MATCH REPORT: by James Austin

Match: Balmain AA6B v Earlwood
Venue: Easton Park
Date: Saturday 16 May 1998
Time: 1.00pm kick-off

Another wet day saw Balmain Bs take on last year’s training partners Earlwood at Easton Park. So far this season Earlwood had recorded only one draw, no wins and three losses, including a 1-7 thrashing by Five Dock A.

Early in the match, it became apparent that the Earlwood team had received back a couple of their better players (eg Igor) who had not played so far this season. Earlwood’s intensity was felt immediately, with our backs coming under early and sustained pressure. Despite new coach Pier’s creative ideas, our midfield again went missing in action. Five minutes into the game, the referee (who’s afraid of rain) awarded Earlwood a goal by Richard that had not actually crossed our goal line. Despite much protest (and agreement by Earlwood), the referee stuck to his decision.

Within minutes, Earlwood had scored again, this time via a ‘rocket shot’ from Igor. This goal was fair beyond doubt.

Balmain lifted themselves and made several concerted attacks on the Earlwood defence. All of the attacking moves were made from either of the two wings, with our midfield remaining a black hole in both attack and defence. An attacking move via the left wing resulted in an Earlwood own goal following a cross that, in the wet conditions, found its way through several of the Earlwood defence and their goalkeeper. The score became 2-1 in Earlwood’s favour.

Our goal lifted the Earlwood team. They rallied and scored five goals within 20 minutes.

Jamie Flintoff must be given credit for what must surely be the ‘legal hit’ of the year, when he drove Igor deep into the mud to stop him shooting within the penalty box.

Balmain were disgraced by the half time score of 1-7.

The second half was much better, with only two goals going in (one of which was very soft). Adam achieved some amazing saves, and is without doubt the Pele Medal point winner for this week. Russell was inspirational in attack, providing perhaps our only shining light. Final score: 1-9.

Balmain Bs - this is our darkest hour. Stand up and be counted!

The Pele Medal points go to:

Adam Newcombe 3 points
Russell Borman 2 points
No other player deserved a point

NEXT GAME

Match: Balmain AA6B v Balmain AA6A
Venue: Callan Park
Date: Saturday 23 May 1998
Time: 1.00pm kick-off

Pele medal count:

4 Borman
3 Bacic, Flintoff, Newcombe,
2 Austin, Onsman

Don’t forget that Norman and Pier have thrown open the doors of their delightful inner city terrace to team members who want to watch the Rugby League State of Origin match on Friday 22 May. The fun starts at 7.30pm. Bring your own consumables. The address is 304 Moore Park Rd, Paddington - right across from the Sydney Football Stadium! RSVPs etc to Norman at home on 9361 0451.

From the FIFA rulebook:

--- Law 15 : Off-side ---
1. A player is in an off-side position if he is nearer to his opponents' goal-line than the ball, unless:
(a) he is in his own half of the field of play, or
(b) he is not nearer to his opponents' goal-line than at least two of his opponents.

2. A player shall only be declared off-side and penalised for being in an off-side position, if, at the moment the ball touches, or is played by, one of this team, he is, in the opinion of the referee
(a) interfering with play or with an opponent, or
(b) seeking to gain an advantage by being in that position.

3. A player shall not be declared off-side by the referee
(a) merely because of his being in an off-side position, or
(b) if he receives the ball direct from a goal-kick, a corner- kick or a throw-in.

4. If a player is declared off-side, the referee shall award an indirect free kick, which shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred, unless the offence is committed by a player in his opponents' goal area, in which case the free-kick shall be taken from a point anywhere within that half of the goal-area in which the offence occurred.

Here’s yet another 1998 World Cup squad:

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