The Magnificent Seven

We arrived at our last game of the season with only 7 of our 16 available - but what a 7 - a whole hearted performance in temperatures of 80+ degrees saw us triumph in both games and become the only WDYFL club to win 100% of its league matches in 2009/10.

The first match saw Ollie take the GK bib (does anybody know where the shirt is?), with Rory and Joe forming the central defence partnership, Toby wide right, Adam wide left, Ben in the centre and Fyn in his accustomed place up front. In the first half yarnton played some good football and were strong defensivley, keeping us to a few half chances. One of these finally squeaked in, via a defender and their goalkeeper. The second half was a different story, with Cumnor kicking down hill and taking full control. Ben won a strong challenge, fed the ball to Fyn who put in a great cross for Adam to neatly volley home. The third was not long in coming, with Toby smashing in a left foot shot from outside the box. Cumnor dominated for the rest of the game, and could have added a few more goals, however we ended up with a comfortable 3-0 win and our 100% record.

The second game saw the same 7 players take to the field. Ollie started as captain and right midfielder, with Rory in the centre, Joe and Adam at the back, Toby on the left and Ben in goal. Fyn stayed up front and proved that, as a striker it doesn't matter how many you miss, as long as you keep popping up in teh right place you will eventually score. He grabbed a hatrick in this match, with all 3 of them being neat finishes. Ben, who swapped with Adam at half time, is also claiming a hatrick, though the dubious goals panel may need to adjudicate on one of his efforts. The match ended 6-0 and we could have doubled this score. Ollie went close on a number of occasions and his bravery with his head created one of Ben's goals. Rory tried hard to stay in the middle of the park (though it is obvious he is a natural defender), Toby recovered from a few knocks to make a strong contribution and Adam kindly did a stint in goal, playing even though he was not 100% well. Star turn in the second match though was Joe - he sat alone in defence for the second half and marshalled Yarnton very well. Not only was his tackling strong, but he was timing his interceptions well and then passing the ball to his midfielders - it was great to see this development in his play.

At the end of the second match we had 7 very red-faced boys (Rory showing his Aussie roots by claiming not to be hot even though the bright red face suggested something to the contrary). Everyone had made a fantastic contribution and we can all look back on a very successful season. Player of the week was a close run thing, with Joe and Rory in particular having great games, however, for the way he drove the team forward in the first match and for a cheeky hatrick in the second, Ben received the trophy.