Record start for holders
If there were any thoughts that the newly-dubbed CrownEroon would show any complacency after a hat-trick of titles, those were quickly washed away in week 1 of our 2017 season, as FC Snorkel will attest to.
A massive 20-0 victory – our highest ever score – and a top performance from the whole team, left many observers hoping the ref would stop the fight as Snorkel were taking too much punishment. Great speed, passing and deadly finishing paved the way for another successful defence of their crown but tougher opposition lay ahead (Snorkel were not at full strength).
The other three games were more competitive, with Scouting for Goals and Jimmy Sevilla fighting out a very competitive match, Jimmy finally winning 3-2 with goals from Luke Whittaker (2) and Tom Atyeo. Scouting started strongly with the ever-dangerous Geraint Dyment providing the goals as usual, and John Morgan pulled off some very good saves in goal.
Game 2 saw new team, the Young Arabs, overcome perennial underachievers, The Vaders, 6-2. Their team work, youthfulness and excellent finishing from Kai Steadman, Shaun Mizen and Matthew Rodgers left The Vaders chasing shadows for the most part. The Young Arabs will probably get better over the coming weeks, too, as they grow use to the astro and the speed of the game, and with Keane Watts looking to play outfield they should be even tougher to beat. The Vaders need to get organised quickly and put their abilities to better use or they face another disappointing tournament.
Consistent strong starters, Park Arabs, kicked off their season with a 6-3 victory over Honey Badger FC, with key man Lewis Kingdon once again at the heart of their play, grabbing 4 goals. Rhodri Thomas kept them at bay for as much as he could in goal for the Badgers, and Rhys Dyke had an impressive MFL debut, bagging a hat-trick. The Badgers were also under strength and will look to their game next week vs The Vaders to pick up their first points. Park Arabs have an early crunch match vs CrownEroon in week 2 and will need to perform even better to get a result there.
Next week looks like a really competitive week, with all 4 games being tightly matched on paper. Let’s hope it turns out a good one! Thanks to everyone for the support and a great start to the season.