14th August 2004
Scarboro regained the Froccer Cup with a tight 2-1 victory over the City of Perth team on Saturday. As always, there was no shortage of top quality skills on the pitch, and top quality fashion off it.
The weather didn't look promising on the morning of the big game, but the gods smiled on us again and it was bright sunshine, if a little windy, by kick-off time. Despite the distractions of some other minor sports event on TV, the largest crowd yet turned out to watch the match.
After the singing of the National Anthem, Scarboro won the toss and chose to kick with the wind first up. They also claimed first use of the ball, breaking with the traditional one or the other choice.
It didn't take long for the decision to go with the wind to pay dividends for Scarboro, with a ball put high from the half line not coming back down until it was through the posts in what must be the longest range goal in Froccer history.
The City team, who were probably having the better of the general play, were stunned. But they put their heads down and worked hard, with Todd Bowler slotting the equaliser right on the stroke of quarter time, demonstrating the old adage that it's better to kick it straight than kick it hard.
City went into the second quarter high on confidence, and again probably had the better of the play but couldn't produce any quality in front of goal.
Then a long pass forward from Scarboro just cleared City defender Luke Watson. Krede Wright pounced on the loose ball and made no mistake with the sort of solo effort he's been so desperate to pull off for so many years.
At half time, City coach Greg Tate had the chance to marshall the troops and deliver the sort of inspirational speech we've come to expect in recent years. Unfortunately he failed to take it, and we went back on with no real idea of how we could win from here.
The second half was a very even affair, with neither team really dominating. Although there were several chances at both ends the defences held firm and Scarboro were able to reclaim the trophy. It's just a shame nobody knows where it is.
Scarboro's Shane Read was awarded the Colin Braund Medal for his tireless efforts throught the match, while City's Rupert Baker was judged Best Dressed by the crowd.
There's nothing to be gained by pointing fingers and laying blame for the loss. Anyway, I'm sure all the younger players (all those under the age of 21) know without being told that they really didn't perform at all today, and let both the City club and their team-mates down in a big way. Our goalie was pretty ordinary as well.
| Scarboro | 2 | (H.Wright 4m, K.Wright 23m) | |
| City | 1 | (T.Bowler 15m) |
Cup History
| Year | Winner | ||
| 1999 | City | ||
| 2000 | City | ||
| 2001 | Scarboro | ||
| 2002 | Scarboro | ||
| 2003 | City | ||
| 2004 | Scarboro |
If you have good photos from the match, email me and I'll put them on here.
