On the night before the Derby, we asked rookie reporter 74 O'Houlihan for his thoughts on the big match.
Webster’s dictionary defines the word derby as “a man’s stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim.” This reporter couldn't think of a more accurate choice of words to describe this upcoming affair between Lakehill’s two division 2 teams, United and Reds.
Match of the century seems to be a stretch when preparing one’s self for chapter two of this rivalry, although former United alumni Troy “pickle surprise” Taillefer has recently found a sports bar in Belize that is both showing, and promoting this Friday’s event. When I look back over the storied history of the rivalry, I am reminded of one glaring feature that rises out of my memory in a burst of flames and wonderment, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, or like the front of Mike Moore’s UVIC sweatpants after a blue pill. This one thing – the score. The reason that sticks so fresh in MY mind is quite simple, that is what I use to keep track of who wins and who loses sporting events.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Hints, Allegations, and Goals Left Unscored. Lakehill Squeak One Out Versus Bottom of the Table Gorge
It's always going to be a tough situation. United, coming off the front-nine that has been the season so far, sit undefeated at the top of the table. Gorge, their opponent, rooted to the cellar on just 3 points. How do you get a team motivated while convincing them to treat their opponent with respect?
Gorge's mission was easy: Nothing to lose, play for the win, these guys are cocky, there are points there for the taking. And take points, they almost did. Well, at least 1 point, almost.
Gorge's mission was easy: Nothing to lose, play for the win, these guys are cocky, there are points there for the taking. And take points, they almost did. Well, at least 1 point, almost.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
United 2 - Cowichan 0. Halfway Through the Season and Lakehill Remain Undefeated!
It was labelled the "undisputed match of the round" by VISL forum poster, Duster, and it didn't disappoint as United emerged victorious over an attacking Cowichan side at the beloved Foot.
The season up to this game saw United on 15 points after playing 7, drawing 3, and winning 4 up against a quality Cowichan side who was just 1 point back in second place. The fixture was always going to be a tricky one as these two teams tied each other in both fixtures last season at 0-0 as defense won out in both games. Cowichan had only conceded 4 goals so far this term and United were one better at 3. If anything, this one was going to end 0-0 which is not what the neutrals wanted to see.
The season up to this game saw United on 15 points after playing 7, drawing 3, and winning 4 up against a quality Cowichan side who was just 1 point back in second place. The fixture was always going to be a tricky one as these two teams tied each other in both fixtures last season at 0-0 as defense won out in both games. Cowichan had only conceded 4 goals so far this term and United were one better at 3. If anything, this one was going to end 0-0 which is not what the neutrals wanted to see.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Guess Who's Back!!?? United 2 - Vic West 1
Guess who's back, back again,
Cockle's back, tell your friends.
Cockle's back, Cockle's back,
Cockle's back, Cockle's back...
Former Golden Boot champion of the VISL Second Division, Chris Woodcock, stormed his way back into the Golden Boot race with two finely taken goals in Saturday's match with the Vic West Wolves.
The large venue and pounding rain were the pre-game stories as United went on the road looking for points for the fifth time this season (remarkably, 7 of the 9 remaining games in United's schedule this season are at the beloved Foot). Finlayson the venue as the Victoria fall finally figured out that it was time for rain and gloom as United expected a strong physical match with one of the division's top teams.
United flew out of the gates with good early possession. The field suited United's passing game as they were able to exploit gaps across the park. Dillon "The Call-Up" Walker enjoyed a strong start to the game as he combined with Woodcock early and just missed the net on a fizzing bicycle kick shot. Woodcock too found plenty of space early and was perhaps unlucky not to score as the Wolves defended heartily.
The break eventually came with a quick back-to-front counter by United. Jeff "I'm Fond of the Cockle" Lenton did well to receive the ball in a four pass move and threaded it through to the breaking Cock. His initial shot was parried by the Wolves keeper but the rebound dropped to Woodcock and he made no mistake on the second chance, burying it in the back of the Vic West net.
The warning signs were there and there should have been more goals in the first half as United looked hungry and continued to push. Woodcock again with the break but failed to get the shot off as his defender back tracked well. Ryan "Mr." Braun was unlucky not to score too off a fine header from a corner.
Wolves themselves were able to put a bit of pressure on United as the half wore on with a series of corner kicks that United were unable to clear. Eventually, possession did return to United but not after Brett "That Does Look Infected" Poulis skinned a fine Provan of a shot off the outside of the post.
As it stood it was 1-nil at the half and United were left lamenting that they hadn't stretched their lead to more.
As is the way, the Wolves punished the United early in the second half. Sam "My Bum will Likely Be on Camera This Time Next Week" Chiu gave away a very soft foul at the corner of the box and the resulting free kick beat Mike "I Know What Bananas Look Like" Peters.
1-1 and pressure mounting from a Vic West team that was finding its feet in the centre of the park.
The goal seemed to galvanize Yager as he picked up his work rate and started winning 50-50's across the pitch. The spirit was contagious as United slowly started to play their way back into the game.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, United sub Bryan "My Nipples Have a Mind of Their Own" Butcher worked the ball to Tim "I Can't Believe It's Not Butta" Yager. Yager did well to get to the byline and cross the ball to the onrushing Cockle, whose finish nestled into the near post.
2-1 United and two goals for the Cockle, who has played just 4 games this season after fracturing his foot.
There was no late goal for the Wolves and United went on to claim their fourth win of the season and remain unbeaten so far this term.
The win sets the stage for a massive game between first place United and second place Cowichan, who are just 1 point back of United. Game time is this Friday, 8:00 pm at the Foot which is just in time for the weekend shenanigans in Seattle.
Man of the Match: I remember the beer, I remember singing, but I don't remember who it was....
Holle-Nash Award: Sam "Surprise" Yager
Moan of the Match: Being told sock tape must match the socks.
Cockle's back, tell your friends.
Cockle's back, Cockle's back,
Cockle's back, Cockle's back...
Tell your friends...
Former Golden Boot champion of the VISL Second Division, Chris Woodcock, stormed his way back into the Golden Boot race with two finely taken goals in Saturday's match with the Vic West Wolves.
The large venue and pounding rain were the pre-game stories as United went on the road looking for points for the fifth time this season (remarkably, 7 of the 9 remaining games in United's schedule this season are at the beloved Foot). Finlayson the venue as the Victoria fall finally figured out that it was time for rain and gloom as United expected a strong physical match with one of the division's top teams.
United flew out of the gates with good early possession. The field suited United's passing game as they were able to exploit gaps across the park. Dillon "The Call-Up" Walker enjoyed a strong start to the game as he combined with Woodcock early and just missed the net on a fizzing bicycle kick shot. Woodcock too found plenty of space early and was perhaps unlucky not to score as the Wolves defended heartily.
The break eventually came with a quick back-to-front counter by United. Jeff "I'm Fond of the Cockle" Lenton did well to receive the ball in a four pass move and threaded it through to the breaking Cock. His initial shot was parried by the Wolves keeper but the rebound dropped to Woodcock and he made no mistake on the second chance, burying it in the back of the Vic West net.
The warning signs were there and there should have been more goals in the first half as United looked hungry and continued to push. Woodcock again with the break but failed to get the shot off as his defender back tracked well. Ryan "Mr." Braun was unlucky not to score too off a fine header from a corner.
Wolves themselves were able to put a bit of pressure on United as the half wore on with a series of corner kicks that United were unable to clear. Eventually, possession did return to United but not after Brett "That Does Look Infected" Poulis skinned a fine Provan of a shot off the outside of the post.
As it stood it was 1-nil at the half and United were left lamenting that they hadn't stretched their lead to more.
As is the way, the Wolves punished the United early in the second half. Sam "My Bum will Likely Be on Camera This Time Next Week" Chiu gave away a very soft foul at the corner of the box and the resulting free kick beat Mike "I Know What Bananas Look Like" Peters.
1-1 and pressure mounting from a Vic West team that was finding its feet in the centre of the park.
The goal seemed to galvanize Yager as he picked up his work rate and started winning 50-50's across the pitch. The spirit was contagious as United slowly started to play their way back into the game.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, United sub Bryan "My Nipples Have a Mind of Their Own" Butcher worked the ball to Tim "I Can't Believe It's Not Butta" Yager. Yager did well to get to the byline and cross the ball to the onrushing Cockle, whose finish nestled into the near post.
Double your pleasure...
2-1 United and two goals for the Cockle, who has played just 4 games this season after fracturing his foot.
There was no late goal for the Wolves and United went on to claim their fourth win of the season and remain unbeaten so far this term.
The win sets the stage for a massive game between first place United and second place Cowichan, who are just 1 point back of United. Game time is this Friday, 8:00 pm at the Foot which is just in time for the weekend shenanigans in Seattle.
Man of the Match: I remember the beer, I remember singing, but I don't remember who it was....
Holle-Nash Award: Sam "Surprise" Yager
Moan of the Match: Being told sock tape must match the socks.
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