The looming black clouds could have been construed as an ominous sign after the balmy playing conditions we'd experienced in the early part of the season but the Reserves, not being a superstitious mob, hoped that their return to Edwards Park would prove a No Repeat Work Day after their Grand Final defeat there last year.

It was somewhat ironic then that the Concord team we faced was made up in large part of the Abbotsford side that plunged the knife in during that very final. They were young, fast and hungry and it wasn't going to prove a day of retribution for the Reserves ... this time around.

Missing in action were Bruce "Don't make me keeper again" Fackerell, Emrys "Howard" Hughes and Brian "These boots were made for talking" Yeung, while Ricky "Chopper" Onsman was recovering from a bout of illness and Jon "Steamroller" Drea was hampered by an ankle injury that was further aggravated early in the game.

There were some early positives though - Donny "I didn't do it Y'r Honour" Nicholas had charmed his way out of a suspension on Tuesday and Sergio "My era's not over" Fiorenza was making a welcome return to the paddock after frequent sojourns to Australia's very own Home of Country Music.

From the kick-off the Reserves' well-oiled passing game was rusty round the edges and too often, too early, the ball was booted up field to little effect. The midfield combo of James "When's the baby due?" Mackie and Pier "Don't call me Beverly" D'Angelo were unusually quiet and our forwards Sergio, Jon (moved up because he could barely walk let alone run), Ben "Casey" Jones and Rob "Hat trick" Liney were starved of the ball.

Therefore, the backs had their work cut out. Ally "Braveheart" Haining, always ready to lay his body on the line, was mown down twice early on and the second time the ref suggested that perhaps he'd had enough. But it would take more than a few words from a pint-sized man in black to make Ally leave the field. His defence at left back (he would play three other positions before the day was out) was outstanding.

Late in the first half, Concord scored from a well aimed penalty that dropped into the top left hand corner and soon after they scored again after a melee in the penalty box. We were down 2-0 at half time. At this point, Jon retired injured after a stellar effort and Sergio was rested so he could front up again for the Firsts. They were replaced by Matt "Ship in the night" Linton and Nick "The new Ray Martin" Aganoff.

Down, but far from out, the team knew more composure was needed and passes had to start finding players running into space but the pace of the Concord side proved prohibitive. Also, Concord's trash talkin' started to get under the skin of some of Balmain's finest who, while easily matching them insult for insult (stand up Ally, James and Mikee), allowed the jibes to get under their skin, and to take some of their focus off the game.

Hope was restored when Ally planted one into the back of the net but from their kick-off they returned the serve and it was 3-1. From that point they peppered our goalmouth, putting the ball over the top and chasing hard. On two more occasions they were successful (though the less said about their final goal from their pre-pubescent stick insect sub the better).

Other noteworthy moments in a game lacking noteworthy moments? The tireless Ben put a neat one over the crossbar for a near miss; the ref went down in the back play in an unsighted incident, James was yellow carded but the incident wasn't recorded and arguably Concord's least popular player, their speedy, loose-lipped No 6, missed a direct penalty much to the delight of the Rovers.

Disappointing? Sure, but we remain third on the table and now have some measure of what we'll be up against in the finals. And there's still the next round to wreak our vile revenge.

The Pele points go to:

Well my first thought for today was "What the ...? Finally, a day more bearable for a soccer player". Then I got to the ground. Memories came blowing back of the wonderful conditions we endured the last time we played here. And again I thought that we were to play in those same conditions.

Playing with a side that is looking more and more different every match, due to injuries plus the odd no-show, we were still confident of playing well and coming away with a win.

Unfortunately straight away the wind blew - but it was the ball this time, going into the back of the net. This was a shock to all and not something that we had been accustomed to. We were looking rather unsettled and then not long after - it happened again. This was definitely new territory. But to our credit, we were able to combine and settle and soon be in a position where we might be able to get back into the match. Then - a cross into a knot of bodies and Eddie got his head to it and steered it into the back of the net. There was a nervous moment as it seemed it might just take a turn to the outside but then relief that it went it the right way. Balmain definitely lifted and took more control of the game, and that was the way the first half ended.

The second half started with a few changes made to bring some semi-fresh legs that were able to add to the team, and we definitely looked more dangerous. Some great runs were made down the flanks, coupled with penetrating runs through the centre. We were rewarded again for the hard yards put in by all those on the field with an equalising goal. There continued to be more and more chances but none ended in the goal that we were waiting for.

As everyone's legs got more tired, frustration crept into the side as we were needing to go harder, then even harder as we lost another to the sideline illness. Forced to play with only 10 players on the field this was a test for all, and they were up to the challenge, continuing to push and look for that goal. One player down turned into two when Eddie also did something to his ankle.

The story goes on, but the score line stayed the same. 2-2 was not a totally dissatisfying result given the circustances, but credit to the boys who continued to fight and show they are a team that will not accept a they have met a better one and will rise to any occasion to show themslves to be the superior side.

The Pele points go to:

2 - Dave Hynd
2 - Paul Edwards
1 - Patrick Nolan
1 - Kon Tsalikis