::. GRAND FINAL .: Seaforth vs DeeWhy - 8th September 02 .::
Sideline-Eye, Tony Story, provides "A fan's perspective".
Some days you just wake up in the morning, and you know that something special is about to take place. You get the butterflies in the stomach, and instead of hitting the snooze on the alarm, you jump out of bed in a very speedy, unorthodox fashion. When you are younger, it might be Christmas or birthdays that brings this excitement. As you get older, maybe it is the day of your first date with that special girl.
When you are a grown man however, it is usually because something big is about to happen in the sporting world. And the 8th of September, 2002 was one of those days.
As you approached the stadium (official MWSA stadium, that is - Mike) near Cromer, you could hear the crowd's intense volume, and the heaviness of the traffic told you that it was going to be a big one. I drove like a maniac, having to constantly dry my hands on my shirt because they were sweating from sheer excitement.
Upon reaching the ground, it became clear that today was going to be something out of the ordinary. There was a South American feel to the crowd, courtesy of a few lunatics beating on some drums. Others waved banners. Some chanted. Still others could offer no more than to nervously sit on the edge of their seat and bite their nails. The day was here, and the ref was blowing his whistle.
The opposing fans eyed each other off for the first 20 minutes, whilst the game was developing a tense - and perhaps a little nervous - feel. Nothing less should be expected however, on such a big occasion. In the crowd at least, there was no contest for who were the better supporters. Based on volume, effort, enthusiasm and sheer good looks, the Seaforth supporters left the DeeWhy followers looking stupid... sort of like a guy who turns up naked to a formal birthday dinner after accidentally hearing the words "birthday" and "suit" in the same sentence. That is how out of place these clowns looked today.
Let me be frank. Once the nerves wore off, there was no contest ON the park either. Liddell opened the Seaforth account with a brilliant goal, knocked in after receiving an even more brilliant cross from out wide. The crowd went crazy. My ears are still ringing 8 hours later. No more than 60 seconds after that, the amazing and somewhat controversial striker, Mike Barry, planted home a second. Game over.
If only it were game over, wished the DeeWhy team. But there was more punishment to come.
Two more goals were to follow - an absolute ripper from The Showstopper Tony Wall (after some magnificent Porteous-led maneouvres), and another from Barry. Both goals were all class.
Fortunately for the DeeWhyians, they knocked in a consolation goal, which was nothing but sheer luck. The video replay shows that Graeme Barry was clearly taken out in a violent - verging on criminal - incident in back play. This left him nowhere to be seen, and instead of kicking the ball out, the cheating DeeWhy team shot on goal. That's how I saw it anyway.
The whistle eventually came for DeeWhy, and the soccer lesson was over. As was the lesson in how to support a team - a lesson that was taught mostly by Dr Paul Sanders.
Medals were given, birthday cakes were eaten, beers were consumed.
I go to bed tonight with a feeling of emptiness inside. It is now another 6 months until the new season. What the heck will I do with myself? Thank goodness for seaforth.isonfire.com - if I keep re-reading the hero reports, I might just get through.
God speed Seaforth AL8s, God speed.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
The (now) legendary Seaforth fanbase forming a human tunnel as our heroes took the field.
[ the final score : Seaforth 4 def DeeWhy 1 ]
[ the best player : It's all about the team, baby. ]
[ the most improved : Somehow the crowd was even better than last week ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry (2), Mark Liddell, Tony Wall ]
::. SEMI FINAL .: Seaforth vs Manly Vale - 24th August 02 .::
The lines were marked. The match officials were in black. The crowd was numerous. And our heroes had been here before.
There was an air of familiarity, for a year ago to the day, the Red, White and Black Attack had played their guts out here in the Semi-Final, only to be denied a shot at the big one by their evil opponents, Manly Vale.
But not this year. This year was going to be different, and I'll tell you why.
Oh sure, Manly Vale showed up again. And for the first 15 minutes or so, it seemed they (and the spectacle of the occaision) had rattled our heroes from the Isonfire Stable. Manly Vale managed to score a very good goal despite about a million great saves by Grae, and things were starting to look grim. But then, who should step up but my main man and your's... The Rory Wheatley Show!
Yes, capitalising on some excellent leadup work from "SuperSweatband Luke Vanem" and "Oh what a feeling - Troy-ota", Mikeman found himself tapping the ball through to the ever present and always accurate R.W.Show, who beat the goalie, and ignited unprecedented celebrations from his Seaforth teamates.
Stirring half-time words from Supersub Elvis sent our heroes back out on the field determined to better the 1-1 scoreline, and it wasn't long before Van-Damn-Vanem slipped one by the goalie to put the good guys in front.
When the somewhat raucous celebrations subsided, it was time to bring on the impact men, and Alex "Tenacious D-fence" Richards, Big Bad BHG and everybody's favourite dead-rocker, Matt "Elvis" King, certainly made their mark.
The match was turned as Brad partnered with the best defence in the league to totally shut down the Manly Vale attack, while Showstopper Tony Wall came into his own down the left flank, providing the front line with a wealth of possesion that had the opposition backs going weak at the knees.
When Killer Chris Poulsom slammed a penalty kick straight through the Manly Vale goalie, members of the Seaforth Cheersquad joined in the "shirtless airplane" shenannigans, and what was left of the Manly Vale game fell apart.
Great chances on goal from Matt, Nickman and Troy thrilled the crowd and players alike, and when Mike scored from one of "those flamin' crosses", the nail was driven in and the greatest team in history advanced further than ever before - the Grand Final.
Ultimately, the bullying tactics and rough-house playing style of the Manly Vale side was no match for the Jumbo-sized serving of class that visibly oozed from the team you know and love. It is this class, and the comraderie, unity and passion of our heroes that will see them go all the way in 2002. (You heard it here first!)
Why don't you come with them?
Special ISONFIRE moment:
When the Manly Vale guy lost his mind and used his hand to "charge-down" a penalty shot from Nick.
[ the final score : Seaforth 4 def Manly Vale 1 ]
[ the best player : Can't possibly pick one - what a team. ]
[ the most improved : The crowd. ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley, Luke Vanem, Chris Poulsom, Mike Barry ]
::. Seaforth vs CC Strikers - 10th August 2002 .::
The final game of the season, and the team you know and love desperately wanted to finish on a high note. With both Matt and Rory absent from proceedings, the team were looking for a Striker to partner Mike. After much consideration, this important duty was bestowed upon none other than the marvellous Brad Hayse-Gregson.
Having done so well at the back in recent times, this reporter was hardly surprised to see BHG totally outplaying his opponents from CC. He was unlucky not to score himself, but was able to get in on the action several times, to bring the army of loyal isonfire cheerleaders to their feet.
BHG wasn't the only news of the day. Having squandered his wealth on wild living, the prodigal son Nick Porteous returned to the team he so dearly loves (even though he was once qoted as saying "I hate this @*% team). With the best defence in the league together again, it was a real shame that our heroes were playing on a surface that closely resembled a turkish mine-field.
Other highlights included a seemingly effortless goal from the forehead of Luke, ably assisted by yet another perfect corner from Chris. Graeme "I've been sick for 4 weeks but I'm sure it's got nothing to do with being bitten by a mosquito in Macau" Barry was in excellent form in goals, saving our heroes form couple of potentially embarrassing scoresheet blemishes.
With their strongest regular season on record now behind them, it is time for the most electrifying team in Division 8 history to take that next step. The Semi-finals will see them square off against Manly Vale, so make sure you're there as the Red-White-and-Black Attack reach for the brass ring and take the place that is rightfully theirs. Champions.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Anything to do with Brad. Filling in at striker, he was awesome! Go BHG!
[ the final score : Seaforth 3 def CC Strikers 2 ]
[ the best players : Brad Hayse-Gregson, Graeme Barry ]
[ the most improved : Luke Vanem ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry, Luke Vanem, Troy White ]
::. Seaforth vs BTH Raiders - 3rd August 2002 .::
Have you ever had one of those days when absolutley everything went right? Well the heroes from the Seaforth Al8s knew they had come across such a day last Saturday, so they were determined to make the most of it.
Having only 10 men was never an issue, as every pass stuck and every shot (well.. almost) was true. Outstanding play from Luke, Mark and Alex kept our heroes moving forward and our fans cheering, as Rory and Mike enjoyed the wealth of posession that the hard working mids had earned them. Rory's goal, a heroic diving header, had to be seen to be believed.
The courageous Seaforth defence perfectly complimented the good from up front, with Chris and Tim both managing to have "a few runs" that they would only have dreamt about back in the dreary old mother-country. Graeme showed why he's the number 1 draft pick for next year, diving left, right, and occaisionally even straight up in order to keep his scoresheet clean.
Troy practically burnt the BTH net off with an electricity generating goal, and it was then that the team you'd pay to see knew they had the game to go all the way in season 2002.
But they also know they can't do it alone. They know they require the one thing that their vast array of skills and personalitites cannot provide.
That's right.
They need the fans.
They need you.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Sorry, but it's gotta be Mike scoring more than he missed.
[ the final score : Seaforth 5 def BTH Raiders 0 ]
[ the best players : Mark Liddell, Graeme Barry ]
[ the most improved : Luke Vanem ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry (3), Troy White, Rory Wheatley ]
::. Seaforth vs Avalon - 27th July 2002 .::
The team who have made soccer cool again put on one of their best efforts of the season last weekend, as they sent poor old Avalon home on the wrong end of a 6-0 scoreline.
The drama began early as the worst haircut in the AL8s (the Avalon captain) confessed to having left the team uniforms "drying on the line", but the delayed start didn't phase our heroes. They launched straight into their well-rehearsed (cough) attacking moves, causing Avalon players to squeal with terror and the loyal isonfire fanbase to squeal with delight.
The entire midfield put on an absolute show, continually pressuring the goals thanks to their silver-service to Mike and Matt up front. Pat Cash Vanem put in several dangerous crosses, Alex was like a rabid pitbull chasing the ball, and Marky-Mark Liddell was unlucky with two slightly wayward shots... (but not as unlucky as the goalie who had to go into the water - and I use the term "water" loosely - where Mark's shots ended up).
Danger was a-brewin' for the Avalon goalie, and finally the breakthrough came as Matt provided a gift-wrapped ball for Mike to (um... deliberately) back-heel into the back corner of the net. 4 minutes later, Mike claimed his second, via one-of-many magnificent corner kicks from Killer Chris Poulsom.
The second half saw Avalon split open like a ripe pod of peas, as the best defence in the league made short work of any Avalon chances (except for one awesome save by Grae), and the men up front started scoring freely. Rory finished off two testaments-to-teamwork in typically exuberant style, thrilling the crowd and taking his goal tally into the 20s.
No doubt inspired by the RWS (Rory Wheatley Show), Tony "Kelly Country" Wall and Thunderbolt Morris Smith made the left flank their own, instigating wave after wave of attack that finally left Mark with the mere formality of banana-kicking into the goal from a corner-kick.
This game belonged to the whole team, and was summarised nicely by a stunning left foot goal from Chris "all in a days work" Poulsom.
With the Semi-finals only 2 games away, the melting pot of intensity that is the Seaforth AL8s is just about ready to boil over. Come and see our heroes in action this weekend, and as their millions of fans can testify... you won't be disappointed!
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Mark scoring from his patented banana corner-kick! Woooo!
[ the final score : Seaforth 6 def Avalon 0 ]
[ the best players : Tim Morris-Smith, Mark Liddell, Matt King ]
[ the most improved : The whole team ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (2), Mike Barry (2), Mark Liddell, Chris Poulsom ]
::. Seaforth vs Wakehurst - 20th July 2002 .::
with special guest match reporter, Graeme Barry.
An epic battle was staged at Allambie Oval last Saturday as cellar-dwellers Wakehurst lifted as is fitting of a team playing the powerhouses of the division 8 competition.
A goal to Rory relatively late in the 2nd half gave the mighty Saeforth boys the victory in what was an exciting game with numerous chances for both sides. The goal was a combination of teamwork involving Al, Mike, Tone and Rory (I think at least, it's a flamin long way to see from our own goals) that left the Wakehurst defence dumbfounded.
Quote from the wakehurst defence after the winning goal: "I'm dumbfounded"
We were unlucky not to score on a few more occassions with the post and some controversial decisions hampering our for and against tally, but 1-0 seemed a fair result.
Our defence was also strong - especially when we finally got all 11 players on the field. Tim did a great job of shutting down Wakehursts international athlete, while Denzil, Troy, Chris and Rory (who must play 4 positions for the ground he covers) meant that only supreme chances could acheive a shot (where they were of course dealt with comfortably :) ).
While it wasn't our best performance, the game was fun, entertaining, and played in good spirits by all (except Nick, even though he was overseas his attitude needs work).
Good work fellas.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Chris rocking up in a taxi, after wearing his soccer uniform to work.
[ the final score : Seaforth 1 def Wakehurst 0 ]
[ the best player : Troy White ]
[ the most improved : Denzil Crasta, Graeme Barry ]
[ the goal scorer : Rory Wheatley ]
::. Seaforth vs Narrabeen - 13th July 2002 .::
The air is thick with a dry, choking dust.
You're playing with only 10 men and your goalie is out of the country.
And the pressure. Let's not forget the pressure - as you're locked in a gritty battle for the minor premiership, where even the slightest slip in form can be devestating. This, sportsfans, is something that is commonly referred to as adversity.
To many, adversity is a reason to give up. But to the heroes of the Seaforth Amateur League Division 8 soccer team, it was a reminder.
A reminder?
Yes. A reminder. A reminder of who they are, and where they have come from. A reminder of those who have fallen, and those who have triumphed. A reminder that through adversity, this team of unlikely but unforgettable superstars, forged from the molten bronze of courage, have become the team that sets fields and hearts ablaze, every Saturday, as they step out onto any number of fields, scattered throughout the Manly-Warringah District.
With their backs to the wall, the team you know and love played some of their best soccer on record, creating opportunity after opportunity, much to the delight of each other, and the swarming crowd of fans that threatened to spew onto the field in excitement.
To single out certain players would endanger the accurate notion that every man in the Red-White-and-Black excelled, for excel they did, but here we go anyway...
After a year-long silence on the matter, Washing Machine Luke Vanem broke out the ol' headband mid-game, allowing him to deal with sweat in the same manner that he dealt with the opposition - with consumate ease.
Talk-of-the-town Troy White terrorised totally, being justly rewarded for his hard work by a terrific goal in the first half that prompted raucous applause from the team, and #1 fan Josh.
Matt "...is that you? I can't see 3 feet in front of me" King was outstanding in goals, not afraid to scramble in the dust to protect his net, and always ready to send a whalloping boot downfield.
The best defense in the league once again proved why, with Denzil "the dominator" Crasta, Killer Chris Poulsom and a husky-voiced Tim Morris-Smith repeatedly fighting off challengers, feeding the mids and kickstarting the attack.
The Rory Wheatley Show fired up in a new timeslot, and increased it's ratings share with some spectacular passing that not only set up Mikeman for the score, but also returned to it's maker, giving Rory the scorey to take his season total to 18.
Alex and Brad tore up the rest of the field, always in the right place at the right time, and once again reliable in their efforts to turn the tide of the game. Challenging both in the air and on the ground these two superstars demonstrated how playing with confidence can not only improve one's own game, but can also lift the performance of the entire team.
And it is on that note, sportsfans, that this reporter will now leave you (no doubt salivating for more). Witness the next installment in the stunning chapters of Isonfire History LIVE this Saturday at Allambie Heights, or meet me back here next week, where in the comfort of your own cubicle, you can enjoy a post-mortem of events that is highly accurate, and only mildly exagerrated.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Mike hitting the post after his most promising run of the season.
[ the final score : Seaforth 3 def Narrabeen 1 ]
[ the best player : Matt King (in goals!) ]
[ the most improved : Brad HG, Tim MS ]
[ the goal scorers : Troy White, Rory Wheatley, Mike Barry ]
::. Seaforth vs Pittwater - 6th July 2002 .::
A thoroughly entertaining first half, with countless attacking raids on the Pitty goal. Strong work from Chris and his merry men at the back saw Brad and Mark causing all sorts of havoc amongst the Pittwater backs. Mark was rewarded with a goal to call his very own, as well as a lovely finish from Elvis.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
The bananas.
[ the final score : Seaforth 2 def Pittwater 1 ]
[ the best player : Mark Liddell ]
[ the most improved : Tony Wall just gets better and better ]
[ the goal scorers : Matt King, Mark Liddell ]
::. Seaforth vs Dee Why - 29th June 2002 .::
A fantastic team performance that included an great team goal in the first half, and several more crowd-pleasing opportunities.
Graeme and Brad both played like men possessed, Grae tenaciously keeping his net from violatation, while Brad thought he was the moon, frequently turning the tide of the game in his role at the back.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
The team's reaction to the magnificent half-volley goal.
[ the final score : Seaforth 1 def Dee Why 0 ]
[ the best player : Brad Hayse-Gregson and Graeme Barry - both unbelievable. ]
[ the most improved : Denzil Crasta, Alex Richards ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry ]
::. Seaforth vs Manly Vale - 22nd June 2002 .::
Mike unlucky on way too many occaisions, prompting him to beat the ground in frustration. BHG injects himslef into the action in the second half, turning the game around with assistance from Troy, Matt and Mark.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
The whole second half. What a contrast to the first! Nobody lifts intensity like the doctors of determination, the mighty Seaforth AL8s!
[ the final score : Manly Vale 1 def Seaforth 0 ]
[ the best player : Troy White (despite only playing a half) ]
[ the most improved : Matt King (welcome back to the King!), Brad Hayse-Gregson ]
[ the goal scorers : Not today. ]
::. Seaforth vs Curl Curl - 15th June 2002 .::
Rory scores twice in the opening half. Everything's going great until we get caught off guard and let Curly take the lead with a goal from a quick corner.
Nevertheless, Tony Wall and Mark Liddell shone like diamonds on black cloth, thanks in part to Tone's new boots and Mark's left foot step.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Definitely the huge verbal slinging match that resulted in the referee retracting a Curl Curl goal. Ah yes, gotta love division 8.
[ the final score : Seaforth 2 drew with Curl Curl 2 ]
[ the best player : Nick Porteous ]
[ the most improved : Troy White, Luke Vanem ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (2) ]
::. Seaforth vs CC Strikers - 1st June 2002 .::
Nothing could have stopped that goal that Troy scored. And as for Porteous.. well... he's a freak.
Oh yeah, and that little old hatrick from Rory. Not bad, really.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Nick scoring in his farewell match, (as predicted by Mike :)
[ the final score : Seaforth 7 def Strikers 0 ]
[ the best player : Nick Porteous ]
[ the most improved : Troy White, Luke Vanem ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (3!), Tony Wall, Nick Porteous, Troy White, Chris Poulsom ]
::. Seaforth vs BTH Raiders - 25th May 2002 .::
Yes yes, very busy.. stay tuned.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
When Tony snaffled a goal, pouncing on a loose (but completely stationary ball) to beat Mike to the score!
[ the final score : Seaforth 5 def BTH Raiders 3 ]
[ the best player : Graeme Barry ]
[ the most improved : Brad Hayse-Gregson, Alex Richards ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry (3!), Tony Wall, Opposition own goal ]
::. Seaforth vs Avalon - 18th May 2002 .::
Sorry.. I haven't uploaded it yet. Rest assured it was a great clash.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
When Alex had to run across the netball court to get the ball 5 times in a row, when Avalon kept kicking it out.
[ the final score : Seaforth 6 def Avalon 1 ]
[ the best player : Troy White ]
[ the most improved : Too close to call ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (3!), Troy White (2), Mike Barry ]
::. Seaforth vs Wakehurst - 11th May 2002 .::
by special guest reporter Graeme Barry
Well last week saw the mighty lineup square off against Wakehurst. We got off to the perfect start by forgetting (dunno who it was) to bring the match ball. Without any subs the first few minutes were just as good as Matt King went down in a scene resembling an ice-hockey match (at least from the far goal box). Luckily Matt was fired up by the crowd and battled on.
The eleven men on the field worked well and after being really nice and giving Wakehurst a fair go by passing up some chances, then proceded to execute them in a clinical manner. Everyone played heaps well and not only was the defence again rock solid in covering players and blocking shots, but the passes were strong and accurate.
Clearly the best player was me, but if I ignore the fact that I'd award myself mvp from the bench, there were a host of standouts. Denzil was in all sorts of dominance over whoever it was trying to outdo him. In fact, if Denzil hadn't sprung up like a panther when hacked in the legs by this guy then no one would've been able to tell anyone was playing against him. (If the last few sentences were heaps unclear, the general gist is that Denzil played the other guy out of the game). Rory too learnt all about the hack as he went for a header. Of course this didn't stop him nailing 2 goals. Other goals were scored by Luke, Matt, Chris, and Nick - who was clearly out of position at the time.
Mention should also be made of Nick's reaction to being called up for allegedly fouling an opposition player. In frustration Nick was heard to shout, "I've done my time on Maple Drive, ok?" (Ok, this is way too much of a private joke to be put in here but I think I'l laugh enough to make up for the fact that no one else is finding it funny).
Everyone else played well, with man of the match honours going to Denzil, and closely followed by Tony and Chris.
Especially funny to the neutral bystander is the fact that we paid the ref after the match. (Much more sinister sounding than it is). Thanks to Steve for doing a good job.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Mike putting the special moment from 2 weeks ago in here and nobody noticing.
[ the final score : Seaforth 6 def Wahehurst 0 ]
[ the best player : Denzil Crasta ]
[ the most improved : umm..? ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (2), Matt King, Chris Poulsom, Luke Vanem, Nick Porteous ]
::. Seaforth vs Narrabeen - 4th May 2002 .::
When an old lady that you've never met before comes up to you and says "Sonny, that was the best game I've ever seen", you know she must be telling the truth.
And indeed that was the case on Saturday last, when this reporter was once again present to witness the seemingly unstoppable momentum being gathered by mighty heroes of the Seaforth AL8s.
This was a match that had everything, as our heroes, invigorated with confidence after last week's shellacing (sp?) of Pittwater, demonstrated the sort of form that has seen them voted "most likely to be viewed as role models" the last 3 seasons running.
The good stuff started at the back, as the most feared defensive lineup in the league continued their stranglehold on posession, frustrating the Narrabeen strikers again and again. Man of the match Chris Poulsom and team badboy Nick Porteous once again found themselves in all the right places at all the right times. They stayed extremely cool under the pressure, particularly during a lengthy session of "somewhat questionable" challenges from the now notorious Narrabeen #12.
Lukas Venemous and The Crastanator, never happy to play second fiddle to their defensive couterparts, fed our midfielders like they were new-born babies, resulting in several crowd-enthralling passages of teamwork. The most impressive of these was finished off with a left foot goal from Mikeman, after some blistering pass-and go action from everyone's favourite giant-killer, Troy White.
Another goal came soon after, when tireless efforts from the injury free Tony "Broadway" Wall and the irrepressible BHG led to a Seaforth corner. That man Chris sent a beauty into the goal mouth, and after deflecting of several Seaforth bodyparts, Mike's melon was able to take credit for the ensuing goal.
(Um.. around this time, Narrabeen were awarded a direct penalty, due to an accidental handball by one of our heroes. They got it, though Grae made a great attempt. Ok.. back to the glory).
Our heroes began the second half exactly how they had finished the first - on fire. Marvellous Matt King and a fresh off the bench Rory Wheatley Show were able to capitalise on more excellent work from Troy, Tony and Alex "the arm" Richards, the latter sending Rory on his way to a goal care of the best throw-in of the season. Matt's brilliant lead-up work also saw Chris get off the scoring mark, thanks to a wonderfully convenient direct penalty.
Perfect defense, including an extremely entertaining save by Goalie "I can't see anything" Grae, gave us many more chances up front, and despite bringing the bevy of beautiful ISONFIRE cheerleaders to their feet several times, there was to be no more scoring on this perfectly created day.
If I were you, I'd be at the next match... this is one team that knows how to put on a show.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
There were many to choose from, but probably the best was Killer Chris Poulsom saving a goal with his foot after a scrambling Narrabeen corner.
[ the final score : Seaforth 4 def Narrabeen 1 ]
[ the best players : Chris Poulsom, Nick Porteous ]
[ the most improved : Alex Richards, Tony Wall ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry (2), Chris Poulsom, Rory Wheatley ]
[ special guest referees : Rory + Denzil ]
::. Seaforth vs Pittwater - 27th April 2002 .::
I'd like to introduce you to some friends of mine. You may remember them from such performances as "last year's semi-final", "that game againsty BTH", or even "the game when everyone was in Japan and the 6 players left were on the wrong end of a 0-20 scoreline".
That's right, you know who I'm talking about. They are the courageous and unique individuals that make up the Seaforth AL8s, and last Saturday, they made this reporter proud.
Of course, it's not the first time they've done that. Every time they pull on the Black and White (and recently, Red) and step out onto that field, they seem to bring new levels of excitement and flair to their game - excitement and flair that draws a loyal fanbase from far and wide, week after week.
So what made last Saturday so good?
Was it the capacity crowd performance of The Rory Wheatley Show? You know, the one that involves him scoring 4 magnificent goals and earning a well-deserved and team-voted Best and Fairest award?
Maybe. But it wasn't just that...
Was it the CBA* connection of Manchild Mark Liddell and Mighty Matt King that twice sent Rory, and once Matt on their way to goalscoring glory? *Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Maybe. But it wasn't just that...
Was it the awesome display by our heroic defenders? With Nickman "Stopper" Porteous and Chris "My last name ends with an M for Mother" Poulsom acting as emotional leaders, Oscar award winner Denzil and Tim Morris-Smith-and-Wesson (played like a gun!) turned in inspirational performances that lifted the whole team.
Maybe. But it wasn't just that...
You see, outstanding individual performances were only part of what made this game great. What really moved this reporter, and what left a lasting impression on all present on that splendid Autumn afternoon, was unity.
Unity that erupts into raucous celebrations when a goal is scored. Unity that allows one player to gracefully take a half game, so another can get on the field. Unity that shows itself with a pat on the back and a word of encouragement if you make a mistake. It's a special thing. And so it should be. Because this is a special team. Well done, heroes.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
What else could it be but Rory's incredibly emotional "fist-punches" following his second goal? Well done, Raw!
[ the final score : Seaforth 5 def Pittwater 1 ]
[ the best player : Rory Wheatley (as voted by our new system!) ]
[ the most improved : Tim Morris-Smith continues to turn heads ]
[ the goal scorers : Rory Wheatley (4!), Matt King ]
::. Seaforth vs Dee Why - 20th April 2002 .::
A magnificent autumn day (and Dee Why lagoon) played host to our heroes last weekend as they took the field against highly-fancied competition front-runners, DeeWhy.
When Tony "Don't you just love it when you drive an hour to the ground and then pull your hammy after 4 minutes" Wall went down early, the team was forced to reshuffle positions, allowing the 10 foot chocolate-selling machine Matt King to slot into striker with (almost) immediate results.
Family-man Rory Wheatley was also unlucky on several occasions, despite the cheers of several generations of Wheatleys on the sidelines, and with Mikeman and team Badboy, Nickman (you know you are Porteous!) both a little off target, it seemed this was to be a day of near misses up front.
But it wasn't all bad news for the fine stable of champions known as the Seaforth AL8s.
Making his onfield debut for the Red-White-and-Black Attack, centre back Killer Chris Poulson was outstanding, and his galant defender teamates rallied around him to hold out several promising Dee Why raids. Particularly impressive was Denzil The Crastanator Crasta, who postponed vital furniture delivery commitments for the sake of his much beloved team. A lucky Dee Why goal late in the half did not reflect the valour and courage with which ISONFIRE veterans like djSuperGoalie Grae and Venemous Luke Vanem played.
After a stern half time talking to about having their shirts tucked in, our courageous heroes returned to the pitch with renewed vigour and intensity.
Marvellous teamwork from our backs and midfield led to several thrilling opportunites, and eventually it was Nickman's through ball to RAW-ry and Elvis that allowed Mikeman to score the easiest goal of his life.
With the matched all tied up at 1 goal a-piece, and accompanied by the emotional cries of their loyal fanbase, the team you know and love showed some of the best teamwork seen their epic 3 year history.
The Big Man Alex Richards pursued the ball like a man possessed, while Troy and BHG were back to the trouble-making duo that have sent many an opponent running home to mummy.
When it was all said and done, however, the cruel hand of fate once again had it's way with our heroes, as a "possibly offside" Dee Why goal was allowed and full-time was blown.
A loss is a loss, but as usual, our heroes have nought to be ashamed of. Giving their all seems to be the only way they know, and for that they will be forever applauded.
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Definitely Nick, after being penalised, trying to untuck his shirt "angrily".
[ the final score : Dee Why 2 def Seaforth 1 ]
[ the best player : Chris Poulsom in an impressive debut ]
[ the most improved : Alex Richards ]
[ the goal scorer : Mike Barry ]
::. Seaforth vs Manly Vale - 13th April 2002 .::
Highlights included:
.: Pistol Pete Dymock, our special guest referee, doing an outstanding job against an opposition who insisted on acting like children.
You're the man, Pete.
.: Our heroes, absolutely dominating the first half, made several marvellous team plays which all missed the goal narrowly.
.: Manly Vale scoring off the only chance they had in the first half.
.: Our heroes took the field in the second half "noticeably lifted" (according to one spectator). Manchild Mark Liddell, on debut and complete with golden boots, continues to put our strikers into gaps. One sweet shot hit the top crossbar and rebounded onto the waiting forehead of Mikeman, prompting some serous celebration.
.: Nickman Porteous, after seeing what the Manchild had to offer, decided it was time to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Scored a nice "deflection" goal, as well as earning (but unfortunately missing) a direct penalty.
.: Rory Wheatley performs ball-o-batics (that's like acrobatics, only with a ball), bicycle chipping the goalie so that a "definitely onside" Mikeman could pick up his second.
.: Alex "out of retirement" Richards explodes out of goals and makes a serious impact on the midfield. He and Brad once again demonstrate an inabilty to quit.
.: Tony "I thought I'd hit the" Wall completes the marvellous victory by going on a solo mission that made the Manly Vale goalie look like a fat kid playing under 10s.
Our heroes performed many more wondrous acts that day, far too many to be written on any website. But this stuff has been written that you might know that these men are part of the most electrifying team in sports entertainment - the mighty Seaforth AL8 soccer team!
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Matt replacing Alex in goals, and donning a goalie jersey that was waaaay too small.
[ the final score : Seaforth 4 def Manly Vale 2 ]
[ the best player : Mark Liddell, Nick Porteous ]
[ the most improved : Brad Hayse Gregson ]
[ the goal scorers : Mike Barry (2), Nick Porteous, Tony Wall ]
::. Seaforth vs Curl Curl - 6th April 2002 .::
Special ISONFIRE moment:
Toss up between losing the ball in the bushes, and Mike swallowing about a kilo of sand from where the cricket pitch "used to be".
[ the final score : Curl Curl 5 def Seaforth 4 ]
[ the best player : Rory Wheatley ]
[ the most improved : Denzil Crasta ]
[ the goal scorers : Matt King (2), Rory Wheatley (2) ]
| Player Name | Goals |
| Rory Wheatley | 23 |
| Mike Barry | 20 |
| Troy White | 6 |
| Matt King | 5 |
| Tony Wall | 4 |
| Chris Poulsom | 4 |
| Nick Porteous | 3 |
| Mark Liddell | 3 |
| Luke Vanem | 3 |
| Mystery goal | 1 |
| Opp. own goal | 1 |
| TOTAL | 73 |