Oli Nils

Tarik Rich Maarten

Robin Hodgy

Martijn Ben James

Kris

Really strong bench: Andy, Dani, Jean, Martino

I must admit, the chaotic games that most defenders get to write about are not really a blessing. It’s even worse when the MoM’s memories of the events have become blurred.

RBBFC 1 persevered and overcame a strong team on a small pitch at Auderghem. Even in the face of adversity and with a man in charge who seemed to bear an unfavourable disposition towards us (I’ll spare you the details), we managed to take home the three points. Another clean win, and another step closer to La Decima.

Choule is surely a decent team. In fact, last year they were the only able to walk away from Fortress Rosières with 3 points, a feat that warrants our respect and divine-like admiration from other other teams in the league. Last year’s game was also one that, in contrast to past Saturday, I remember all too well. Spectators might recall that I was personally responsible for one, if not both their goals. Alas, this game was not merely about the continuation of our winning streak, but also about making up for past mistakes.

The first fifteen minutes of the game were our best, as there was at least some resemblance to our characteristically dominant playing style. We passed the ball around relatively calmly, ending up in some superb diagonal balls by ‘watch-your-car Robinho’. During this initial stage, we nearly opened up the score. After kicking the ball around for a while, Robin switched sides with a pass to Maarten on the wing. The latter proceeded to put in a cross to the second post, which landed on Tarik’s head. In quasi-diving fashion, he was just unable to direct the ball downwards.

Just as we were starting to indulge our opponents by reducing our level and style of play to match theirs, we managed to score a goal that is undoubtedly a contender for goal of the season. A pass on our own half to Robin somehow ended up at waist height, and whilst I was awaiting his pass, he decided to volley it towards goal. From more than 60 yards out, the ball shot upwards like a rocket from SpaceX, went over the goalie, and dipped sharply into the net. An absolutely incredible goal, for which, by the way, honor requires me to claim the assist. This man, highly skilled in the art of putting any ball just outside the box on neatly parked cars, it turns out, should stick to shooting from his own half.

Our ecstasy did not endure for long, however. Not one minute after opening the score, Choule came level. A throw-in on their left side was passed neatly on to their winger who smashed the ball brilliantly in the far corner. Even our mighty Kris was unable to stop it.

Ultimately, we still went into the break with a goal ahead. As we had grown incapable of playing football with our feat, we opted for an alternative strategy; the right one I suppose. From a throw-in, Maarten tossed the ball as far as possible into the box, hoping to find Nils. The latter is now a dad, and has subsequently become more responsible in the manner of scoring goals. Instead of leaving behind any precious braincells on the pitch by heading the ball, he subtly let the ball roll off his back and neatly tucked the ball away with his behind.

The second half became progressively worse, with RBBFC largely on the defensive. And any counterattacks we had were – whether correct or not – called offside. Yet it is in situations like these where a team and its players show their true colours, particularly considering the fact that every incident on the pitch was being blamed on us. In the end, every single player fought tooth and nail for one another. Even Hodgy could be spotted chasing down some big bloke and engaging him in one physical duel after another. He might be a Brit, but rarely have I seen him on the ground as much as on that fateful day. If Choule threatened our lead at a given time, they still had Kris to contend with.

In the end, our really strong bench ensured the three points. They provided new impetus and energy, and doubled our lead. After breaking away in a counter attack, Martino played a through ball towards Jean which bounced off him. The goalie came out to force a decision, and Jean, on his first touch of the game, whipped the ball cleanly over his head: 3-1. With our backs against the wall and with each decision being decided in Choule’s favour, this goal caused immense relief.

Yet, our relief was overturned late in the game, when Choule were given a penalty. Cleanly taken: 3-2. Little did we know this would be the last action of the game after the ref blew his whistle. Fortunately for us, we did not have to endure any late game stress trying to hold onto our lead.

Writing about a match like this is not the easiest, nor the most enjoyable for that matter. Yet I do think can be revealing. In reflecting on the events of that day, I truly start to appreciate our team and every person in it (and our supporters, of course). We’re a big squad with immense quality, and that brings with it tough decisions and painful consequences.

But the way every person conducts himself, dedicates his efforts to the collective cause, and fights for one another, is brilliant. All that remains is for the team to bundle their efforts, and write me a proper f** song.

Your reporter and Man of the Match: Martijn Ebregt