RBBFC 1st team got off to a great start to 2013 by beating, and therefore leapfrogging to the top of the table, Coin Du Balai. The game plan was perfectly executed and the victory as comfortable and resounding as the 4-1 score line suggests.

With Kris Mercedes still on the ski slopes Tommy S again deputised between the sticks. A strong back 4 of Sam, Dex, J5 and Didi was protected by a midfield 3 of Lolo, Richard and Steve with Nils, Maarten and Thomas leading the line up front. The instructions from coach McGrath were precise and clear (but won't be disclosed here on a public forum). The team knew exactly what was expected of them and took to the pitch focused and determined to reverse the loss to the same opposition just a few weeks before the Christmas break.

The team got straight to business and took the lead within the first 5 minutes. The Coin du Balai keeper looked shaky from the off and a poor clearance lead to Maarten finding himself in front of goal with only the aforementioned custodian to beat. A thunderous strike was well saved but from the resulting corner RBBFC did make the breakthrough. Rich curled in an inviting ball to the front post and Thomas made a rapid and intelligent dart to meet the ball and nod down. Lolo was lurking in front of the keeper to block his view and the ball found the back of the net, 1-0.

RBBFC did not rest on their laurels and continued to press intelligently making sure anything Coin Du Balai did float into the box could be comfortably dealt with by Tommy. The first half continued with a few reckless challenges going in and with Lolo going into the book for a sliding challenge. Lolo made amends almost immediately, though, by scoring the team's second goal. A scramble around the outside of the box fell to the graceful Belgian who took a first touch out of his feet and curled a lovely shot into the opposite top corner, 2-0.

The rest of the first half continued to see RBBFC on top with only the intelligence of their sweeper preventing more clear cut opportunities. One of their players did well to avoid a straight red for connecting his knee with Steve's ribs following a tussle. The ref dishing out the standard ABSSA punishment of a yellow card to each player.

Lolo made way for Michele at half time and RBBFC continued where they left off. They created good opportunities with Nils holding the ball up fantastically well and using Maarten's pace and power with Steve and Rich offering intelligently timed support.

However, it was the fresh legs of Michele who got the teams 3rd. Maarten, as usual working extremely hard, used his strength to prevent a goal kick. He slotted the ball back to Nils who had time and space in the area. His chipped cross found Michele whose diving header was deflected into the goal by an attempted last ditch block. 3-0 and cruising.

Thomas made way for young Robert Brown to come on and enjoy the last 15 mins as we strolled to victory. Of course the victory wouldn't come without our standard minor blip. Coin Du Balai getting a consolation goal with a wickedly deflected free kick...the only way they were going to beat Tommy. However the team were under little pressure and continued to create chances with Nils and Maarten forcing great saves from the opposition keeper having been fed by intelligent through balls from Robbie.

A 4th and final goal to seal the victory did come in the dying minutes. A quick free kick was curled intelligently into Richard's path by man-of-the-match Nils and Richard cut back inside his defender and put enough on his strike to beat the keeper. 4-1 it ended.

Very strong performance to start the new year. Next week another home fixture vs Manzah.

Team: Tommy Sejersen, Sam Lambrecht, Dex Bernardo, Jonny Mojena, Didi Lebbink, Lolo Legere, Rich McGeehan, Steve Lamarra, Maarten Billiet, Nils McGrath, Thomas Kellerman Subs: Michele Vadora, Robert Brown, Kev Deroeck MOM: Nils McGrath Reporter: Andrew Hodgson