1ST GRADE

GAME #21
VS WOONGARRAH (WON 3-0)
August 20, 2017

Our final home fixture of the season saw us pitted against the aggressive Wolves from Woongarrah in a match that would decide third place and a spot in the playoff scheduled for Wednesday week.

We knew what we were in for physically after being outmuscled in Rd 1, but our belief in ourselves had grown considerably since our disappointing draw against Wyong nine weeks earlier.

The first few minutes was an arm wrestle and if it weren't for Micky Bowman and his excellent reflexes at the near post we'd have conceded the opener. Fortunately though we struck first with Matt Gravas serving up a beautiful free kick for Keelan Austen to head home into the top left corner. Our adrenalin was still pumping from the goal when suddenly Woongarrah made a run into our box drawing a penalty. Luck was on our side in this instance as the shot was sent wide. Woongarrah had another good chance soon after but our custodian Micky, who had joined us from his sick bed, again saved magnificently and we held our lead. Midway through the half we won another free kick, this time in a central area about 25m out. Gravo lined up to take it and their wall was set. Then in a lovely piece of thinking, Luke Nield, a left footer, charged in and took the kick unexpectedly from a different angle. And what a kick! Their keeper didn't stand a chance as the ball rocketed into the bottom left. We held on till half time and were pretty happy with the situation.

The second half had barely kicked off when Micky was again saving us, with another reflex save lowdown at the near post. Time then ticked by and we began to create chances on the counter. The first of which saw Keelan take a stab with his toe from the edge of the area which was as surprising to the their keeper as it was accurate, and he could only parry it. Mark Bellemore was Johnny on the spot to finish it off and we led by three.

The game still wasn't over and with 25 to play Woongarrah were awarded a second penalty. This time their striker stepped up and belted it to the left. But Micky B wasn't going to be denied a clean sheet and he saved magnificently! We squandered some of the best chances of the game after that but looked safe with only 5 mins of stoppage time to play.

Safe wasn't the correct term as Woongarrah, who had been hellbent on inflicting some form of assault during the contest, struck a devestating blow. Belly had outmaneuvered their centre back and won the ball near the sideline, so their player decided to dive in, cut Belly down and land on top of him. Mark, who is most ballsy (plural), suffered a dislocated and broken ankle as well as torn ligaments. A red card was shown to the gutless excuse of a footballer who as it turns out received a two match ban (reduced to one) while Belly is gone for the season, on crutches and unable to work in the short term.

The lads tried to comfort Belly in the sheds afterward but he was clearly in a lot of pain. That subsided though when the Ambos delivered him the 'green whistle' and he began cracking jokes and joined the lads in singing the team song whilst being stretchered into the Ambulance. It was a memorable day, which sadly ended on sour note. Whilst every player was great on this occasion, Micky Bowman was a standout but closely followed by Jacob Webb.

This match will live on in Tiger folklore.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #20
VS WOY WOY (WON 5-1)
August 13, 2017

After a scrappy affair the last time these sides met, we went into this confident our current form would hold us in good stead against a young side with nothing to play for. However after seeing the way Woy Woy lined up, with what appeared to be 5 forwards at the kickoff, we sensed there could be some unexpected danger.

Thankfully we produced arguably the best half of football of the season to score 3 goals and create countless more good opportunities and go into the sheds at 3-0.

Luke 'The Colgate Kid' Nield, who had been given the tap on the shoulder midweek to say that the coach was looking to reinsert the experienced Ben Wallington in the coming weeks, was out to prove a point. And boy did he do that! His quality crossing and excellent vision created not only chances, but also excellent attacking play. He set up our first two goals with crosses to Chiji 'Mendes' Olujie and Mark Bellymore, who both finished with expert headers. Then Sean 'share the goals' McLafferty, who had been literally running rampant down the right touch line, unselfishly left (or did he miss) a tap in, so that Keelan could control, spin and belt home our third.

Super happy at half time, the only concern was could we maintain it. To Woy Woy's credit they kept fighting. They were awarded a penalty 10 mins into the second half after a tangle in the box saw their striker go down. It was a 50/50 call which they made the most of. From there Woy Woy found more belief and sent more speedy raids forward. They missed a good chance at the back post with a header, and Wyoming began to vulnerable.

Fortunately Luke stepped up and drive home our fourth from just outside the 18yd box after some quality build up play down the right, including an assist by Belly. Then with 5 to play Keelan went two clear in the Golden Boot race when he stole the ball from their keeper on the edge of the box and toe pocked the ball expertly into the net.

This game showcased some of the best football Wyoming has played for a few years which was no mean feat considering Pat Mills was being rested. It also demonstrated that Woy Woy have some decent young talent coming through.

Huge match next week against Woongarrah which will go a long way to deciding the Top 3 and the chance for promotion.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #19
VS KARIONG (WON 3-0)
August 6, 2017

This was always going to be a danger game for us against the early season front runners, and a side who outplayed us the first time we met despite the score line reading 5-1 in our favour. Adding to the danger were the injuries being carried by Pat Mills, who had injured ankle ligaments last week, and Keelan Austen, who had been nursing an ever worsening calf issue for the past month.

To add to our cause though, Mighty Mark Bellemore was back in the starting squad and Ben 'the fridge is leaking' Wallington, returned after a month on the sideline with a hamstring tear.

We started a little sluggish but after quarter of an hour began to hit our straps and assert some authority. Our dominance started at our backline with Andrew 'Wattsy' Watts yet again proving to be the best marker in football, shutting down his opponent with apparent ease. Behind him was Anthony 'peanut brittle' Skinner, back playing the sweeping role for the first time this season. Skinner was exceptional in the position, creating time for himself and demonstrating his class on the ball.

Keelan put us ahead, literally, on the half hour with a Kariong defensive header ricocheting of Keels and into the net. From there we never looked back and whilst it was still only 1-0 at half time, we looked in complete control.

We kept our focus in the second half and continued to force turnovers with well timed pressure. The young Kariong side simply had no answers and looked a difference side to the one we met earlier in the season.

Our dominance was rewarded midway through the half when Belly chased down a ball on the Kariong byline and forced a turnover with a lovely slide tackle. He then sprung to his feet with the ball, scooted along the byline and cooly slotted from an almost impossible angle into the far corner. A goal reminiscent of his Grand Final heroics from back in the 2012 Reserve Grade victory, one that this author remembers fondly.

Our dominance continued to grow and we could've had a few more if not for being a little wasteful and some desperate Kariong goal line defence. The third goal sealed the deal in the final minutes when some well timed pressure from Keelan saw him gain possession in the box and pass across goal to Ben Farrell. As Ben moved in for the kill a Kariong defender desperately tried to stop him but could only manage to force the ball into the net.

This was a quality and dominant display and one that we can surely take confidence from moving into the final three rounds. Special mention must go to Pat & Keelan for putting the team ahead of their aching bodies to make themselves available to play. Such sacrifice and committment is what has helped to shape the spirit in this side as we continue to battle for promotion.

Man of the Match was Wattsy who was the best of a great bunch!

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #18
VS GWANDALAN (WON 9-0)
July 30, 2017

Up against Gwandalan who had a for and against of -72, including conceding 19 goals in their past two games, it would've been easy to go into this with the wrong mindset. But the lads knew it wasn't just 3 points we needed here, we also needed goals to improve our goal difference in order to jump Ourimbah into 4th.

Gwandalan gave it their all from the outset but were clearly outclassed. Whilst we only managed 1 goal in the first half hour, thanks to Pat Mills with some quality control then a nice finish, the early Gwandalan effort began to tell as they started to tire. Pat was brought down in the box and Keelan Austen converted the spot kick to make it two before some silky footwork from Anthony Skinner allowed him to unlock the defence and slide a ball through for Pat to grab a first half brace.

We spoke at halftime about being more composed and ruthless in front of goal. Our cause wasn't helped early in the second half with Pat injuring his ankle in a tackle. That saw Mark Bellemore return to the fold after five weeks away travelling. His impact was immediate when he was put in behind by Jacob Webb and found Skinner for a tap in. Skinner added another minutes later after Tim 'TV Week' Stirton owned his opponent in the air and the ball fell for Skinner who finished powerfully. The 6th was scored by Keelan off a corner and the 7th was a nice finish by Belly after a chipped pass from Rob Sproule, who continues to impress whenever he gets on in the top grade. Keelan kept the score ticking with a neat finish following an impressive move by Belly to beat his defender. The final goal was scored by the man of the month Matt Gravas who made no mistake with a volley from the edge of the box.

It was a scoreline we had hoped for and one that we deserved, with some impressive play against an outclassed opponent. Cause for concern however is the ankle injury to Pat and a worrying calf strain which our captain Keelan has been battling. Add to that the unavailability of the McLafferty brothers next week and Stirto who is doing the publicity rounds oversees following the success of 'his' TV Cop show on channel 7.

Man of the Match was Webby who monstered his opponent in the middle of the park with strength and skill.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #17
VS DOYALSON (WON 5-1)
July 23, 2017

Doyalson sit well down on the Div 1 First Grade ladder however in three meetings this year they have demonstrated a willingness to control possession with well organised shape. They may not have the best cattle but they are clearly well drilled. It was because of this that we struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half. However on the half hour Matt Gravas decided to chance his luck and struck a powerful shot (he reckons it swerved and dipped) that went straight to the keeper, however managed to find it's way through his legs into the goal. Any thoughts that this would break the shackles were gone when Doyalson, just before the break, scored an impressive goal from outside the 18 yd box.

Our season was very much on the line at halftime as failure to pick up three points would not cut it at this stage in the season against Doyalson. The lads spoke about it and came out in the second half intent to get the job done. Barely sixty seconds had elapsed before Pat Mills restored our lead following a goalkeeper fumble which fell into Pat's arms (literally) then trickled into the net. It was fortunate for us to be allowed but we were happy to take it. We continued to battle until the final 20 mins when we started to assert some dominance. First Andrew Watts, in the same week that he & wife Cassie welcomed baby Savannah to the world, made a smart and accurate cross into the box which found Pat. Pat drifted off his opponent, controlled well with his chest, then banged it home. The next saw Stirto, who had been moved to right wing from right back, seize upon a loose ball just inside the box and drive an unstoppable shot inside the left post. A quality and ruthless finish! Finally with only minutes to play, Rob Sproule who was making his second top grade appearance, made his way in behind the Doyalson defence then cut the ball back perfectly to Pat who finished ruthlessly for another hattrick.

An important three points but still a long way to go. Man of the Match again went to Matt Gravas who has had a super six weeks.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #16
VS TUGGERAH (WON 4-2)
July 16, 2017

This game had barely kicked off before Pat Mills made a well-timed run into the box on the right. Unfortunately he mistimed his shot however the ball popped up into the arm of a defender and we were awarded a penalty. Keelan Austin made the most of the opportunity with another well taken penalty and it seemed we were on our way.

Fifteen minutes later we were all square though when some poor attempts to clear our area saw a soft shot left to trickle into the far post before the rebound was pounced upon by Tuggerah.

Ten minutes before half time we were back on track when another through ball to Pat Mills was neatly finished from twenty five metres out. Then Keelan made it 3-1 with an unstoppable header off a corner that thundered into the back of the net and saw us take a handy lead into the break.

Tuggerah were sitting at the bottom of the ladder and never looked overly threatening in the second half. However we were wasteful with our opportunities by failing to convert two good chances early in the second half.

Matt Gravas, who is in the form of his life, put us into a more comfortable position by adding a fourth with 15 left to play. Tuggerah, to their credit, kept battling and were rewarded with a penalty late in the match following a mix up between our Sweeper and Keeper. They took their chance however that was as close as it got.

Notable mentions from our performance were the solid debut of Rhys Jones and the brave effort from our keeper Steve Bech who played with an injured heel which will now see him miss the next few weeks at least.

We drop to fifth following this match after Ourimbah scored a 9-0 win over Gwandalan and overtook us on goal difference.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #15
VS OURIMBAH (WON 3-0)
July 9, 2017

No excuses was the motto before this one as we faced a battle which would surely affect finals places later on. Then for the third game running Wyoming came out with intent and Ourimbah looked a shadow of the side presented in Rd 1. To get the Tigers rolling Keelan finished off an opportunity well from 10yds out. Some nifty play on the bi-line by Pat Mills saw him create what would've been a high class goal only to be denied by the post following a subtle chip. Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0 with Stirto following in from a save to finish off neatly.

The score line looked good at halftime but the football could've been more convincing. An injury to Ryan Mcnab saw the ever versatile Stirto switch to left back with Will Johnson given an opportunity to demonstrate what he could do with his blistering speed at right wing.

Our backline continued to do their job in the second half and were probably even more convincing than the first, Andrew Watts seems to be enjoying having Jamie McLaff alongside him as he put in a back to back Man of the Match performance. One player just as good in those two matches and our best over the past four has been Matt Gravas. It was just desserts then that he should secure the win with a determined run into the box to show for Keelan to lay the ball across. Gravo's finish was composed and convincing.

Whilst there are still aspects of the game to improve on, Wyoming again showed they are becoming a force at the right time of year. And with two weeks remaining until the full compliment of players is available there could be exciting times ahead.

(Words: Michael Kennedy, Photos: Megan Wallace)

GAME #14
VS UMINA (DREW 2-2)
July 2, 2017

Only one change following the Thursday night match against Budgewoi with Skinner coming in for the unavailable Luke Nield.

Both sides started well in what was to become a highly rated, entertaining & controversial match. Umina scored first off a deflected shot which left Bechy an impossible task. They carried that lead into halftime however it was very much a contest with Wyoming showing the same intent as they did against Budgewoi. Early pressure in the second half saw Wyoming awarded the first controversial penalty of the game. Sean Mclaff had scooped up a ball into the arm of a Umina player and a penalty was quickly awarded. Keelan took the kick expertly and we were back level. Not for long though, as the ref awarded Wyoming a second controversial penalty, which again could be argued was 'ball to hand'. Keelan made no mistake again and Wyoming were where they wanted to be.

Apart from the penalties, the referee known to many as 'Trent', had been relatively restrained in his involvement, and it could be argued he was doing an ok job (Umina may not agree). Then with 15mins to play Umina took a long throw-in deep into the Wyoming 18yd box. Suddenly and for no apparent reason the whistle blew & Trent pointed to the penalty spot. Then to back it up Skinner was dismissed for asking if the decision was a square up. Umina scored and the sides were level for the 5th time in 2 games this season. Five mins later the controversy continued with a soft yellow card being given to Chiji Olujie on the half way line. Chiji questioned an inconsistency in the refs comments and was then sent marching. The match finished 2-2, with both coaches fuming at the official.

The result doesn't help Wyoming greatly but their performance backed up what was seen on Thursday and confirmed that they are now, finally, heading in the right direction.

The aftermath of this match could prove costly however with Skinner receiving a two match ban, Chiji one and Ben Wallington being diagnosed with grade one hamstring tear requiring 3-4 weeks rest.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #13
VS BUDGEWOI (WON 2-0)
June 29, 2017

A shake up was called for in this column last week, and that's what we got as Wyoming went into this fixture with a number of changes. The formation was different and so was the cattle. Jamie McLafferty returned (why wasn't he there in the first place?) along with Rookie, Luke Nield playing in the #6 role.

The boys went out & immediately showed intent. Our attack looked threatening & our defence much improved. Any half chances to Budgewoi, who are a well coached but very young team, were quickly extinguished. Then 15mins in, Benny Wallington who was playing in a new position, made the most of an opportunity in the box with a well taken left foot shot.

That was the difference at halftime and Wyoming could be well satisfied with their display. Webby doubled the lead early in the second half following a well created opportunity off Keelan. The 2 goal buffer was never threatened after that as Wyoming looked safe at the back whilst continuing to threaten. This was a good performance and reports from inside the squad are that they lads are happy & somewhat excited to continue with this formation change.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #12
VS WYONG (DREW 2-2)
June 25, 2017

We started well and scored early thanks to a 'bomb' from Jacob Webb as he drove a heavy swerving shot into the top left corner from 20 out. That was backed up ten minutes later thanks to Keelan who tapped in neatly off a Pat Mills cross. Two nil up sounded good but our football wasn't great. Effort was there but execution not. Then a short time later Bechy misjudged a clearance and we paid the price, 2-1 at HT.

Second half we created half chances but our football wasn't good enough to create anything clear. 15 mins into the half some messy defending presented Wyong with a chance which they duly capitalized on. At 2-2 things didn't get any better and it was much the same for the remainder of the match including some half chances to both sides. Big questions were raised in this game about the way Wyoming play the 4-4-2 formation and the questionable attacking threat they pose with it.

(Words: Michael Kennedy, Photos: Megan Wallace)

GAME #11
VS KANWAL (LOST 0-4)
June 4, 2017

We were determined to bounce back following a loss the previous week and had regained the services of Pat Mills & Chiji, but loss the muscle of Ben Wallington to injury. Regardless, we started strong and created a number of half chances early and clearly played the better football. However approaching the half hour we conceded ANOTHER penalty, again through a reckless needless challenge on the edge of the box when Kamwal weren't in a scoring position. They scored then added a second right on halftime through a well directed corner.

The wind was out of our sail but our belief remained as we all agreed we were playing decent football. Unfortunately luck wasn't on our side this day and they scored a third early in the second half from a shot that looked more likely to trouble the kids playing down in the creek than Bechy, before it deflected off two defenders then trickled over the goal line. At that point we chased hard to get back into it but Kanwal's keeper was magnificent and relentlentlessly so. Kanwal didn't play the football which we did, however they attacked fast on the break. This is how they scored their 4th and we were fortunate for there not to be a 5th.

A good crowd had turned up for this fixture and the majority agreed that the score wasn't an accurate reflection of the contest. We can hold our heads high and hopefully continue to play well into the second half of the season to force our way into the promotion position.

Man of the Match: Keelan Austen, back to his skillful best and somehow denied an early goal which would've changed the game.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #10
VS WOONGARRAH (LOST 2-3)
May 28, 2017

(Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #9
VS WOY WOY (WON 2-1)
May 21, 2017

This match was as ugly as football gets. We were poor from the outset and struggled to string more than a couple of passes together at a time. Granted, we were missing a number of regulars, but I'd have expected that we had a little more depth to cover the loss of a few against a side low down on the Div 1 table.

Woy Woy play 1960's club football. Just boot it long and hope their young speedy forwards can make something happen.

We scored about 10 mins before halftime and it was a magnificent left foot half volley from Matt Gravas into the top right corner. Any hopes that this would break the shackles were dashed when we made a clumsy tackle in the box to allow Woy Woy to convert from the spot.

The second half was no better and another needless challenge in our box, though it could be disputed that the ball was 'touched' in the challenge, saw Woy Woy given another chance from the Penalty box. This time they missed thankfully and it was costly as we scored a controversial goal with 15 mins remaining after an offside player pulled out of going for the ball only to see Mark Bellemore pop up in the confusion and slot home the winner. Belly, who was playing out of position to cover for the injured Pat Mills, was outstanding and about the only shining light in this one.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #8
VS KARIONG (WON 5-1)
May 14, 2017

Quick off the mark again this week, Pat Mills opened the scoring inside 3 mins, after some some timely pressure and a smart pass by Mark Bellemore set it up. After that though, we saw it was no fluke that Kariong were at the front end of the ladder. They passed the ball forward neatly and had plenty of movement off the ball. What they didn't have though, was chances! Our backline was rock solid & then at the other end we took nearly every chance. It was 2-0 on 10 mins with Keelan Austen heading home after a flick on by Pat.

We went into half time happy but well aware that 2-0 is always a scary lead when the opponent is playing well. So to put that to bed early in the 2nd half, Ben Wallington put the polish on a nice move and cross by Skinner, with a beautiful header from beyond the back post. Just desserts for Ben after a stirring performance in the middle of the park.

A fourth was added with a composed finish by Belly after a Pat 'nutty' and Gravo airswing saw the ball arrive at his feet. Kariong got one back off a corner before Pat finished the scoring late with a good finish following slippery build up play by Keelan on the byline.

We didn't play our best football collectively in this match, but there were some fine performances individually. Belly was huge throughout (not literally in height terms) and Pat again demonstrated his quality attacking prowess, and took his fortnightly tally to 6 goals. The entire backline was great too, but it was Ben Wallington who was best on ground.

A big win, but a long way to go yet!

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #7
VS GWANDALAN (WON 6-1)
May 7, 2017

Newcomers to the Central Coast Football senior men's competition, Gwandalan arrived at the hallowed Alan Davidson Oval with only one win under their belt. But with experienced senior player Chris 'Frog' Fleming in their side we didn't intend to take them lightly. Our attitude was good from the outset however quality not so much and we struggled to create meaningful chances. Too much individual play at times when simple ball movement was being encouraged, led to frequent sloppy turnovers.

Regardless, after about twenty minutes we opened the scoring with good work down the right and a powerful worm burner cross finding a sliding Pat Mills to push home the first goal. 5 minutes later the lead was two when Matt Gravas attempted a long range chip which was fumbled backwards into the goal by Gwandalan's keeper. Our turnovers continued and 10 minutes from halftime we were made to pay.

Gwandalan took advantage of an extra man on a counter attack to find a free player inside the 18 yard box who slotted the chance to make it 2-1. Our third goal, minutes from halftime, followed quality defending by Sean McLafferty who cut off a Gwandalan attack over halfway. He then ran the ball forward into space and found Mark Bellemore outside the box on the left. Players in motion inside the box and a good pass by Belly found Pat free who took the opportunity well to again create a two goal buffer.

The second half was quite similar to the first and failed to reach any great heights. Keelan got his name on the scoresheet, whilst Pat added two more goals to make an early charge for the Golden Boot award.

Despite Pat's four goals, Man of the Match honour went again to Chiji Oluiji. Chij was excellent at left back. Strong as always in defence and arriving just in time to snuff out a couple of opportunities for our opponents. On top of that he delivered quality ball forward and continues to demonstrate his value since returning to the club.

Massive game next week against League leaders Kariong!

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy & Kevin Best)

GAME #6
VS DOYALSON (WON 3-1)
April 30, 2017

For the first time this season we faced a side who we'd already met, having managed an unconvincing 4-3 victory in our only match of the Pre- Season Cup. However we were short on experience that day and this time feeling much more confident.

It certainly showed as we continued on from the Anzac Day demolition of Tuggerah by scoring twice within the opening 7 minutes. Firstly through Mark Bellemore, then from the Penalty spot by Keelan Austen after excellent build up play by Matt Gravas, Anthony Skinner and Mark Bellymore (not to mention Keelan who did a nice step-over, or was it an Airswing, before Belly was brought down).

Confidence was high and our attack sparkled as we kept our foot on the peddle, creating good chances. Unfortunately we wasted each opportunity and couldn't add to our lead before the break. Meanwhile Doyalson demonstrated that they have some quality footballers in their side and played some pretty football in their back half.

We spoke at halftime about being more clinical and pressing more as a unit when the opportunity presented as our opponents played out from the back. What we didn't count on was over zealous defending outside our 18 yard box gifting them opportunities from set pieces. Unfortunately that is what happened early in the second half. The first two opportunities were saved by Steve Bech, however a third was taken well, and suddenly it was game-on at 2-1!

Our dominance waned and the chances we were creating in the first half no longer presented. Fortunately though, our backline remained solid and despite Doyalson continuing to dominate possession, they created very few half chances. The opportunities we did create in the second half were again wasted through rushed play.

Finally a good opportunity, not his first, was taken with five to play by Pat Mills and we secured a very important 3 points.

Man of the Match: Matt Gravas, who put in his second quality showing on the trot, in a sign that he is building into the season nicely.

(Words: Michael Kennedy)

GAME #5
VS TUGGERAH (WON 7-1)
April 25, 2017

Tuggerah were expecting bigger things this season according to their coach but weren't helped by the fact this fixture was played on ANZAC Day and they had a reduced squad. Regardless Wyoming played the football that has long been hoped for by their coach, considering the talent in the team. From the outset we were clinical and raced to a 2-0 lead on 10 minutes thanks to Pat Mills & Keelan Austen. Anthony Skinner constantly threatened down the right flank and scored twice, before the tally was added to by Mark Bellemore and a sublime Matt Gravas chip from thirty out. A late first half blemish saw us enter the sheds leading 6-1 and in complete control.

The second half began like the first and withing 90 seconds Ben Wallington had his first goal since the 2007 Champion of Champions Final. Whilst we couldn't add to that, we continued to play impressive football but just lacked a polished finish. Regardless it was very entertaining for the good crowd that showed up on a day dedicated to honour those who have fought to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. The match was a big step forward and hopefully a sign of good things to come, with plenty of ball movement and supportive runs. To match the effort on the park, the squad supported our sponsor, The Grange Hotel, by attending the after-match function in the best numbers seen for years. And boy didn't the beer taste good!

Man of the Match: Anthony Skinner.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Megan Wallace & Kerry Hepburn)

GAME #4
VS UMINA (DREW 1-1)
April 23, 2017

We ventured to the southern tip of the peninsula for this away match against long time rivals Umina, a match marked out early on the calendar as crucial to our hopes of clawing back up into the top flight. Despite missing Ben 'Darcy' Wallington from the midfield and Kenno from the backline, the boys were up for the battle. The addition to the squad of Chiji Olujie, who returned to the squad after a couple of years MIA, was a massive boost and he immediately had an impact. His strength, calmness and overall quality helped us to repel our opponents but also got us moving forward with quality ball down the left. Assisted by Wattsy, who was a rock as usual, and Benny Farrell, who continues to defy his inexperience, we looked relative safe at the back. In possession we were far more polished than recently, a sign that the big game was bringing out our best. Although chances were few, the first half was positive enough to give the travelling fans hope.

The arm wrestle continued in the second half with both sides probing. Umina had slightly more ball thanks to the ever reliable quality of 'Mose' who clearly enjoys the tussle against his former teammates. Another who has no problem lining up against Wyoming, despite assurances he would be returning this season, is Benji Gossen. It was he who opened the scoring midway through the second half following a turnover in our territory. This setback didn't deter us and we pressed for an equaliser. Thankfully it came following a free kick in the final minutes. A threatening ball from Matt Gravas was headed goalward by Keelan Austen then flicked on into the net by none other than Chiji. A glorious return that resulted in jubilant celebrations! We had half a chance to pinch the three points in the dying stages but were happy to settle for a gallant draw. Overall Ben Farrell was excellent again with his tireless forward runs but Man of the Match had to go to Chiji.

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Kevin Best)

GAME #3
VS WYONG (WON 6-0)
April 17, 2017

It was early on that we realised our opponents were considerably weaker than what we've faced in a long time. That didn't stop us from wasting opportunities and continuing to make bad decisions. We were slow to release the ball when quick play could've opened them up, then when we did play quicker we lacked the composure to execute well. Regardless we went into the break with a 1 goal lead courtesy of Ben Farrell scoring his second of the season from left back.

The second half began much the same and saw Wyong threaten on at least two occasions. Fortunately our custodian Steve Bech continues to prove the buy of the season and kept Wyong scoreless. The injection of fan favourite and Coast legend Marc Falzon on the hour mark saw the game quickly put to bed. 'Falzo' scored a hattrick (should've been 4?) and helped to open up their defence. Keelan and Matt Gravas also added to the tally in a game which looks better on the scoresheet than it did in reality. There appears a worrying trend in this side, with confidence low and a tendency to blame others for the performances. Individuals need to take accountability for their own shortcomings and improve touch, speed of ball movement and decision making, otherwise it's going to be a long and frustrating season.

Man of the match - Mark Bellemore. Does this guy ever stop running!

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Alistair Kennedy)

GAME #2
VS BUDGEWOI (LOST 1-3)
April 9, 2017

Caught out on a heavy track that looked good from the sideline, we failed to execute in every aspect of the game. Clumsy up front, wasteful through the middle and slow to react at the back. Despite dominating early possession, two long balls from Budgie resulted in 2 goals. A penalty earnt and converted by our skipper Keelan Austen put us back in the picture, before another long ball again had us scrambling and saw us concede a third before the break.

The second half was an improved showing at the back and through the middle, and saw us create enough chances to get home. However we failed to shoot when opportunities arose, opting to dish off instead. A desperate Budgie side gave their all and continually scrambled to preserve the lead. They were assisted when Luke Nield had a brain fade and got sent off for dissent with 15 to play. This was a very disappointing result which highlighted our lack of pace across the park as well as an ever increasing tendency to make poor decisions at critical times when attacking. Man of the match...there wasn't one

(Words: Michael Kennedy; Photos: Nathan Minter)

GAME #1
VS OURIMBAH (WON 3-1)
April 1, 2017

After a solid pre season in the gym with the trainers from the One More Rep gym the 1st Grade side came out with claws exposed and quickly slotted two neatly taken goals. The first was Mark Bellemore as his sneaky best, literally sliding under Ourimbah's defence, to pinch one after 5 mins. 10 mins later Pat Mills found space in the box on the right and didn't disappoint with a well taken finish inside the far post.

Two nil up didn't make it any easier with Ourimbah constantly threatening with their direct style of play opening up their speedy young forwards. Wyoming struggled to hold onto the ball for long periods, an issue which continues to plague the side. Ourimbah were awarded a penalty on the half hour which brought out a quality save from Steve Bech who has returned to the club following a few years away investing in business interests. The loss of Pat Mills before halftime to a worrying knee injury meant it was always going to be a nervous second half.

The second half began much the same as most of the first with Ourimbah continuing to play direct and asking questions of Wyoming's defence. A free kick on the edge of the box allowed Ourimbah to squeeze one under Bechy and force an anxious final thirty minutes.

Wyoming began to hold their own more after that and with twenty to play a dropped shot by the Ourimbah keeper was followed up and pounced on by debutante Ben Farrell who headed home the clincher. Ourimbah continued to produce decent chances but fortunately for the Tigers, couldn't make them count.

A very important win, however there needs to be significant improvement in a number of aspects of Wyoming's play if they hope to force their way back into the top flight for next year.

Man of the Match - Ben Farrell. Notable mention to Keelan Austen who continues to show an amazing ability to keep the ball under relentless pressure.