Relics Smash Kripples

Relics heavily backed to win premiership - Mickledinho under pressure

The Relics’ have been sensationally backed to win the 45s premiership. Betting agencies across the country have recorded massive interest in the Relics over the last 12 hours. A representative from Centrebet indicated that one mystery Central Coast punter had backed the Relics’ at $5.00 to win half a million dollars. According to Glenn Munsie from TAB Sportsbet the Relics have firmed from $8.00 to $4.50 and on the second line of betting after the Tossils’ who are now $3.50 favourites. He added that


“the Relics have been very impressive over the last four weeks. They smacked the Kripples’ 4-0 yesterday, and with the Smugglers' folding 3-1 against league easy beats the Gummies' and the Tossils’ drawing 1-1 with Doylo the Relics' have emerged as the team to beat. Punters have lost confidence with the Smugglers' who have blown from $2.50 to $5.00.”


The match against keen rivals the Kripples’ began in sensational circumstances when it appeared Relics’ captain Mickledinho had won the toss as the home boys had the sun at their backs in the first half. It was later confirmed by the Kripples’ skipper that Mickledinho did not win the toss, but that he had indeed lost the toss. Mickledinho’s record of 15 consecutive lost tosses is still intact.


The Relics’ came prepared for a tough match as both teams were level pegging on the league table. With the early exchanges dominated by the Kripples’ it looked as though the Relics may have been in for a long afternoon. By the ten minute mark Coach Vic had had enough and issued a sustained and savage verbal attack from the sidelines warning his players that if they did not “get their lazy arses into gear, he would physically haul them from the field.” It was clear that this was no idle threat as, at the same time, Tolly appealed to Coach Vic to be replaced as he could not breathe and appeared to be suffering a heart attack as he was gasping for breath and clutching for his chest. Coach Vic leered at him through his venomous slits for eyes (the death stare) and ordered him “to wake up to himself, grow some goolies and score a goal.” This savagery from the coach was a masterstroke as Tolly immediately responded by scoring after a goal-mouth scramble and the team lifting to a level of intensity not seen yet this season.


After claiming a 1-0 lead the Relics’ knocked the ball around with great confidence and skill. Downhill Dave and the Toe, although both a little stiff from missing the game last week, were impressive. Shadow had a magnificent game as he controlled the team from the back. He was very ably supported by MM, the Crow, Dallas, BB and Roy. It is good to see Roy playing more minutes each week and it is clear that he is coming into full fitness and is over the eye-lash strain that has plagued his season to-date. Such was the Relics’ defensive effort the Kripples’ never looked like scoring even when, on numerous occasions, their strikers managed to get away with being up to 10m offside.


The game, however, was won due to some superb attacking play in the last 20 minutes of the first half. The Relics’ midfield and strikers combined to score three classy goals. A deft left foot corner from The Silver Brumby found the head of the omnipresent Banker who steered the ball cleverly into goal. The Banker has found a home in the midfield. His blistering speed coupled with his high skill level and, as has been reported previously, his large melon makes him a danger-man for any opposition.


Great lead-up work from the midfield was also a key factor in the Relics’ next two goals. Coach Vic leapt high into the air to intercept a wonderful cross to head the ball past the keeper and Mickledinho loomed onto another great cross to bang the ball into the back of the net.

The Relics’ went to the half-time break 4-0 up and brimful of confidence, whilst the Kripples’ were a shattered unit. Although unable to score in the second half the Relics’ completely dominated and ‘shut-up shop’ preventing any notion of a Kripples’ comeback.


The Hat had a great match and despite a short excursion down Avoca Drive in the second half dominated his opposing players and was able to find the feet of his fellow Relics’ at will with some great passing. Diamond also had a strong game and is starting to live up to his own hype finding space and actually running for some balls. His combinations with the Hat, Banker, Downhill and The Silver Brumby set the scene for the Relics’ domination in the midfield.


It was also great to see Maximillion drag himself from his sickbed to take the field. Although he did not play too many minutes he certainly played hard enough to work up a post match thirst.


Despite the win Coach Vic will need to address a number of discipline problems as the team moves towards the semis. Last week the Crow and Statue were involved in scuffles with the opposition. This week Dallas, in an apparent brain-snap, drove his shoulder into the Kripples’ keeper with the force of Wycliffe Palu earning himself a yellow card. Such was the ferociousness of the attack Dallas was lucky not to earn an early shower. Dallas obviously has ‘anger issues’ and this will need to monitored closely by Coach Vic. The Silver Brumby also earned the ire of the referee and was yellow-carded as he took umbrage at some rough-house Kripples’ tactics.


Of most concern to Coach Vic, however, is the commitment and mixed form of 2008 Central Coast 35s player of the year Mickledinho. Sources close to the team believe that he has already come to terms with the Smugglers' for 2010 (although this has been strenuously denied by his management). It was no surprise at the conclusion of yesterday’s game to see Coach Vic and senior players involved in a ‘huddle’ with him about his form and commitment. They no doubt spoke about his clearing kick on the Kripples’ goal line and his interception of a strike from The Silver Brumby which looked a certain goal before Mickledinho pushed the ball past the post. Whether he is a prospective Smuggler, or not, a committed and inform Mickledinho is vital for the Relics’ as they push toward glory in 2009. All eyes will be on Mickledinho in the next few games!!