On the back of granite-like defence The Kincumber Relics have recorded a solid win over the Berkeley Vale Rustics. The Relics went into the match on the Rustics dung heap, underdogs and needing a win to get their season back on track. The 3-1 score-line was exactly what was called for.
Both Captain Hat and Coach Old Crow were ecstatic post match believing that their merry band of aged warriors have what it takes to become the inaugural Central Coast O/45 B Division Champions.
From the opening whistle the Relics imposed themselves on their opposition. Statue at right back showed all of his rear guard expertise thwarting numerous forward thrusts from the opposition. His combination with his fellow backs in this early period set the tone for the match. The Rustics were rattled. To a man they were thinking how they could possibly penetrate the Relics back three.
The Relics went to a 1-0 lead at the 15 minute mark when the terrier-like Axe swooped onto a wayward shot from Howler to knock a simple ball into the back of the net. Howler’s horrible effort obviously wrong-footed the Rustics keeper, who dived to save a shot which was well clear of the goal.
The Relics went to the oranges leading 1-0 comfortably holding their opponents at bay. The Relics began the second half as they had finished the first and it wasn’t long before Howler was Johnny-on-the-spot to convert a simple goal. A third goal was scored by Mickledinho in similar circumstances. The Relics could have easily won by seven or eight. Mickledinho put a number of shots long, wide and high whilst Statue pushed a ball on the goal line, and in front of an open goal, wide by three or four metres.
In fading sunlight the Rustics were able to secure a consolation goal in the dying minutes of play. In a desperate bid for a goal the Rustics had pushed seven men up front.
Apart from the superb effort of the defensive team of Banker, Statue, Toe, Dallas, Ball and Becks strong efforts were recorded by Axe, Sulo, Hat, Crow and Shadow. The quality of the Relics defensive effort was echoed by former Wyong star Whazz who said after the match, “When you have got a defensive line like ours winning comes easy. Look at them! We have quality! Any team would give their left nut to have players of the calibre of Banker, Statue, Toe, Dallas, Ball and Becks.”
