Queens Park Lions 1 - 1 Maroubra United

MAROUBRA STUMBLE AT FINAL HURDLE

On a chilly Wednesday night and the final game of the regular season, the Green Machine had everything to play for against a Queens Park Lions team determined to finish their campaign on a high note. For Maroubra O35s, the equation was simple, a victory would leap frog the team over Redfern to secure 4th spot and a semi final clash with Waverley Old Boys.

It was time to be more adventurous and the Gaffer made a series of positional changes with a view to adding more speed down the flanks. The first half was lively and open as Maroubra were focussed on getting the ball wide to their wingers and opening up the Lions defence, while the Lions were creating several openings from a series of interchange passing through the Maroubra central midfield. 

As the seconds were running down to halftime, the Green Machine suffered a shattering blow as the Lions pierced the Maroubra defence to take a 1-0 lead. Despite the blow, Maroubra spirits remained high at half time and came out with an aggressive frame of mind for the second half and with a few positional changes taking place, the midfield started to dominate and create more running opportunities for our front line. 

With approximately 15 minutes to go, Maroubra pushed forward and through a series of passes down the left eventually found Keith in an attacking position and with defenders holding back was able to put in an audacious shot from the edge of the box which sailed over the keepers head and into the right side of the net. 

The score locked at 1-1 and the crowd swelling on the sidelines urging the side on, the boys in green pushed forward ensuring the Lions were camped in their own half but as has been the case for the second half of the season, could not find that elusive final pass in the final 3rd to reward the great lead up play. 

As a result, the final score remained 1-1 and officially ended the Maroubra juggernaut and hopes of a semi final birth. Never the less, the 2012 campaign was a rewarding and prosperous one for the team, ending the season with 28 competition points and I am sure if we can keep the team together next season we will be bigger and stronger.  

Special thanks to Glenn for making himself available to play and provide that extra firepower upfront and almost came away from the match with a goal. Thanks Glenn and good luck in the Finals Series in the O45s!!

Big thanks to Con for bringing the shirts and as per normal has the difficult task of selecting the 3,2,1 Players Player of the Year votes. When you have done so, please email our Team Auditor Wayne only to keep record.

Team Sheet:
Scott, Peter, Russell, Rod, Dennis, Napoleon, Keith, Geoff, Jason, Nelson, Justin Subs: Con, Frankie, Leo, Glen