The Old Boys season started auspiciously on the day when it was announced that the Cayman Government were to take steps to stop lewd, indecent, unacceptable and dangerous behaviour at public places and events. Paying no heed to the impending legislative doom and the obvious restriction it would have on their game style, the Old Boys attempted to put the fun back into dysfunctional. They were up against a much changed HSBC side but it still had the familiar face of Gary Hatchett Crossan which would guarentee that no ball would be given up cheaply and no tackle lost for the lack of effort. William Hill also offered odds that it would mean that returning forward Luciano Deriso would also finish the game covered in lumps and bruises.
The game started in a manner that could only be described as disastrous. The much lauded defence of last season appeared unsettled and conceded two early goals. Admittedly, the Old Boys had had a fine chance disallowed and the there was significant question marks over the legitimacy of the HSBC second but the game went on. Wayne Sives, ever present between the posts last season picked up a booking for eloquently pointing out certain inaccuracies and unfairness and it meant that the Old Boys were two goals down and a man down. As it turned out, it was a master tactical stroke by the currernt Player of the Season as it energised the Old Boys and gave them the focus that they needed. Excellent work from the returning Brian Hydes saw him net a quick goal from down the right. Brian had missed the majority of last season through injury but his array of touches and vision made a discernable difference to the Old Boys attacks. Persistent pressure, as expected from the effervescent Joe Chiazza and ably supported by the increasingly dominant Chris Sylvester and the sprightly young new comer Finton O'Connor meant that HSBC were suprised by the sustained effort from the Old Boys midfield and forwards. A further goal followed and it was well taken by Brian for his second of the night, to take the game into the half level at 2-2.
Old Boys started the second half brightly and took the lead with a well struck effort from Dan Cummings. Whilst the Buddha was not revealed, it was pleasing to see the Gaffa pick up from where he left off as last seasons top scorer. Whilst it was not the finest game, Old Boys did appear to be finding some rhythm and recent signing Steve Henshaw showed why he will be a valuable asset for the team by controlling the midfield at times skillfully, at others forcefully. However, with a further twist, HSBC scored a well worked second as a ball was played over from the right, a player dummied to allow his midfielder to lash home. It was a well taken goal and one that yet again spurred the Old Boys on. This time it was Luciano getting on the scoresheet following tenacious play and a well struck shot that the keeper struggled to handle. HSBC continued to press but resolute defending from the indomitable Ray Rogers and the lively Matt Gardner meant that the game was definitely moving in Old Boys favour.
With ten minutes to go, Kings Sports Centre, the players, the referees and all the supporters were able to witness something special. It is rare in these scrappy encounters where rules are inconsistently applied and creative players are stiffled to point to moments of sheer poetry and beauty. However, the Old Boys team, full of surprises, were able to produce what this reporter unbiasedly feels was the best goal ever scored in the Kings arena. It is already being likened to the goal scored by John Barnes for England against Brazil in the Maracana as it had the same fluidity, grace and eloquence. Ian Comins intercepted the ball just outside the edge of the Old Boys area and then surged past his man and left another in his wake as he crossed the half way line. It was a determined run and although there was support on the left and right, Comins continued his penetration down the middle. As Cummings peeled off infront of him, the advancing defender was uncertain enough to allow the additional space to be capitalised on. Comins, dropped to the left and unleased a curling right footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the goal from about fifteen yards out. After the initial stunned silence of the type usual experienced in a place of worship, call it reverence, the supporters errupted into praise for something they are unlikely to ever see again in their lifetimes.
This gave the Old Boys the icing on the cake for their opening game but another goal was to follow. With the experience of Inky Ord and Rogers marshalling the back, and the ever vibrant Sieves making some excellent reaction saves, the creative players were able to open up more and press home the advantage. It was left to Cummings to pick up his second with a well taken strike to round off a comfortable victory. With Steve Roughead to return from exotic vacation and Dominic Whittaker to return from a broken leg, the defence will be strengthened with experience, vision and guile. With the injured Stevie Gaffin to return to the middle of the park along with the goal of the season scorer Jess Shakespeare the midfield could not be stronger. Finally, with the injured Tim Ludford-Thomas returning and adding his blend of pace and skill to the formidable forward line there will be no shortage of goals in the games to come.
The game was an excellent introduction to the new season for the Old Boys. Whilst they will be disappointed with conceding three goals, they will be pleased with the range of goal scorers and the induction of their new signings. Finally, as they look to welcome back their injured and vacationing players, it is fair to say that the Old Boys look well placed to improve on the last two seasons standings and are already building upon the cohesive and fun loving playing style that was much in evidence towards the end of last season. Whilst there may not be any video nasties, the law enforcers had best watch out. |
