Reserves match report by Ricky Onsman

Both sides had plenty to play for in this match. Balmain Rovers had to win to retain hopes of winning the Reserve Grade premiership. Prestons/Racing needed a win to separate themselves from the three other teams vying for fourth place and a spot in the knockout finals. For once, Coach Shaw's exhortations to start the game with full energy and commitment were heeded, which was just as well as the visitors were also keen to break through early. Appointed captain for the day (rather to his surprise), Erin took command from the back and organised his defence well, however, and Rovers were able to mount as many attacks as it was forced to repel.

About 20 minutes in, Dutch import Martijn Baars displayed some lovely individual opportunism, pushing forward into the attacking third of the field relatively unhindered and chipping the opposition goalkeeper to put Rovers on the scoreboard. Dave Ford similar flair and determination on the right side of the field to frequently bring the ball forward and lay it off for Rob and Tony to further test the Prestons defence. At the other end, Rovers defence held firm while the much maligned Wentworth Park also played a role in defying the Prestons attack.

Prestons started the second half with clear intentions to wrest back control of the match, but were initially held at bay. However, Rovers didn't seem as well organised as before and made some planned substitutions. Tony, Ricky and Martijn came off, making way for Andy, Wootty and Gareth. In no time at all, the visitors had put two goals past the previously impregnable Drew Schaper, and it seemed the shot at the title could be slipping away. The subs settled in however, and Rovers went back to putting the pressure on Prestons. Rob made a few solo runs - and a few more solo runs. Then Kristian maintained his recent run of sparkling form to put away the equaliser, and Prestons looked very vulnerable again.

Prestons were still throwing themselves at the Balmain defence but without success. Drew seemed to grow in stature, dominating his area in Shaw-like fashion. There wasn't a lot of time left on the clock when Captain Owens sent Jim Wragg into the box to contest yet another Balmain Rovers corner. The Yorkshireman rose majestically to head the ball authoritatively into the net, giving the Prestons goalkeeper no chance. And there it ended, with Rovers' unbeaten streak extended to seven. As it turned out, Botany also won so they remain top on goal difference, while the three teams locked on 18 points with Prestons also remained winless. 3-2.

Goals: Martijn Baars, Kristian Wiles, Jim Wragg
Pele Points: 3 - Erin Owens, 2 - Drew Schaper, 1 - David Ford

Firsts match report by Michael Penman

It was yet another balmy winters day in Sydney, 21 degrees I think, when the Balmain lads strolled out on to the park at Wentworth Beach. At times during the game it was difficult to see which team had the ball as the sand was forming a cloud around the infamous home ground pitch. Well the boys started strongly and had some good moves on, only to have the ref blow his whistle every time the sand got in his jock strap, which seemed to be rather often

A swift move out of defence saw Rob receive the ball in his own half, turn quickly and put a perfect pass through to Martyn who had only the keeper to beat … but he missed! But well done Rob, many thought you were shooting from within your own half but this is the new Rob who hasn't scored for weeks now but loves to pass all day long! Andy’s strong game dominated the midfield with strong tackles throughout (only to be pulled up constantly by the ref) but alas Prestons managed to pass around our defence twice to score. Let's not forget Jeff’s spectacular goal saving effort though, when the ball was kicked powerfully into his stomach forcing him to fall over backwards into the goal, with the ball dropping down onto the line to be cleared by the mighty defence.

It is also worth noting that Marsh apparently was playing in the centre of the park with Andy M, but none of the spectators or players realised this until after the game, when he whinged about how hard it was up there, especially on his old body. 0-2.

Pele Points: 3 - Andy McLeod, 1 - Martyn Farnworth, Dom Salomoni, Mike Stubbs

Div 7 Match report by Adam White

What can I say about this game? For 75 minutes we peppered their goal, then by the luck of the gods they scored from long range. Then we peppered their goal for a further 15 minutes. The game was very well natured - which makes a change - and the only person on the pitch who really didn't have a clue was the ref. I guess sometimes you just have to lose. 0-1.

Pele Points: 3 - Tony Madau, 2 - Dan Whaite, 1 - Morgan Bowling