All posts by bestlookingnanna

2018_06_16 Match Report

CB, DC(1), JH ((2)MOM), RH ((1)MOM), TK(G), TW ((1)MOM), AW

Having more than one MOM really is a race to get the report done or one is just repeating everything that’s already been said. What more can I do now that the wordsmith Jim Hannan has come before me? It’s not like I get paid to write anything.

As Jim say, it was a well fought game against a worthy adversary. The most class of Nanna’s on this night. Passing was tight and right. The ball was hitting the back of the net at both ends and few unworthy ones of theirs were getting through (except for their equaliser that was my fault 😱).

Match Report 2018_04_19

4-6 Loss Vs Perspolise
DC (2), JH (1), RH, Principal, TH (G), TW (1(MOM))

Against a mighty good and, may I say, gracious team the Nanna’s were outclassed but managed to hold our own and save face a lot better than our first meeting with these semi pros.

Some extremely tasty passing by the Nanna’s helped us slot away 4 goals to keep us within a snifter distance of victory but alas it was not to be that kind of a glorious night.

Not that we should hang our heads in shame. No not at all. The top team are a team worthy of being beaten by.

Post game the captain took my daughter in his car and, as if he knew I was going to get there before him, and though he knew there was a rock star park out the front of the decided upon venue for eating and drinking, he sent me to the wrong venue to keep that rock star park all to himself. Well played captain, well played.

There was nothing going to dampen our spirits on this night of nights with the news we had all been waiting for was upon us. Jim was finally leaving the Nanna’s…. for good. Alas this was not to be. Instead we were greeted with even better news. Another Nanna will be brought into the fold. A new little Hannan will be coming into the world. Hooray for Jim……… and Christiana I suppose. Love and Kisses brother.

Match Report 20180301

5-8 Loss Vs Bens Babes
TK (G), DC, JH (3), TH, RH (C), TW (2(MOM)), AW (AC)

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, for yelling at my fellow Nanna’s and at the ref (though I think I only did that the week before and not so much on this night)

It was a well fought game against a pretty good side. They did start to tire near the end but then again so did we. Their shots on goals were mostly good but it could’ve been a bit of a tighter game if not for some less than tidy defence on our behalf. We know we can be good in defence but when we’re not we really pay for it.

The captain said to me post game he thinks we could beat them. This may be a little optimistic but you never now. Probably on our best day we could when we all work together, run together and don’t leave each other hanging. We need to look for and use each other when we can. Holding onto the ball for too long tends to have the one outcome, giving the ball to the opposition (and yes I am guilty of that).

So in our next game let’s try and be nicer to each other, encouraging rather than angry. Let’s get faster passes, especially from any free shots. Don’t wait for the ball to be brought to you, run in grab it and get the shot out there before the opposition have time to regroup. Our best shot is to get the ball up our end while the other teams are runnings back. Fast turnarounds is what we need. And running down the opposite side when someone has a run on the ball. There should always be back up. The ball may be passed to you or you might find yourself with a rebound to take advantage of.

Let’s climb that ladder of glory Nanna’s.

MATCH REPORT 2017_10_12

Vs  Dynamo Tehran

4-3 Win

TK, RH (1), CG (G), CB (1), AW (1(MOM)), TW (1(MOM))

What a game to return to. After trekking the jungles of Sumatra and Malaysia in search of volcanos, baby elephants and orang-utans , whilst fighting off gangrene, ross river fever, etc, it was amazing to come back to the open arms of the Nanna’s and play an awesome game against one of longest lasting adversaries.

The game started off a little shaky even though we got the first goal. By half time we were a goal down.

After a little pep talk from the captain, and of course from the goalie, we came out with a little extra in the tank and managed to find the back of the net 3 more times whilst holding our opposition back enough only allowing them one more goal in the second half.

Big win for the Nanna’s and a great first game back after 5 weeks.

Then, after only 2 days back in the country there I am preparing to go away for some serious BBP with the brethren. What a week, what a weekend. Still glad I didn’t go for a swim in the middle of the night.

Match Report 20170601

5-11? Loss Vs Bayer Neverlosin

TK (G), DC (1?), JH, TH (C), AW, GM (1), TW (2?(MOM))

deep-dive-knee-torn-mcl

It was a triumphant return after the longest of long times away from my Nanna brethren. Every Thursday for over 3 months I wept knowing that my brown brothers were out there on the frontline fighting the good fight. Winning some and losing others but always putting up by turning up. And me sinking into a couch, tears pouring down my face as I nursed my knee back to health. Mattered not how many hookers nor how much blow I blew, it couldn’t put the kind of smile on my face like the Nanna’s can.

Putting all that misery aside Thursday the 1st of June was my return into the fold. Extremely nervous I entered the arena, legs shaking every so slightly and tasting the smallest amount of sick at the back of my throat. I started out as first sub to allow the adrenaline to build. Finally my 2 minutes were up and I called out for a sub. Hesitantly I ran out and very quickly got into the swing of things. Managing a few passes and the odd dribble here and there. Running hard but holding back ever so slightly as the fear of hearing that pop in my knee again filled me with dread. Fortunately we were playing a very good team that didn’t feel the need to slam into us or push us over. They felt very comfortable running rings around us and kicking goals, many goals.

The final buzzer went and I left the court unscathed. No horrendous cracking noises from my freshly recovered knee. With that I hope to return next week with a little more confidence and gusto.

Thank you for welcoming me back Nanna’s. Peace and Love.

P.s. I might be a bit more vocal this week :-0

Match Report 2016_05_26

2-7 Loss Vs Jalapeno Chinos

CB, RH (1), JH, DC, TK (G), TH, TW (1(MOM))

We lost, respectfully, to a team of skilful and fit young men who were prepared to sprint constantly for the full thirty six minutes. The only thing they lacked was more than a decade and a half of shit-talking, planning, meeting, beach boxing and many other bonding activities too numerous to mention. And that is why I have it on good authority that not only did…….. ok ok it was a very similar game to two weeks ago though I have to say I think we played a little better this time.

The first half there was classic Nanna’s running after the ball and running after  their man. How often do we see this?? Often I tell you. The second half had us regroup and saw us turn and run with our man. This kept the goals down in the second half and we played with pride.

I walked away from that game feeling pretty good. Feeling like we had done our best and were beat by a much better team. You can’t ask for more than that. It wasn’t until a few days later, and I am kind of wishing I got this report out much sooner, but it wasn’t until a few days later that some devastating news hit The Flurry. One of our long serving members was considering leaving The Nanna’s due to the abuse he felt he received on the court. I was very relieved to find out that on this particular occasion it was not I that flung the shit. I realise this is somewhat surprising and possibly those that were the flingers this time around only served to be the straw that broke the camels back.

However you want to look at it there there were some truths that came from the very sad and near resignation of one of our beloved brothers. He is correct in stating that there does need to be some attitude adjustments and I would be the first to admit that I am one of those that need adjusting. I have been doing my best over the last few weeks and will be continuing to try and curb my tongue on the court.

I do feel there can be room for some constructive criticism but we just need to find a better and more timely way of delivering that.

Hopefully we will see Jim back on the court before too long where he belongs. High and mighty. Or is it mighty high? The love does generally come out at the post game drinks, where we see to little of Jim these days, so we have to make sure there is enough love exuded on the court so we can all bask in the warmness of each other.

I suggest to get us in the mood that we should start each half with a big group hug. And maybe one at the end of the game as well to hug out any negative feelings.

Love and peace to all Nanna’s wherever you may be.

Match Report 20150514

2-3 Loss Vs Legz Akimbo

CG (G), TH, RH, JH (1(MOM)), TW (1(MOM))

Where to begin……….. Jim had very sad news but we wish him and his family well with all the love the Nanna’s can give. Sorry we couldn’t bring it home for you on this night Jim.

Korean made us happier. Liquid nitrogen ice-cream put a smile on our faces and a few rounds of pool helped finish of the night.

Gilla wasn’t happy till he got his milkshake.

Match Report 20150319

1-5 Loss Vs Rainmen FC

RH (1), CG(G), DC, AW, TW(MOM)

This was he one we need to win hopefully with ease. Not having played these guys myself I wasn’t sure what to expect. The Nanna’s did, however, beat them convincingly in our last encounter but as we know all to well that does not mean a win the second time around.

It appears they had some extra players with extra foot work. From the outset they were running everything down. They played a frantic game that sucked us into their own style that put us off. Their defence was effective and ours was lacking. To often watching the ball and not running back with our men. Leaving Gilla open.

Some great saves, and one extremely lucky save kept their scoring down.

Gill went for the screamer, as we know he loves to do, and took out one of their players but as a result that player came down hard on Gilla’s finger and fully dislocated it. On seeing this I wanted to spew just a little. It was right out and on a strange angle. Gilla was calling for help, “Pull it out, someone pull it out”. On this grabbed his finger and tried to pull as best I could but both our hands being as sweaty as they were allowed for no grip. The ref had to step in and have a tug. POP was the sound we could here and a look of relief came over Gilla’s face.

Gilla then went off for the rest of that half, not that there was much left of it. Amazingly, and deserving of the MOM in my opinion, he came back out for the second half, with a bag of ice in damaged hand, and played on for the rest of the game and again taking out another one of their players.

Captain got the only goal with a lovely flick of the ball from a lovely corner pass from the Coach.

The second half was better for us but in the end we had to take some chances if we were going to have a chance and we were punished for it.

This team have now jumped up a couple of places to 4th on the ladder and we are equal with them on points but they have left us in 5th place on percentage. We have some work ahead of us gentleman if we are going to make the finals.

  • We have to learn to play our game and not our opponents.
  • Keep a strong defence. Follow your man not the ball.
  • Make the most of throw ins and free kicks by not taking too long on the passes.
  • There should always be a Nanna following the ball into goals hoping for the pass across or at least there to pick up the spoils should there be a fumble.
  • Not be afraid of the short passes and passing backwards. We don’t have to go forwards all the time. Often this is when we lose the ball.

Match Report 260215

3-14 Loss Vs Jelapino Chino’s

DC 2 (MOM), RH (MOM), JH, GA, TW (MOM)

It was a night to hang ones head in shame. 4 on 4 was the call. Basically this should make it still and even game. We were missing a dedicated goalie, not trying to blame anybody….. but, and we were pretty flustered by the lack of the 5th player.

Unfortunately for us this fact didn’t seem to bother our opponents in the slightest. The flew around us with ease and slammed goals in at will.

To help with the chaos our opponents had a ring-in for a bit and we got Phil. Then Guido turned up for the last 10 minutes of the game, after being stuck in traffic, their ring-in left and Phil then played for the other team.

Who’s on whose team?? Who’s in goals?? Are my legs still moving?? Ouch there goes another ball past me!!

3 way MOM a good refection of how hard it was to vote for anyone.

Match Report 20140731

CG (G), TW, JH, TH, HC (MOM)

5-0 loss Vs ??

When I was a young boy I wanted to be many important things, a policeman, a doctor or a science fiction cartoon writer. But over all else, I wanted to be brown and proud. 

The game was a great effort against the odds, with no subs and a fresh recruit, The Nanna’s put up a fight that regrettably, wasn’t converted on the scoreboard. 

In the first half plays were set up deep out of defense with Gil consistently making risky saves and creating quick attacking plays. There were a few close shots including a near miraculous header from Tom, and a goal throw from Gil that went the length of the field and hit the back of the net, but was disallowed because the ball had not been touched (although with the size of that goalie standing in the way, I couldn’t guess how it wasn’t)

Come second half the lack of legs and fresh team-lineup started to get to us and the lead slowly crawled out to the final score of 5-0 although, Tao made some tremendous plays down the corridor and Jim was able to continuously push between attack and defense in an attempt to support the young ill-prepared defender whilst providing an attacking force.

Although the scoreboard reflected a loss, the game was a great win for the inevitable amalgamation of the Veteran Nanna’s with their second up and coming generation. 

I look forward to learning the ropes, and earning a stripe or two in future Nanna’s Matches

Reboot (Harry)

Match Report 20140515 (PART 2)

4-2 Win Vs Glorious Leaders

RH (1), DC, TH (G), CB, JH (1(MOM)), TW (2(MOM))

There was some trepidation on arrival that we might be up for a big game against the top of the ladder. As it turned out this was somewhat unfounded and they were not in fact the top of the table team and it would seem the Captian was hanging from his IronMan Gravity 4000 Inversion Table while checking the leaderboard.

While this team were in fact the bottom of the ladder it took us a little while to realise that they were not going to pose a huge threat and therefore we held back for a while allowing the opposition some time to build there confidence. Had we known they were shit I’m sure we would have gone out there with more confidence and agility.

That was the first half and we were ahead by a a few goals to nil, should have been more. The second half things were a bit more energetic especially as our opponents made a bit of a comeback. That got a bit of a spring in everyones step except for Cocky who got yet another kick in the foot. Seems that foot has been targeted for a while now. Do you think the other teams are doing some background research on us? Possibly reading our blog or infiltrated the forum? Decided they had to take out our striker?

In the end we managed to keep them at bay. Allowing them only 2 goals but we really should have used the opportunity to increase our percentage.

Every game should be played as though the team we are playing is the bottom of the table and go out hard for the flu 36 minutes.

Match Report 2014.05.08

CG (G), DC (1), RH (1), TH, AW, TW (MOM(1)), GF

I should have written this earlier It’s tot late my eye lids are closing and all I see is just lots of black. But who am I to complain as that’s nothing compared to the blackness Gilla experienced while trying to hold back the last goal of the match. Diving forward to keep his attacker at bay his head collided with his opponents knee. Before anyone knew what had happened Gilla was just lying there somewhat concussed. Laying flat not the ground just inside the D, we were flabbergasted. This had never happened before in the history of the Nanna’s. A broken bone here or there sure (or for some a bruised bone, huh whatever). This was taking it the a new level of commitment. Trying to take your opponent out with your head was truly showing your brown colours.

Besides this the game was a little disappointing. Our opponents weren’t bad but we should’ve had them. It could have been ours but we just didn’t want it nearly as much as Gilla wanted to save that last goal. And if he had it would have been a draw but let’s not dwell on that.

On a happier note Jim finally officially turned 40 and received his Nanna present. I guess this means he is now truly a full blooded Nanna. Just don’t let him know. The party was great. Great food, grey company and great inter-Nanna games of soccer. All got very messy new the end as it so often does. The only thing missing was a bit of a wrestle from Dan and Chas. But that was looking unlikely with the pair jerking each other off talking about how great the other is on the court. The mutual admiration was kind of cute at first but then became quite sickening after about an hour.

None the less another successfully executed 40th Nanna’s.

Match Report 20140501

3-5 Loss Vs The Bulls

CB (1), DC (1), RH, TK (G), AW, TW (1(MOM))

 

It was a night against our old foes from the days of the pits. The old Bulls. Though there seems to be only one old bull that I recognise still playing on the team and that would be the old ref.

We did play them only 2 weeks ago and my calf had only just repaired from their crazy goalie kicking the crap out of it. But this was the first official game against them and, for that matter, the first official game inout new league back with APISC but still northside. Better court, better lighting, better organisation and just a better vibe all round.

We played a very good game. Our defence was pretty good and we managed to get in the goalies face a bit and got a few past him. He wasn’t cracking as many gags as in our warm up match. The seriousness of this match had dawned on him and he saw us as a real threat.

Though anytime we looked a little threatening they seemed more than capable of cutting through and giving themselves a coupe of goals breather.

A little tighter in the back and some assistance up front and they are team we might just pip to the post.

I was unable to go on the cook as I raced of to meet up with a bucks dinner and then drinks, and more drinks and then a little mens gallery before getting home around 5.30 the next morning. Why don’t more friends get married??

 

Match Report 20130306

Dave, RH, DC, TW, AW, Arnaud (MOM)

vs Men in Black (again due to yet another forfeit)

Mauvais timing


« L’heure, c’est l’heure ; avant l’heure c’est pas l’heure, aprĂšs l’heure  c’est plus l’heure » aurait dit Jules Jouy aprĂšs cette deuxiĂšme dĂ©faite consĂ©cutive enregistrĂ©e par les Nanas.

 

J’avais l’honneur de me joindre  Ă  vous pour la seconde fois, et j’espĂ©rais que cette fois ci aboutirai sur une victoire. Il Ă©tait 20h30 ;, nous nous Ă©tions Ă©chauffĂ©s Ă  bloque sur le parking pendant 20 bonnes minutes, nous menions par 4 ou 5 buts d’avance, le ballon circulait bien et tout le monde y Ă©tait allĂ© de son petit but. Comment imaginer alors que cette soirĂ©e se soit terminĂ©e par une dĂ©faite ??!

 

Des explications s’imposent : dans un premier temps on nous a avertis que nos adversaires initialement prĂ©vus s’étaient lĂąchement dĂ©filĂ©s et que par consĂ©quent nous n’avions  personne pour se mesurer Ă  nous. Ensuite, on nous a fait savoir que si on attendait une demi heure on pourrait probablement rencontrer les mĂȘmes adversaires que la semaine prĂ©cĂ©dente (cf. l’équipe du jeune petit gros qui se crĂ©er des espaces avec ses coudes
). Nous Ă©tions prĂȘts Ă  en dĂ©coudre lorsque quelques joueurs venant de terminer leur rencontre ont proposĂ© un match amical en attendant les autres. On a tout donnĂ© et on les a littĂ©ralement massacrĂ©s. Grave erreur car lorsqu’il a fallu faire la seconde rencontre, on avait plus assez d’énergie pour se venger de l’affront subit la semaine prĂ©cĂ©dente ! RĂ©sultat, on a ratĂ© pas mal d’occasions et on a pris des buts un peu idiots. Avec un timing diffĂ©rent, il est certain que le petit gros aurait eu des raisons valables pour exprimer son mĂ©contentement comme il l’a fait pendant tout le match ; ce qui ne nous a pas empĂȘchĂ©s de lui serrer la main tout en le gratifiant d’un « good game » ! Merci pour l’accueil les amis !

 

And for those that don’t read French here is a google translation:

bad timing
“The hour is the hour before the time is not time after time it’s time” would have said Jules Jouy after second straight loss recorded by Nanas.

I had the honor to join you for the second time , and I hoped that this time aboutirai a victory . It was 20:30 , we were warmed to block the parking lot for a good 20 minutes , we were leading by 4 or 5 goals ahead , the ball was traveling well and everyone went there for his little purpose . How then imagine that this evening had ended in defeat ? !

Explanations are needed : first time we were aware that our opponents had originally planned parades loose and therefore we had no one to compete with us. Then we were informed that if we waited half an hour we could probably meet the same opponents the previous week (see the little fat young team that create space with his elbows … ) . We were ready to fight when some players just finished their meeting proposed a friendly match waiting for the others . We gave everything and were literally massacred. Serious error because when it came to the second meeting , we had enough energy to avenge the affront suffered the previous week ! Result , we missed a lot of opportunities and we took a little silly goals . With different timing, it is certain that the little fat would have been valid reasons to express his displeasure as he did throughout the game , which does not stop us to shake his hand while the rewarding of a ” good game “! Thank you for the welcome friends !

MATCH REPORT 2013_09_26

GF(1), CG, RH(3(MOM)), AW, TW(4(MOM), JH(1)

Win 9-3 Vs One Hit Wonders
Nanna’s gone mad!! What a night, what a win!!
Started off with a bunch of old dudes looking like they’d be lucky to crawl onto the court. Yep I do mean us. The ref and I had a bit of a pre game chat, as he likes to do. He asked me why I was mouthing off at the guy 2 games ago (Not being there last week he held onto this question for quite some time). I explained the situation and he took it well. Then had his little whinge about how some of the other teams are mean to him and write emails to the bosses about him during the week. Not very nice. He then pointed to this particular team we were to play on this night and said, with a little frown on his forehead and possibly a little tear in his eye, he said they were the biggest offenders of the before mentioned emails.
Not that I think he was particularly favourable to us but the ref certainly wasn’t doing the opposition any favours. Neither were they doing themselves any. They fell apart at every attempt to move forward and our defence was strong. the strongest I have seen in the long time. While most games require the mega saves from Gilla just to help us not lose by so much, on this particular night I think we saved Gilla’s hip from the pounding it has been receiving recently. Not to say there weren’t still some great saves on the night.
Some other commendations must go out to Andy for some tight defence, Rhian for some great goals, Ghee for his lovely little dance around the goalie to put one in himself and lastly Jim for the take that and shove it up you rectum cause I just rubbed your face in it with one last goal of the head into the back of the net. And that couldn’t of happened without the strong arm long throw specialist that is the Funky Nanna.
Thank you and goodnight.

Match report 13.08.01

Loss 3-10 to United

GF, RH 1, aw 1, TK (g), TW 1
On arrival we were warned that the ref had been DP’d by the previous teams and the Nannas were told to keep it cool or suffer the consequences. And we did keep our cool as did they.
There were some great goals from Wal goal storming down middle and slotting one in from a pass. In the last seconds of the first half Taoser goals from half way line off line kick coming off the goalie…….. Nice. And finally the captain slammed a great goal from seriously tight angle.
Unfortunately these 3 goals were not enough but the final score certainly didn’t reflect the team play that went on that night. Very commendable performance.

Match Report 2013_06_27

7-8 Loss to The Fatties

RH(4), Dave ((1)Ring In), ES ((G) Ring In), GF, GS (WOM), TW (2)

The following post is written by the Woman Of the Match Grace Sims.

Pressure! So much pressure.

It is a mighty day in Nanna history, let me start from the very beginning…

Sitting there on the train listening to two old guys chat about the recent changes in politics, boring as pig shit! I receive a phone call of a magic dog who vanished from one property to another with no sign of entry or exit.. “by the way your filling in for the Nannas tonight”. SHIT! I am of the female variety so this is a huge request. Vaginas on the Nannas team is UNHEARD of.

So, the magic vanishing dog, Sims (the other pressured ring-in), the small dabi giving child, T-Dog, Gee and myself venture out into the night for this most epic adventure.

Mixed emotions as we step out to warm up.. the Fattys look… skinny and good! Low expectations can only get better right? Sims is getting the hang of things in goal. Apparently the only person willing to step foot in that god forsaken box of doom. Polite introductions from the long standing Nannas who are certain that this game is already lost but at least they got out of the house for a night… The Game begins. Not a great 1st minute however a striking 2nd minute goal by the almighty Nannas! Maybe its not going to be as bad as we all thought.

WAIT! I’m going to bloody die! I’m pretty sure there are daggers in my lungs and T-Dog won’t let me off god damn it! 1st half seems like a wheezy hot blur of balls flying all over the place. Some spectacular goals scored… unfortunately for the Fattys as well. On a lighter note the ref was doing such a great job he barely got yelled at. Gorilla defence was the strength of the half for sure.

Steaming forward (literally I think I might be bright red and about to throw up on the shorter guy with the black top and fancy footwork). D-Man (another more regular ring-in) was freakin rockin around the place with epic defence and equally as epic attack. Somewhere in the a yellow card was flashed about to the Fattys goaly. Seconds later BOOM Nannas strike again. Were on our toes! I have no clue how I managed to the end of the game, everyone was so tall and lanky and really hard to keep up with.. the boys (our boys) were smashing their fancy footwork to the dump and turning it around.. and in the end… we lost:-( BUT it was the best loss ever. Only by 1 when the expectation was to be much like last week.

Chur to the fantabulous Nannas for letting a Vagina play on the team!

BOOM done… beat you damn blog post!

 

Match Report 2013_06_20

5-3 Win Vs Xavie’s FC

CB(2), DC(2), CG(G), AW, GF, RH, TW(1(MOM))

It was a night to relish. A big win against a team that could have had us. We kept poise and grace for most of the night. Dan was off his rags, which helped, and Gilla was ignoring his groin issues, which also helped by keeping the oppositions tally down.

The first half gave us a taste of what we were up against. I can’t actually remember anyones goals except my own, which I usually can’t remember either, but on this occasion it felt real good. A pass back from the sideline and I just kicked that fucker right on the sweet spot to send that ball flying with a nice curve on it’s travels into the top left corner. Yeah that felt good.

The Xavie’s had a couple of players with some talent but the real threat didn’t come until they subbed goalies and the shortest of the Irish crew came out to try his luck. It wasn’t long before we frustrated this little yellow wagtail into kicking the ball away when it was our line kick. This infuriated myself and I made a stand. Next time it was a kick of theirs from the sideline I kicked it for 6. For what reason you may ask, well good question and one the ref plus our friendly court side manager felt they needed to ask me. Was it necessary? Yes it was unnecessary, but did it make a point to the Xavie’s? It may have a little. Did it make me feel better? Well yes it did. So was it worth it? Well I didn’t get a yellow and I still got MOM so yes, yes it was fucking worth it.

This is a team we will have to keep and eye on. They do have some good players and they may start playing better as a team. Let’s hope not. We need at least a couple of teams we can beat in this league. Otherwise it’s back south side.

So in summary I spoke a lot about the opposition and, well, myself I guess. Sorry about that.

On a brighter note a few dedicated Nanna’s didn’t pussy out from their beach box obligations and went out on Saturday night for some gluttonous dumpling eating, serious beer drinking, ugly tequila swigging, rather tame vaporising, even tamer Hollywooding (not that it wasn’t appreciated) and profitable poker hands (well for me any hows). Funniest moment of the night would have to be Dan thinking 4s were still wild. Classic.

Match Report 2013.04.18

5-6 Vs ?? (New Team Not Listed)

CG (GK), CB(1), RH, DC (2, MOM), TH, AW, TW (2, MOM)

After a solid win then a draw the Nanna’s were certainly feeling pretty optimistic of a win on this night. The third night northside and up against a new team at that. Well unfortunately it was not to be.

In the end we may have come in a little too cocky for our own good. For a good part of the game we felt we had them under control but a little of their pushing and more so their ability to get around us got us a little hot under the collar and Nanna started blaming Nanna. Never a good sign.

At some stage in the game the other team had a late arrival who was a serious game changer. All of a sudden their gun fired a few shots that no one saw coming in the dying minutes and left us wondering WTF just happened.

So what went wrong? Well the team were a bit better than us.

Did they keep their cool under pressure?…… Yes.

Did they blame each other when things went wrong?….. No.

Did they have that guy that can just take control and carefully and thoughtfully take the ball from one end of the court to the other and score?……. Yes.

Did we keep our cool under pressure?…… No.

Did we blame each other when things went wrong?…. Yes

Were we a little confused by a much bouncier ball?….. Fuck yes. That thing bounced all over the place. Legs were flying into mid air as the ball bounced over the top of our feet on many occasion.

Can we blame the ball for our loss?……. We can try.

What we can take from this?…… Love Thy Nanna.

Match Report 2013.04.04

15-2 Vs Balkanjeros

CG(1,GK), DC(5), RH, AW(1), JH(4), TW(4)

I am honoured and humbled to be writing this post. This the first game in 13 years of Nanna history to be played in a new league. Yes we have finally done it. We have officially moved Northside. Well done gentleman. It was a bold move and one that, so far, is paying off.

While the court was not of the standard we have grown used to, and the lighting was a little artificially white for my liking, it was however a lovely way to enter this new league. An emphatic  victory over a team that quickly learnt that the Nanna’s are not to take for granted.

The move to the north weeded out the weak Nanna’s leaving the obvious Nanna A team that brought home a 15 goal total and a defence that only allowed 2 goals to pass through. Could it be any clearer who the true A team are?? I think not.

The passing was impeccable, the goals were many and often from generous passes. The Nanna’s played not as individuals but as a single entity.

The ref was very good allowing the game to flow but not letting it get out of hand at any stage. Certainly no controversial calls as far as I can remember.

I’d like to think that all the games would be a win like this but I’m sure we can’t come away too cocky and will have to lift our game even more to stay on top of our future opponents.

The night ended at Joe’s Shoe whee some good beer was drunk and some high times were felt. It was mentioned that there might be a need to introduce the cook again based on Northside eateries and bars. This could be make for some very interesting niche eateries.

In all it seems to be shaping up as a good idea though we have to feel for poor Jim who may have trouble making it to a few of the games. Think you might have to set yourself up in a corner of Cocky’s studio Thursday nights. Justine would be cool with that wouldn’t she??

Match Report 2013.02.07

1-5 vs Pornstars

It is true that I am shit. In fact I am not shit because shit is brown and I possibly don’t deserve to be brown right now. Therefore I am piss………. Except that is yellow (unless you have eaten a lot of beetroot and then that just gives a middle age man something to think about) and yellow is the secondary colour of the Nannas so I guess I don’t deserve to be that either.
I have let my team down and therefore also myself. I remember nothing of this game except we lost. Did we deserve this loss? Probably but I can’t remember.
Forgive me oh brown holiness for I know not what I do and fear retribution from my own team.

Match Report 2012.11.22

Nannas 4 Vs Forfeit Team 7

DC, JH(1), AW, GF, TK(G), TW(3)

It was touted as the Nannas A team going out there to make things right for so many wrongs in this season. And I’d have to say we certainly had that look for the first half. Some nice solid passes, some moving into space and general awareness of where we were meant to be. It did help that the other team were a bit tired from a previous game.

The second half started off ok but we quickly lost power and allowed the opposition to make fools of us with some easy goals. We stopped checking our defence and left Kondo alone on a number of costly occasions. We certainly had them most of the time but unfortunately the scoreboard told a different story and really that is what counts at the end of your 36 min (just ask the Spanish futsal team).

I think it imperative that every Nanna watch some futsal vids during the week before every game for inspiration on how the game should be played.

There was a full cheer squad of too many kids to count. Dinner was for 3 Nannas and 7 kids in the gardens with fish & chips and beer while the sun went down. Nice.

 

MATCH REPORT 120712

3-6 Win Vs Sth Melb AMC

CG (G), DC (3)(MOM), JH (3), GF, TK, TW (MOM)

It was a great night for the Nanna’s A++ team. This new group of guys have come out of the wood work, possibly from the level below, and were looking good with a few players that seamed to know what they were doing. We let them get the better of us a few times and that proved costly…… for a while.

Le Coq put a few nice ones in and then assisted in 2 lovely passes from the same corner to give Jim the opportunity to slam a couple of identical looking goals. Both Jim and Dan made hat tricks on the night.

Dan’s cook was fantastic as he took us to the sister pub to the Station Hotel in footscry but this one is in Sth Melbourne. Fine beer and good steak. Though I had the fish and chips. Still very good. Kondo chose well and had the mussels while Cheazles had a burger.