Good morning.
Last night was pretty special (and I'm not refering to Patricia here). Only about 700 turned up to the Stadium for the 16.30 k/o. General consensus in our area was that the time was too early for workers who finish at five. The pitch is in immaculate condition but the stadium itself is not conducive to good viewing/cheering (all vantage points are too far away). Nevertheless we tried very hard to concentrate on the match and noticed Sydney Olympic Legend Lindsay Wilson had a blinder and played the full ninety. He got about four or five assists from crosses which had us proud but not jumpin'. Contrary to other 'news' sources, Sydney Olympic Legend Clint Bolton did get a touch. Edgar Davids lookalike gave him a gift.
The Tongans had one shot on goal the whole match which brought the house down (I even gave them a blast with my airhorn). They tried very hard in defence, solid in the tackle and even strung a coupla passes together.
Of the o/s mob, Muscat was on fire, as was Aloisi.
Of the locals, Mori couldn't stay on his feet in the area and blew plenty of sitters. Ex-con got a bit of stick when he came on in the 60th. The bush bullet had instant impact when he came on as well in the second.
The crowd was good-natured. We got friendly with some locals from Nambucca Strikers who are involved in the game in a big way up here. Their knowledge of the NSL is outstanding. They gave me a bit of stick for holding up my Sydney Olympic scarf during the Anthem which of course broke the ice. The crowd consisted of mainly locals who are involved in the game in one way or another, and blow-ins from other centres (I even spotted a Brisbane Strikers cap).
We got to the stadium forty-five minutes before k/o and the good spots in the outer were already taken. We decided to camp near the closed drinks van on the goal-line but to our dismay it opened for service. On half-time we got talking to the caterers who weren't doing much trade. They have no idea and provided a gauge on the general feeling towards the NSL and I quote: "The NSL is no good because on the board of each club are ethnics" To its defence, I stated the usual facts and said I was proud to be a supporter of Sydney Olympic, which is of Greek origin and Sydney United, who are of Croatian origin because they play top, gutsy soccer" This idiot then backtracked by saying "Well I don't know nothin' about soccer anyway. They just kick the ball from one end to the other and hopefully score"
The second match we left at halftime (3-0 Samoa). It was a dour struggle but the Americans were never going to get back so we left. One could hear a pin drop during this encounter.
The mosquitoes up here are furious. The coils and repellent are holding them off for now. There was no rain last night which was nice for a change. There has been ongoing rain ever since the floods last month. The humidity is stifling but it was quite cool last night as well.
Useless fakt: The National Rugby side is based in Coffs.
Useful fact: The Australian Football contingent are staying a Akuna Resort. I am going to sneak in and grab Wilson and Bolton for a photo as I missed them last night.
Of to the beach now ;-)