LEAGUE - Spy on the Bank

By Spy on the Bank
The new club on the block, Bay Slayers, were obviously buoyed by their run-away win over Marist Brothers the week previously and must have felt their chances of giving old campaigners Takahiwai a good run for their money. Once again the Warriors, as they usually do, soaked up all the fire and brimstone the visitors tossed at them for the first 40 minutes. The scoreline had the Bay trailing 10-6 at half-time and there was an air of confidence from their coaching staff. I just happened to be able to eavesdrop on both camps while acting as referee's water boy.
We were in for a big second half that I did not want to miss.
The Slayers' game plan turned to custard when one player was sin-binned and another sent for an early shower. With only 11 men, the floodgates opened and Takahiwai scored at will to run out to 62-12 winners.
The player who was sent off was about to receive a penalty in his favour as he was pushed at the play the ball. But in a brain explosion, and right in front of the referee, he gives his opponent a bunch of fives, leaving the referee in no position but to red card him. Refs do not like sending off players but should never feel any guilt.
I well recall a referee of bygone days who I will name Jack Kerr. He was notorious in this department. His reputation was well documented and he recalls overhearing from an adjoining changing room the coach telling his players not to lift a finger or this bloody ref will have you off. He had a quiet chuckle - the message had got through.
The after-match gathering as always was a pleasant get-together. Club chairwoman Juanita Hool called on a club "elder statesman", Colin Newton, to offer a few words of encouragement to the new club.
Mr Newton elaborated on the history of his club, stressed the importance of the development of schoolboy teams which was undoubtedly the reason Takahiwai had survived all these years, to "hang in" there and, in time, they could reach a similar milestone.
Let's hope the Bay take this advice on board and good luck for the future.
PS: Visiting teams to Takahiwai - don't leave your bus driver sitting in the bus while you are enjoying the hospitality. He/she is more than welcome to enjoy a bite to eat. I took the liberty of advising Bay Slayers' bus driver who was waiting patiently in the dark. I am sure it was appreciated. Just an oversight observed by the Spy as he was leaving.
* Scoreboard lift
I had a go at Portland about their scoreboard being non-operational last week. Takahiwai, your scoreboard is not up to 10 out of 10. Reason: It cannot be read from the western side of the field because people stand in front of it. Easy solution, raise it up two feet. This is a point I raised last year but it fell on deaf ears. In the meantime, just keep enjoying playing what ``Aussie Bob' refers to as the greatest game of all. Go Queensland in State of Origin 2.