College's chances of getting back into the match, and, as the final whistle went, the Lions' faithful fans celebrated a long-awaited win with the words of Henry V on the eve of Agincourt - "Gentlemen in England now abed shall curse themselves they were not here and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speak that played with us upon the Layard's pitch." In the end a comfortable, classy victory to restore the Lions' pride.
Next up at the Lions' Den, Sangar's XI. With the Lions Rampant, any bets on the score?
TEAM: Seaman (GK), Karsten, Kevin, Matthew, Previne, Steve (C), Tony, Marlon, Kiran, Mick, Paul
SUBS USED : Donald, Amal, Nick, Martyn
CAPTAIN'S MAN OF THE MATCH: Kiran
Dave "Mosquito Man" B. |
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