tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75562854477005171732024-03-18T19:54:50.034-07:00MarinthiansWe win at PPC. We sometimes win at footballtehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-29553847724365527142011-10-28T09:29:00.000-07:002011-10-28T09:29:30.162-07:00Marin World Cup: Round 1 - To be a "Winner" or a "Loser"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cZNtJ4GO9y-nMP8Rhbk4gi1ZExMryqqkdaTPtRPcYmx2r-49Qg8ev3L1mzqRPCDNFkR_aJDS6o-guhtIE72prNmtJslTpVprygkqeh1wP92tkrAKQQrV_SnXhjgukA9iTH9KxJhvTcI/s1600/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252830%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cZNtJ4GO9y-nMP8Rhbk4gi1ZExMryqqkdaTPtRPcYmx2r-49Qg8ev3L1mzqRPCDNFkR_aJDS6o-guhtIE72prNmtJslTpVprygkqeh1wP92tkrAKQQrV_SnXhjgukA9iTH9KxJhvTcI/s320/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252830%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As avid followers of this rather protracted blog are aware, The Marinthians have been a unit for over a year now. Over this year, players have come and gone, and every week we play an agency for fun and good times. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we always know that there will be a drink in the pub if we want it.<br />
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So a year down the line, a tournament was arranged pitting us into battle with seven other agencies to duke it out to hold the coveted title of Marin World Cup champions. Held in deepest darkest Wandsworth, each team had to first traverse the daunting prospect of a journey through South West London and locate the Wandle Recreation center, the location of the tournament.<br />
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Some teams clearly found it easier than others, with a worried looking Le Plop eagerly awaiting the arrival of the teams. Owing to a combination of late taxis and London traffic, many teams arrived seconds before kick off, but they did all arrive. We were ready to play.<br />
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Taking part were team members from:<br />
<br />
OMG 1 (Access and MG OMD)<br />
OMG 2 (International and PHD)<br />
Big Mouth Media<br />
Agenda 21<br />
Zenith/Performics<br />
Tradedoubler<br />
Starcom Mediavest<br />
<br />
Ensuring each team would play three games of two 20 minute halves, the first round would determine who would enter the "Winners" and "Losers side of the draw. With Marinthians seemingly drawn (entirely at random) into the easier side of the draw, the team were confident for a positive outcome. <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_tMCdyn1lAw4PkYWVg-r87dHenHky_uAq26XWXt0WMn97MsTpedFXWAmtLLQuS8Dm939iHNc2wGS-eT9geWUa3U8ifvnbCaU1g50LxBbY_gCoyRwe6RGhm6XTZf1boXMN6pVaWr-em0/s1600/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252840%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_tMCdyn1lAw4PkYWVg-r87dHenHky_uAq26XWXt0WMn97MsTpedFXWAmtLLQuS8Dm939iHNc2wGS-eT9geWUa3U8ifvnbCaU1g50LxBbY_gCoyRwe6RGhm6XTZf1boXMN6pVaWr-em0/s320/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252840%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b><u>Game 1 -> Marinthians vs Tradedoubler</u></b><br />
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Having been drawn against Tradedoubler in the first round, we definitely felt a win was achievable, having beaten them 2 out of 3 times that we had played them previously. Adopting the red kit, they looked ready to draw blood.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/118222851867265556020/MarinWorldCup2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLPL6bfIltKrZQ&feat=email#5668478724096736882">VIDEO</a><br />
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The actual game was very close for a long while. Even though Big Bad Bill (I have been finger wagged by the "Manager". Apparently it's Viduka) nailed a fierce finish into the left corner to secure the first goal of the tournament, the Tradedoubler boys just kept on coming. Scoring right on half time, the Marinthians went into HT a comfortable 4-2 up.<br />
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As all 4 first round games kicked off at the same time, it was pretty keep up to date with the goings on around the grounds. The Starcom vs OMG 2 game was turning out to be a cracker. With Starcom going in 3-2 at half time, it was an unexpected lead as the OMG 2 team were well fancied. OMG 1 were well fancied from the start of the tournament and were playing well against a strong Big Mouth Media side, leading 3-1 at half time. I genuinely have never seen such a tall five a side team in my life! Finally, Agenda 21, or Agenda 4 as they were later known (sadly they were struck by last minute withdrawals and had to battle on with borrowed players) struggled against a composed Zenith/Performics side and were already 6-0 down at half time.<br />
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As the second halfs kicked off, Marinthians pushed on. They knew that last goal before half time had disheartened the TD team and were going for the jugular. As soon as Scouse entered the fray, he rampaged around the TD team like a prancing stallion and lashed home goals for fun. Before they could do anything about him, he had notched a couple of goals and TD were shell shocked. As the final whistle was blown, The Marinthians had come through as 7-3 winners and qualified for the "Winners" half of the tournament. Job done.<br />
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On reflection, the team had looked calm and had played as well as I had ever seen them play. Wikka in goal looked composed, although he did look prone to lapses of concentration. Passing it straight to the opposition for them to score is not a particularly good tactic. With Pilks marshalling the defence and Scouse smashing them in, we looked like a solid unit and rightfully fuelled haughty expectation in the Marin camp.<br />
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As the results from the other games started to filter in, there were some genuinely surprising scores. OMG had been pushed hard in their game and had overcome the BMM threat 6-4. BMM would fall into the losers tournament, but looked good to secure that trophy. Agenda 4 had struggled at half time, but were absolutely ripped apart after the break succumbing 17-0 in the end. The players were remarkably still in good spirits. The last game to finish was an epic encounter. As close as the Starcom game was at half time, OMG 2 surged into a 6-5 lead. With only seconds left on the clock, Starcom snatched an equaliser and saw a final shot skied into the trees, to be lost to nature. We had our first penalty shoot out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIskHBWxTLL8yiS0eS0KikjG9uBwCKW34jwqqJN0r-4w3MNIH8fiTUvsxCM6e9yr4q7Ecb_1UzvnCM_gmW8V1OiejnyNfgbvLydzqF-uytEJJeqAqk5ZSB6v6d0YtHMd5RliFImBj7-k8/s1600/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252897%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIskHBWxTLL8yiS0eS0KikjG9uBwCKW34jwqqJN0r-4w3MNIH8fiTUvsxCM6e9yr4q7Ecb_1UzvnCM_gmW8V1OiejnyNfgbvLydzqF-uytEJJeqAqk5ZSB6v6d0YtHMd5RliFImBj7-k8/s320/Marin+World+Cup+2011+%252897%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The rules in 5-a-side are first to 3 and then sudden death. However, nobody expected what was to come. With OMG stepping up first, they confidently slotted it in. Goal followed goal followed goal, with both sides unrelenting. OMG 2 were the first to buckle, only to see Starcom follow suit. 9-8 down, Starcom stepped up and missed. OMG 2 went through to the Winners tournament. Absolutely epic.<br />
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So the next round ended up like this:<br />
<br />
Winners: Marinthians vs Zenith/Performics<br />
OMG 1 vs OMG 2<br />
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Losers: Agenda 21 vs Tradedoubler<br />
Big Mouth Media vs Starcom<br />
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Frisking the fixtures, The Marinthians were facing up to a tough match. Having seen Zenith put 17 past Agenda 21 without conceeding, they looked like the surprise package of the tournament. The juiciest match up was clearly the all OMG tie, with OMG guaranteed a presence in the final. One to look out for.<br />
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In the losers final, it was really all about who was going to get that Wooden Spoon trophy. Agenda 21 depleted and no doubt tiring due to their lack of subs and previous drubbing did not look great, but were going to be playing a TD team lacking in confidence. BMM looked strong, but so did Starcom so another great match in the offing.<br />
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Stay tuned for all the action from the next round....tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-38225738110233713322011-10-24T06:01:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:01:55.928-07:00The Marin World Cup (27th October 2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dfMHFVdOg-NSg6OGy3Ph3vzRWKVPZxwAevphsSt8DFH7LEvoqwsdwnkbXod7Muhuhh3pMJNFNbVsK52MrMX7C1iUeGB7uTqAiKiGsFIIhd-kpcTnZ8tOAVhqCa_9BMLwjcnzjiqioz4/s1600/trophy.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dfMHFVdOg-NSg6OGy3Ph3vzRWKVPZxwAevphsSt8DFH7LEvoqwsdwnkbXod7Muhuhh3pMJNFNbVsK52MrMX7C1iUeGB7uTqAiKiGsFIIhd-kpcTnZ8tOAVhqCa_9BMLwjcnzjiqioz4/s320/trophy.gif" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear all followers of the Marinthians and their exploits,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I appreciate that this has hardly been updated in many moons, but I have returned to announce a most monumental event. On the 27th October 2011, Marin will be hosting the inaugural Marin World Cup, a battle to see who really is the best. We go in with optimism, but will be pitted against 7 of our agencies in an effort to see who really is the best.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have set up a twitter account to follow the progress on the day (@TheMarinthians) so please dial in to find out how your team is doing on the day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The format will comprise of 4 preliminary round games where the Winners of these games will go into a mini tournament, and the losers into their own mini tournament.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The draw is as follows:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Game 1 - OMD/PHD vs Starcom Mediavest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Game 2 - Bigmouth Media vs Access/MG OMD</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Game 3 - Zenith/Performics vs Agenda 21</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Game 4 - Marinthians vs Tradedoubler</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep an eye on this page for full updates and on the twitter feed for live updates from all the games.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">GAME ON!</div>tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-41084689093122412462010-11-11T02:06:00.000-08:002010-11-11T02:06:49.996-08:00Match 7: Marinthians vs OMD UKI am not in the habit of writing up bad performances but for journalistic integrity, I thought I would convey last weeks result in as few words as possible.<br />
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17-2 to OMD UK.<br />
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They were very good. Leading from the back with a keeper who threw himself at everything and distributed the ball with precision, up to their big center forward who never appeared to be marked (be it by good movement off the ball or terrible marking), the Marinthians were made to look terribly ordinary.<br />
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Even with a few players out, we really should still have done better. A lot better.<br />
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Let's hope we don't experience the same humiliation against Zenith this week. COME ON MARINTHIANS!!tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-10324189331014944602010-11-01T06:52:00.000-07:002010-11-01T06:52:50.185-07:00Match 6: Marinthians vs Agency 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQE-Eu7T6VijT1RW4zbh8oCPURZ29fjKmU6CaRD4uDYHGGPXNoNDzuJCFU78E2bWSo74Z8rteYVRnR7LvQWCg_HDsl2u-Bf4rrRGTxH-NZp9gIuDmO_xKmSA7fFHpfNIUunl8tIs3kB0/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQE-Eu7T6VijT1RW4zbh8oCPURZ29fjKmU6CaRD4uDYHGGPXNoNDzuJCFU78E2bWSo74Z8rteYVRnR7LvQWCg_HDsl2u-Bf4rrRGTxH-NZp9gIuDmO_xKmSA7fFHpfNIUunl8tIs3kB0/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Another game and another victory, Marinthians march on. Unfortunately, I was once again not in attendance but reporting and photography are courtesy to our two favourite pitchside reporters, Barbara and Karen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Karen writes:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Agenda 21 came out strong drawing first blood 5 minutes in. With 3 subs available to our none, it looked like they were going to run circles around us. So it was nail-biting stuff until 5 minutes later, Will opened our game. From then on, it was a land slide. Agenda saw the goals again 34 minutes in, and came back fighting with 5 minutes left, but it was a classic case of “too little too late”. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In spite of Marin’s awesome display of team work and skills, I would nominate Steve as man of the match, who played goalie for Agenda 21 for the whole match. The man has skills, and had it not been for him, Marin’s score would have looked more like a cricket game"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So another comfortable victory making that 3 wins on the trot for the Marinthians. Next week sees up against OMD UK once again, with the Marinthians keen to overturn their previous defeat. Come down and support, and join us for a swift post game beverage in our local boozer!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOgNBpiGPf4LULaCV_-GxcIDhwEXnWk_ACg3X5PT5Xxwg0E9L71MO6m5hr4Dvj1aBhciu_SuTI8WxIrN2Q430et8gmU_-3fOUbU7G-YN1TbbkTNIH4SEX53-EIwfdMR-ZF2QxjGOFwUg/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOgNBpiGPf4LULaCV_-GxcIDhwEXnWk_ACg3X5PT5Xxwg0E9L71MO6m5hr4Dvj1aBhciu_SuTI8WxIrN2Q430et8gmU_-3fOUbU7G-YN1TbbkTNIH4SEX53-EIwfdMR-ZF2QxjGOFwUg/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>MARINTHIANS 14 – 5 Agenda 21</b><br />
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• Gaffer x 4 (11,16,21,38)<br />
• Razor x 2 (13,30)<br />
• Willie x 3 (10,17,50)<br />
• Benj x 3 (25,29,48)<br />
• “Frank” x 2 (23,42)<br />
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Agenda 21 goals on 5,34,46,47,49 <br />
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(times of goal in brackets. 51 minutes played)tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-34496809805286327832010-10-22T04:27:00.000-07:002010-10-22T04:27:17.318-07:00Match 5: Marinthians vs Starcom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1LGZX2qt-57xcnLrWOP3YAn4a-6ZfMV9gnwBs97HDSzqNtoO0TCIOBPoRCcoFQ-lNqTLRyGEbUTZSdMTzvC9FoHDNyYcfT0Ab_d72jGioQ7eFpo1zPlWzGCQAh3xsC43hyP1Zdh5xoI/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1LGZX2qt-57xcnLrWOP3YAn4a-6ZfMV9gnwBs97HDSzqNtoO0TCIOBPoRCcoFQ-lNqTLRyGEbUTZSdMTzvC9FoHDNyYcfT0Ab_d72jGioQ7eFpo1zPlWzGCQAh3xsC43hyP1Zdh5xoI/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It pains me when I can't make a Marinthians game. Admittedly, the last few weeks have been akin to following Newcastle. One week there are intense highs after a memorable victory, followed by serious lows after having lost games we really felt we should have won. I had no idea what would come of the game against Starcom, but I had previous commitments which meant I left the reporting duties to Karen and converted Marinthians fan, Barbara.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, it turns out like I missed a corker. Starcom pulled up with a full five in their ranks, but unfortunately they couldn’t keep up with the sheer power of the Marinthians. The four game practice advantage clearly showed on the pitch, with the Marinthians running absolutely rampant. The gaffer, with his laser precision boot, smashed home 2 goals in the first two minutes, and once Razor added to his ever burgeoning tally and Willie finally finding his scoring boots with a five minute hat trick, Starcom never really had a chance of fighting back. By half time, the Marinthians had stormed into an 11 nil advantage, with their goal remaining unsullied.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JdjCq1UDoi-aMEL8kc9uXW7lhZRpNUKwUmYNQdtsOVpbgl-sV0uDKFVOyIHzudotIw-Fx7F7InKInRhhSS_34fiO3cKzrkm7yhzwBJE6sP8blSqD5hnxN8fueXKQTVJKWnhf0JFI3ZE/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JdjCq1UDoi-aMEL8kc9uXW7lhZRpNUKwUmYNQdtsOVpbgl-sV0uDKFVOyIHzudotIw-Fx7F7InKInRhhSS_34fiO3cKzrkm7yhzwBJE6sP8blSqD5hnxN8fueXKQTVJKWnhf0JFI3ZE/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shortly after half time, I think Starcoms lack of fitness was showing and Wicka swapped sides to give them a little bit of relief. It definitely seemed to help as Starcom scored their first goal shortly after and clawed themselves onto the scoreboard. It couldn’t stop Marinthians hot scoring streak, however, as each member notched one in the “Goals scored” column, with the gaffer upto 9 goals at this stage (he was to end the day into double figures, taking home a tally of ten). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Willie consequently swapped sides with one of their players and the game became more even, with Starcom starting to hit their stride late into the game. A few more goals from either side (one with Wicka scoring for Starcom) and the game ended a rather one sided victory for the Marinthians. A relatively easy game for the Marinthians but a good run out nonetheless. Gaffer scored a hatful and Grizzlee even made a save, check out the vid below!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlo58eGDmb_HhNXvjt0mHlLDlLHyWJoUt09Yq0KcoxIFuAvvzY41cNmCEIrRtiMuG6s0dBtUP_OtZLDFcHug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>MARINTHIANS 22 – 5 Starcom</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Gaffer x 10 (1,2,13,14,16,19,30,36,37,52)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Razor x 3 (4,40,45)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Willie x 5 (6,7,10,24,43)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Wicka x 1 (15)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Whitestick x 1 (28)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Grizzlee x 1 (31)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• “Frank” x 1 (39)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Starcom goals on 26, 38, 41, 43, 48 (last one by the turncoat Wicka!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(times of goal in brackets. 52 minutes played)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>*All documentation of goals and pictures are courtesy of Karen and the video was kindly supplied by Barbara*</i></div>tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-13462598779865925102010-10-11T10:32:00.000-07:002010-10-11T10:32:03.541-07:00Match 4: Marinthians vs TradeDoubler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSPS2Z-1t9aZSbnm3Ci7QaTO52P5OvnUlRZZE-gtQU1HnWDDe7ms1Sm4tFOz-rx9T7KFbdY2qWN_iBPiw_KK0zwhcTt1aUCida3Okm3SeOvuHH-vcXOhvFBJlrLhmOpGOGBh48SQowVQ/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSPS2Z-1t9aZSbnm3Ci7QaTO52P5OvnUlRZZE-gtQU1HnWDDe7ms1Sm4tFOz-rx9T7KFbdY2qWN_iBPiw_KK0zwhcTt1aUCida3Okm3SeOvuHH-vcXOhvFBJlrLhmOpGOGBh48SQowVQ/s320/IMG_4551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another day and another game, this time matching up the might of the Marinthians against TradeDoubler, a company with strong online history, but a totally unknown quantity on the pitch. Gentle goading between the two parties pre-match led to intense speculation amongst the Marinthians. Claims of a Gordon Banks-esque goalie and a backline of Adams and Dixon were thrown around at the height of the smack talk, leading the team to debate whether the TD squad live upto such grand claims.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the Gaffer out and Whitestick maintaining his perfect non-scoring record by staying in the office, the squad comprised of the ever present Two, Razor, Plop and Willie, with Wicka making up the starting five. Grizzlee arrived with bibs and gloves, and Karen’s husband (“Frank” to his mates) started as subs. The TD team were a mixed bunch. Some who had claimed to have not played for a few years, whilst others played at least twice a week. Their “Gordon Banks” had never actually played in goal before, but felt that his blatant disregard for his own safety made him an ideal goalie. This was definitely going to be an interesting line up, with fitness bound to be a deciding factor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the immortal words of John Anderson, contenders, READY! Marinthians, READY! 3...2....1....And we were off!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, that was the theory. The Marinthians looked liked it had been beer o’clock before they had left the office, with TD running rings around them. Two was helpless in goal with 1-0 swiftly becoming 2-0 inside the first minute. Their number 9 was running rings around our defence, with a deft touch belying his size. Five minutes later and TradeDoubler were 4-0 up. I held my head in my hands, this was looking like a bad day to be a Marinthians fan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, the worse of it was over. Two came out of goal, Wicka went in and the Marinthians immediately looked more comfortable as they reverted to probably their strongest formation. With Two barking orders at people to mark “P.E. KIT” and “Red Stripe” (probably more confusing than helpful), the Marinthians began to look more composed and started to claw themselves back into the game. Two seized on a sloppy backpass to notch our first, with Razor adding shortly after. “Frank” joined the party and lo and behold, Plop started to hit the target. From 4-0 down, the Marinthians had edged ahead to 5-4 within the first 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At 6 goals a piece, the game looked finely balanced, with TD’s big number 9 still a strong physical presence and Jeff in goal throwing himself about like a madman. However, from this point onwards, Marinthians regained total control. With the backline marking their big number 9 out of the game, and lack of match fitness from the TD boys clearly playing a major role, the Marinthians began to mop up. In 22 unanswered minutes, we saw Razor and Plop both complete their hattricks, with Wicka adding another. Plop had clearly had his weetabix that morning as he just couldn’t stop scoring, wrapping up his double hattrick in 40 minutes. With the score at 13-7, it looked like the Marinthians had run away with it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last 5 minutes were Marinthians downfall as usual. 5 minutes played, 5 goals conceded. Thankfully Plop kept on scoring or it could have really got a bit hairy towards the end, but even so, Marinthians emerge victorious, finishing up at 15-12. The star for the Marinthians was definitely Le Plop this week, with every shot seemingly goal bound. It’s not often I say this, but well played. Willies lack of goals in this match saw him drop behind Plop and Razor in the scoring charts, but you really can’t fault his commitment. Full of running, he chased down every ball like a kitten with a ball of yarn, and never gave up. Plops 8 goals has certainly ignited the goal scoring charts, leading up to a few interesting upcoming matches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next week, another new opponent in <b>Starcom</b>. Come down and support your Marinthians!</div>tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-23772164996037556092010-10-07T04:38:00.000-07:002010-10-07T04:39:39.997-07:00Match 3: Marinthians vs OMD UK (well, sort of)<div style="text-align: justify;">A pretty short round up this one, mainly as I was not in attendance. Yes, yes, I know, what kind of fan am I etc.....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, to be fair, when I heard that OMD UK could only put out a team of 3 guys (as they had taken part in the Yahoo cup the night before) I was pretty disappointed. We were quite excited to face off against the league hotshots, and for them to face up with just three players...well, it was a let down. It led to Le Plop frantically ringing around and we managed to enlist Karen's husband and one of Plops mates to play for OMD.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As it turns out, it sounded like a pretty decent game and went down to the wire, with the OMD-a-likes coming out as 10-9 winners. It turns out that Karen's husband and Plops mate were actually pretty decent and were able to hold their own alongside the OMD hotshots. Razor had a great game from defense/midfield rampaging forward to score a total of 5 goals, shooting him to the top of the scoring charts. The rest of the team (bar Wicka) managed to nick one, with the Gaffer notching his first on his debut.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This weeks game against TradeDoubler should be another interesting proposition, with plenty of smack talk already being thrown around. Same time, same place. See you there.</div>tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-30528332427054979572010-09-27T04:28:00.000-07:002010-09-27T04:30:25.396-07:00Match 2: Marinthians vs Agenda 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgbERlvXCF8_BrwLWGT5gGmjgD9BDyxoVSqkGLAT68SffBVDKl6pAo9S3UpRfFI22HflVXQEzcWwk77bh8fgVPzH1ScFmxqN9HhMvPNOjMYTnGta-OU1mUDDaIoPSoezszmmKQ47CP1k/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgbERlvXCF8_BrwLWGT5gGmjgD9BDyxoVSqkGLAT68SffBVDKl6pAo9S3UpRfFI22HflVXQEzcWwk77bh8fgVPzH1ScFmxqN9HhMvPNOjMYTnGta-OU1mUDDaIoPSoezszmmKQ47CP1k/s320/IMG_4477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Match 2 couldn’t come soon enough. Although the Marinthians may have lost, spirits were still high. There were plenty of pluses to take from the performance, and for a first outing of a newly formed team, the Marinthians had performed well, albeit without a victory. Most of the team could actually run and shoot, and considering the sheer amount of alcohol this team probably consumes in a week, its admirable that they managed to keep on running through to full time without anyone suffering a serious injury. We trusted in Le Plop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BLEZC7tI4N_AvoJ2lrcLPzq_rUJc3ukHu1xG0I3c6vPXj9BQVbruz7m_iP8DuE0UJrBp39s6sSGjLTiP7_rrycmKMbzfgQKOsAqBx3MFH3_tnT-qUf7sIUCngHKP0dEmR_ueodRwrDI/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BLEZC7tI4N_AvoJ2lrcLPzq_rUJc3ukHu1xG0I3c6vPXj9BQVbruz7m_iP8DuE0UJrBp39s6sSGjLTiP7_rrycmKMbzfgQKOsAqBx3MFH3_tnT-qUf7sIUCngHKP0dEmR_ueodRwrDI/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" width="240" /></a>The line up against Agenda 21 had a familiar feel, with one new player in the starting line up, and one on the bench. The core of the team remained the same with Le Plop leading the line and Two marshalling the defence. As soon as the imaginary whistle blew, it was evident that this was going to a more physical. The overnight rain had not helped matters and those without shin pads were immediately regretting their decision. The first two minutes started at a fierce pace, although neither team could find the breakthrough until Willie manage to slot one in. Grizzlees physicality was proving a thorn in Agenda 21’s side and it didn’t take him long to bag one for himself, 5 minutes in and it was 2-0.<br />
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It was 4-0 before Agenda 21 finally made it onto the score sheet, with Razor having belted one in and Willies superior pace and energy proving the deciding factor for the fourth. Marinthians were looking comfortable, although Le Plop was clearly frustrated with his inability to bag one. However, 4-1 swiftly became 4-2 and the jitters began to show. Surely we could not suffer another collapse synonymous with the English cricket team? <br />
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Luckily Two steadied the ship with an assured strike to make it 5-2 and the Marinthians started to regain their composure. The next 7 minutes remained goalless, mainly due to excellent defending from both sides. Agenda 21 were consistently outhustling the Marinthian forwards in the corners and on the fence, allowing them absolutely no time on the ball, whilst Marinthians had Two barking orders and Grizzlee putting in the tackles. One in particular had half the crowd cheering and the other baying for blood as Grizzlee launched himself full blooded into a sliding tackle, winning the ball cleanly but taking down his fair share of man in the process. There were a few words exchanged, but mostly polite and both players dusted themselves down and got on with it.<br />
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The next 5 minutes either side of half time were a bit crazy with goals being scored regularly. Willie completed his hat trick to make it 6-2, with Agenda 21 scoring again swiftly after to make it 6-3. Plop finally got onto the score sheet just before halftime, and goals were scored by Willie and Razor just after. The next ten minutes were a more sedate affair punctuated by a few goals. Agenda 21 got onto the score sheet again to notch 4, whilst Plop continued to get frustrated with numerous efforts going marginally wide. Whitestick kept plugging on, opting for the role of goal facilitator rather than goal scorer. <br />
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The last ten minutes were a bit crazy as tiredness was clearly beginning to show on the players. Agenda 21 had arrived with just 5 players and although it helped keep them a more organised unit, it really impacted upon the fitness of their players. 7 goals in total were scored in the last 10, with Razor and Plop completing their hat tricks, although Le Plops third was somewhat controversial. Striking the near post crossbar, it appeared to cross the line before the goalie scooped it out. Plop claimed it but surely just another justification for the implementation of goal line technology. Willie managed to notch yet another to make it five for his haul for the day, whereas Agenda 21 managed to score a further three (including a late penalty) to make the score a respectable 13-7.<br />
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The post match analysis in the pub after the game was a much more jovial affair. Both teams had enjoyed the game and Marinthians had finally broken their duck. The 13-7 score line may have seemed a little harsh on Agenda 21 who were an organised and proficient team, but I think the talent of the Marinthians was beginning to show. There were lots of pluses to take away from the game. Le Plop finally found his scoring boots, Two managed to score one striding up from defence (two if you count what happened back at the bar) and Grizzlees tackled will fondly remain in our memories as long as we live.<br />
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This week we face off against OMD UK, a mighty proposition and fresh off an 8-0 victory against Carat. If you’re free, head on down to Waterloo and support your Marinthians!<br />
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<b>MARINTHIANS 13 - 7 Agenda 21</b><br />
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• Willie x 5 (2:30, 9:30, 23, 26, 44)<br />
• Grizzlee (5)<br />
• Razor x 3 (8, 27, 46)<br />
• Two (16)<br />
• Plop (24, 40, 43)<br />
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Agenda 21 Goals on 12, 13, 23:30, 30, 42, 44 and 48 (pen)<br />
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(times of goal on brackets. 2 x 25 min halves)tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7556285447700517173.post-26910897628612714802010-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:002010-09-19T15:40:16.649-07:00Match 1: Marinthians vs OMD International<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6RVI7KbTAe4fTzTjPkUdtYqFvB5x6xnUf1np0UZn9T-8n-jOqgMd4PsAP_DF57SAIuYm4oqFmCv4fvTJmX-qzlnBqRkRPzPZfFpbEJ6g4NU_FQ58xu0dOvvBD5JtTcGyLFyN5eQHHIc/s1600/IMG_4408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6RVI7KbTAe4fTzTjPkUdtYqFvB5x6xnUf1np0UZn9T-8n-jOqgMd4PsAP_DF57SAIuYm4oqFmCv4fvTJmX-qzlnBqRkRPzPZfFpbEJ6g4NU_FQ58xu0dOvvBD5JtTcGyLFyN5eQHHIc/s320/IMG_4408.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last night saw the inaugural match for the newly formed Marinthians, a fivesome born out of passion for the beautiful game. You could feel the tension in the office as the first match against the unknown force of OMD international drew ever nearer. Jerseyless, they waited with bated breath for a special delivery all the way from Hertfordshire, and when the courier finally burst through the door at the 11th hour, the team was revealed. Marinthians was born.<br />
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The first match was an intriguing encounter. Held in the wastelands of Elephant and Castle, you could smell expectation in the air (or dog shit from the surrounding park, one or the other). The late of arrival of OMD I did nothing to settle the Marinthians nerves, and when they produced a mixed bag of continental Europeans, the unknown element of OMD appeared to start unsettling the Marinthians.<br />
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Two twenty minute halves, and it was all action from the first minute. The first five minutes elapsed and no score, the two teams were clearly sizing each other up. Both sides looked surprisingly sharp, with Two maintaining a strong presence in goal and orchestrating attacks like a general leading his army. It wasn’t long after that Willie, a hot new signing for Marinthians and full of running, broke through the OMD defence and powered the first past their keeper.<br />
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It wasn’t long before goal number 2 was again tucked away by the lively 22 year old. OMD were on the rocks. Approaching halftime, the score was 4-1, with Wicka scoring his first of the season and Razor shooting from distance. Even with supersub Alan trudging off with a case of stitch and dodgy shoes, it was looking all too easy for the Marinthians.<br />
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Unfortunately, the substitution of Two saw a reversal of fortunes for the Marinthians. With Razor sent in goal, a position he is clearly not accustomed to, and with no organised defence, OMD took advantage. The next 15 minutes, elapsing either side of half time, saw a total of 6 unanswered goals. From a position of dominance, Marinthians had slipped to 7-4 behind. I think the lowlight was probably Le Plop’s sloppy backpass, poor work from the Frenchman come Scouser. Disappointing from someone who once claimed to have played at the second highest junior level at the age of 15 in France (who are now incidentally 27th in the latest World Rankings). A case of the runs some might say...<br />
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The Marinthians swiftly saw a change in fortunes. With Two back on the pitch bringing physicality back into the game, and the ever reliable hands of Wicka in goal, the Marinthians slowly clawed their way back into it. 7-5 with some good play from Le Plop and a second from Razor made it 7-6 with minutes to spare. The last few minutes were frantic, with a few people starting to suffer from fatigue and a case of bruised shins. I could see the anguish in Le Plop’s face every time the ball was booted out of the pitch. The seconds ticked down and the final whistle was blown (well, the groundsman came round to lock up). Marinthians had lost.<br />
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Post Match analysis occurred in the Albert Arms, where every aspect was dissected. On the whole, although the players were saddened by the defeat, there were many pluses to be taken from the game. Willie was instrumental with breaks down the wing, his youth clearly a secret weapon. Razor and Two were solid in defence, and Le Plop’s passion shone through, with Wicka’s safe hands ensuring Marinthians didn’t concede any further goals.<br />
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Next match is against Agenda 21, be there, or, you know...<br />
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Marinthians 6 - 7 OMD International<br />
Willie x 2<br />
Razor x 2<br />
Le Plop un<br />
Wicka x 1tehbushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16593283607297429793noreply@blogger.com1