Watsonians M4s vs Watsonians M3s 14/09/2014

The previous season found the Watsonians’ men’s 3s and 4s both playing in East district 2, with 3 head to head games played, all going to the 3rd eleven. Differing fates in East 2 had the fours heading down and the threes heading up. A whole division now separated the two friendly teams, facing up on Forresters park.

With a number of the new players integrating into both teams, the squads were decided and the want-to-be umpires whistle got the game underway.

Straight from the off the 4s put immense pressure on their opposite numbers. A high press had the ball pinned into the 3s defensive quarter. A good break into the D saw Alex MacCormac miss, close to the post. Soon after another opportunity arose, MacCormac, miss. Third time should have been the charm with another break through. MacCormac, miss. The first Quarter saw the first goal of the game going to the 3s. Having survived the pressure of the 4s attack, with a little luck, Richard Waugh managed to pick off a pass, across the opposition defence. Waugh was able to play the ball into the D to see Watsonians’ newcomer, Phillip Long, slot the ball home.

The goal came against the run of play, but the game soon returned to the 4s dominant performance. 2 goals for the fourth team gave a deserved lead into the half time break. After taking on some water and talking through how the half had gone, the mens 4s welcomed their opposition back on to the field with calls of “your not as fit as us” and “they don’t want to come back out and face us”.

Third quarter underway and both teams came out looking good. Possession was kept well, with a quick passing game being employed by both sides. A good passing move by the 3s through the center of the park, then out to the right, gave Harry Gilmour the best chance that the 3s would have, only to be blocked on the line by an outstretched Simon Cox. With the third eleven pushing on, the 4s made a good break down the field and cut through to make it 3-1. One more move of the quarter, saw MacCormac, slip, fall, miss.

The 3s came out with a point to prove in the final quarter of the game. Better passing and movement. Probably, for the first time in the match, seeing the 3s being first to the ball, made this quarter the best of the game from a 3s point of view. Perhaps lacking a little up front, meant no goals came from the improved performance. A quick break down to the other end had MacCormac in space……………….scored.

4-1 the final score, but more importantly the bragging rights are firmly held by Watsonians men’s fourth team. If the 4s can maintain a stable squad, they should be a force again in East District 3.

As for the 3s, some pre-season rust? Or deeper problems to be worked on. Time will tell, with what’s sure to be a tough league and cup campaign ahead.

Enjoyable day for all involved, with three new umpires badged in the club.

Richard Waugh