Return to Ranelagh - a pleasant experience

Last year Taroona visited Ranelagh following a few wet weeks and played the local side in a swimming pool where dribbling caused a wake that could be surfed by the younger and lighter members of the team. A three nil half time deficit was recovered for a draw that influenced the final standings to the detriment of the locals. This was probably the most physical game all year.

Yesterday the return visit was anticipated with some trepidation.

In fact the game was a beauty - played between one team that dominated general play but could not convert and another that blitzed the first five minuted and went one up so that Taroona were always catching up. Taroona played far better than last week but lost by more - such is the way of the beautiful game.

Two more Huon goals put the result beyond doubt but a trademark steal from Zac saw the locals fearing another comeback - which was not to be.

Highlights were ball control from Ben Wisby, Willo Hunt imitating the wall in defence, brilliance from the Etheringtons and reliability from Angus - who wasn't distracted by his Dad doing a leg on the line in the second half.

Now for some rest and recreation during the school holidays - however, dark moves are afoot to change the makeup of the competitions and rule a line under the progress so far!

Once again Coach Geoff drew lessons for the school weary boys to ponder. His approach makes Paul Roos look like a bad tempered vein popper - he continues to draw the best from his group and it is only a matter of time before he gets the national job.

Some will think I'm joking!

Great First half - ordinary second half

Rather than a trip to Ranelagh we went to Prince of Wales Bay - under the Lutana hill. On arrival world traveller Peter Tathum exclaimed he was "in the sticks!" After acclimatizing to the ground next door - the Taroona undefeated Pirates found the right ground but played the first part of the first half like it was their own home ground. The Professor Jo Atkinson again used all the science required to lob the ball over the keeper's head for the first. Liam O'Donovan slotted a beauty after dominating his wing. But then some relaxation seemed to set in. The Imposing Joey saved the Tarrona bacon as the Glenorchy Knights rebuilt their game - ceaseless running, stout defence and the odd bout of pushing came to nought by half time.

The second half saw two goals scored quickly as the jousting continued - the Knights' game plan was now back in place. An interesting penalty decision - which saw our own twins engage in robust debate with the Ref - led to a third Knights' net. Double tagging the Taroona attackers closed down the counter thrusts.

From there the game deteriorated. Rather than possession and precision it was crash, bash and slam - the Taroona boys falling for the opposition game plan not their own.

Ever the teacher, the wise owl Geoff Supercoach calmly distilled the lessons from the game for the team like a master vigneron - teasing out the grapes of wisdom rather than those of wrath.

THIS week - the Ranelagh swimming pool!

5 Nil victory built on Goalkeeping

Taroona began it's cup campaign today against last week's victims Woodbridge. No doubt the Woodbridge Whalers stored up on salmon and ocean trout over the past week but it was to no avail. Taroona lost three players from last week - but still triumphed - this time 5 goals to nil.

Jack O'Sullivan scored two beauties, Jo Atkinson calculated wind direction, land speed, curvature of the earth and angles like a built in GPS device to punish the Woodbridge goalie, Ben Wisbey floated in a beauty and Zac received his long overdue reward for his striking play.

But none of these heroics would have counted without the masterful performance of the Imposing Joey - back in the goal after a half upfield last week. Joey was brilliant - attacking the ball as it came towards him on many occasions. The Woodbridge team had been strengthened during the week with the return of some key players and they made many chances up front - but none got past Joey who attacks in the most defensive of positions with the ferocity of a marauding viking without any of the ill-manners. Not only did he defend his goal - his kicking and throwing to attackers was great to watch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Kelvedon park.

Next week a trip the swimming pool at Ranelagh - watch the rain prepare the pitch!

Round 3 - Second Game - 7-Nil

Woodbridge produces the best smoked salmon in Tasmania. Woodbridge ocean trout poached in champagne is a signature dish in this house.

Woodbridge were welcomed back to the league - after an absence of some years in this division, with a poaching at Kelvedon Park. Into the teeth of a gusty breeze the Taroona boys showed salmon skills all of their own - keeping the ball low and finding the net - 4 times before half time.

With the breeze the Taroona boys feasted on another three majors (not sure what a minor is in this context) before finally snuffing out the challenge from the southerners.

Ben Wisby - two goals - reveled in his return to the team, James the artist Cherry bagged two and Liam O'Donovan - in his own boots - also scored two. Jack O'Sullivan made an early nomination for goal of the season - a lob which silently pierced the gap between keeper and cross bar while the crowd gaped.

Meanwhile, Supercoach Geoff stood by - encouraging democracy in the change rooms and urging his team on.

Geoff - the British people could do with your guiding hand now!