A rite of passage - 25/05/98

Well, what a game on Saturday! The Orcas were playing Metro Lions. They were short a couple so we gave them Harry, second best player and one of only two goal scorers in the team. The other coach was pretty impressed that he was subbed someone who was clearly a good player. And then the game. Joseph, the Pele of the team, and Harry were all over the place. I reckon Harry had about 60% of the ball when the Lions were in possession. Joseph took his time and got a goal in the first half, putting us up 1-0 at half time. There were red-faced boys everywhere, the game was up and down the field. I was knackered myself from following them around. Lots of them were becoming on-field spectators, having a little rest now and then. Then, in the second half, Rory got the ball in the clear, one person between him and the goal. He managed to get around them, although it wasn't easy, and with one opponent on his heels, it took two or three more kicks to get his first GOAL!!!! I was pretty happy, he was too. It made me very proud, to say the least. Diana said she could see me beaming from the sideline. I have to say I didn't hide my emotion very well (ran across the field, high five, managed to stop short of throwing him in the air) His friend Ryan had a really good game, keeping things going in the midfield and doing what we had trained earlier in the week, so he got the player of the day. Will be Rory's turn soon. Towards the end of the game, Adam was a crumpled heap on the ground, I went over to him and asked if he was okay. "Can't we stop now?" was the plaintive whimper. They were all knackered. Harry took the Orcas to the closest they have ever come to conceding a goal, about two feet from the goal mouth. He had a really good game playing against the rest of the team. It was good practice for them to have such a tough game, prepare them for the team that will score goals. Final score was 2-0, closest result we have had so far. We told Rory he could do anything that he wanted after the game, so we went to Macdonald's and he had four hash browns and a muffin. Been eating a lot lately, he has. The whole team is going to Macdonald's next Saturday after the game, for a team building exercise.
Three games, haven't conceded a goal, they are doing really well. Have to keep reminding them about defence, although that did get tested on the weekend. At one point, they kicked the ball straight in front of their own goal from a goal kick, luckily Joseph was onto it and got to about half way before anyone caught him but that was a bit scary.
Now onto the less important sports. In rugby, the Blues narrowly beat the Otago Highlanders, and the Canterbury Crusaders narrowly beat the Coastal Sharks. All kiwi final at Eden Park next weekend. Not going, although now I think I would like to a little.
We have been getting dorked by the Australians in the netball, although they came back in the second half on Saturday night. The captain is useless. She was put on the bench for most of the second half.
The Gal Blacks apparently hate that name, they are going to be the Golden Ferns. What crap.
Some progress in the Ben and Olivia case, no arrest yet but they say they know who did it they are just manufacturing some evidence. Continuing controversy with Police and Firefighters.
Went to see US Marshalls the other night, not a bad movie, in fact quite good. Helps if you have seen the Fugitive.
Went to Hammerheads for lunch on Saturday for Tracey's 37th birthday. Was also 11th anniversary of me and Diana meeting. Food was okay but not spectacular. Saw Cath and Don (Mum), sat next to them and had a chat.
Have to think of a sensible way of making the house a little bit bigger. Seems to be a long shot at this stage. Also only a month until we go to the Gold Coast for a little holiday. Weather is getting colder but rain hasn't really happened that much so far, fingers crossed.

The Things They Say
Last night at the dinner table, I was misbehaving (spitting kinder surprise eggs across the table) and Hannah told me off. She stood on her chair and pretended to beat me on the head.
I said "Is this what Mummy does when you are naughty and I'm not home"
"No, Penny!" Hannah says "with a stick!"

On that basis I think I will be careful not to leave Penny alone with the kids from now on.