TEAM: Drury, Lambrecht, Anderson, Kerr, Mojena, Lamarra, Hammer (Yearsley 40’), McGrath, Legere, Vadora, Hodgson

ABSSA finally decided to allow the matches to take place this weekend and the RBBFC 1st XI were rewarded for their hard work during the remises period with a comfortable victory.

RBBFC made a solid start to the match and were on top from the whistle. The pressing was good and Goalois were finding it hard to get out of their own half. With the ball rotating nicely and full-backs Lambrecht and Mojena enjoying some good possession it was the latter who twice threatened with well-struck, stinging shots from 25 yards. Unfortunately the opposition keeper did well to hold on to both.

Lamarra, playing wide on the right, was already starting to show glimpses of electric pace and trickery that would cause his marker all sorts of trouble throughout the match. He looked certain to put the home side ahead mid-way through the half when, latching on to a through ball from Hodgson, he moved clear of his marker. However, just as he was about to pull the trigger, the fullback managed a frustrating last-ditch slide tackle to keep the score at 0-0.

The home fans, of which not many were out braving the cold, didn’t have to wait much longer for the opening goal though. Hammer was at his industrious best and started off the move which led to the first goal. Sliding it wide to Legere there was some lovely interplay between himself and Mojena before Legere floated a tantalising ball into the danger zone. Hodgson was in place to volley home and give the home side a deserved lead.

With half-time approaching Lamarra came up with a piece of pure magic to ensure RBBFC went in to the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. The ball broke following some sustained pressure on the away defence. Lamarra skipped between two opposing players and took the ball on his chest. He looked certain to pull the trigger with his left foot but with a Gaolois defender bearing down on him he lifted the ball delightfully over the defenders head and guided an incredible looping volley right into the top corner. Certainly a contender for goal of the season.

The second half kicked off much as the first had ended, with RBBFC on the front foot. It wasn’t long before the lead was increased and the match effectively decided. With the opposition defence still asleep a couple of kick throw-ins allowed Lamarra to get behind his marker wide on the right. He cut in and weighted a superb ball across the goal mouth. Vadora was in the right place at the right time to confidently slide the ball into the net.

At 3-0 RBBFC were not in any danger of losing the match but this shouldn’t detract from a fine performance from centre halves Kerr and Anderson backed up by keeper Drury. Both the young defenders were solid throughout and on the rare occasion the opposition did get a sight on goal Drury was at hand to make a couple of fine stops.

With the youngest members of the squad keeping the opposition at bay it was time for one of the more mature members to shine at the other end of the pitch. Simon Yearsley, making his 196th appearance in the RBBFC 1st XI, had come on to replace the injured MC Hammer. He slotted straight in at right midfield and it wasn’t long before he made his mark. Having been released down the right he outpaced his opposite number and found himself in front of goal. There were options for him to give a team mate an easy tap-in but, with his Golden booted rival Hodgson lurking in the box, Si chose to ignore them all and sweep the ball confidently in with his left foot at the near post. 4-0!

A very late corner, icy conditions and a lack of concentration allowed Goalois a last-minute consolation goal. Undeserved and frustrating yes, however, no need to dwell. The momentum is there. The fitness and pressing are returning, the football is flowing and the goals are coming thick and fast. Unbeaten in 2009!

Steve “The Gazelle” Lamarra, having epitomised a team brimming with confidence all day, picked up a well-deserved MOM.

Reporter: Hodgy