WE WON.... the afl.

I managed to catch the last quarter of the Lions game on ABC radio (I don't have a functioning TV) after disc tonight - and boy was it exciting!! In true Lions fashion, we were down at three quarter time, kicked a couple beauts, and momentum saw us home. WHAT A GAME! And even though I don't play for or train with the Lions, I still feel like a winner, just for supporting them. It was good to have one win tonight.

In our defeat against Passion however, I still don't feel like a loser as such. It was a tightly contested first half - our intensity and focus were leaps and bounds above the levels seen in the previous week's game against Slamtown. This contributed to a greater self-belief amongst the Heroes, meaning significantly fewer basic errors. James 'Panties' Morrell won my award (given in my head during an illustrious yet lengthy ceremony) for enthusiasm tonight. He was switched on, and very keen to run - snagging himself an outstanding D in the latter stages of the game after initially being beaten by a brilliant cut. Back in the first half though, we saw time and again Myall's speed going long, and his wonderful timing in the air. He took numerous grabs in the end zone over guys seemingly twice his height! Heroes defense was also at its finest, making the experienced Passion team earn their points. And after having the lead on more than one occasion we hit half time down by 2 (8-6), still very much in the game.

The second half saw Heroes defense continuing strong. And although George perfectly executed countless first cuts, the rest of the stack was getting sloppy - cutting out of time and generating picks. This was possibly due to only having one sub this week (with some players being at the aforementioned Lions game), but definitely a call to greater mental and physical stamina for us Heroes. Not being able to finish many points led to Passion showing us the form of a strong BPL team, dominating the second half 7-2, resulting in a final score of 15-8.

Now although it was an easy victory for Passion in the end, I still feel as though we put in a solid effort, and very much held our own (for a while). As of tomorrow, in an attempt to improve my personal game, I will start doing hard sums while cycling long distances. I would encourage all Heroes to do the same.

For now though I suppose all I can do is continue with my celebrations over the Lions win. Here's cheers!

Gavin.

Cobras, F***!

Upon arrival, one could sense excitement in the air. Excitement based around having some core members return. Excitement arising from the itch to get back on the pitch and prove ourselves. Excitement about playing a game which on paper seems our most winnable. The excitement of seeing Carl's team go down in flames..

So we were pumped. Excited, you might say. The last minute arrival of 3 subs proved important, as some long, running points were played out early on. The first point of the night was taken by Heroes in an unusual, comical (fitting) fashion. BPL debutant James "Panties" Morrell(da) took a great grab IN the end zone, before throwing it back up in the air. The disc was caught by yours truly, and I believe a pass to George and then Paul gave us the point. Wetnose informed us that James was in fact in the field of play, and the end zone, rendering his magic unnecessary.

Cobra's fought hard for the second point, but their frustration was obvious, hence the title of this blog. After calling a time out, they regrouped and the score meandered out to 5-2, with some long throws coming off, unlike our attempts. Heroes found some patience and consistency in O, whilst scrapping hard in D. We ended up taking the half (8-6) which featured some strong aerial skills from Gavin Croft and Bevan Rudolph.

At half time, Coach Boevink lead us in some breathing exercises. This obviously has something to do with Dojo and some sort of Sensei, but I don't really understand how to reference this. Cobra's again regrouped and came out strong, taking the game to 11-9. Whilst the breathing exercises brought an interesting touch, Matt's proudest moment of the night must have been when he sent Jangles long. Jangles had been handling all night, and beautifully, might I add, with some lovely flighted hucks. The move was executed just as beautifully, a demonstration of perfect flow.

Next point saw Myall take a blinder to score. He was moving fast, and toward the sideline. My view was blocked so I didn't realise what had happened until he was nearly in the creek, disc in hand.

11 all and last point brought about some risky play (of the hucking variety), but Heroes kept cool and James took the last point. If I mentioned Dusty's double happiness and Tom's relentless handling, I would have mentioned everyone. This is not my goal.

What was sweet about this victory is that it was unexpected. It is likely that the loss means more to Cobra's than the win to us. But the win is very pleasing, this early in the season. It brings respect.

Below are some out of context quotes for your enjoyment. I use them in jest.

"Unfortunately those players don't have much throwing experience and would get smacked if they entered as Heroes."

- League Director

"I agree with Stu that their scoreline success may be low"

-BPL Captain (was supportive)

"I also don't want to turn up to a game with full knowledge that my opponents are BUML Div 2 standard and they'll be lucky to score 3 points in a game."

-Firestorm Star

"byes DO s*ck. Walkovers aren't great either, if what Stu and Mike and John have said is true...

-BPL Captain"

"I also don't think we should rule them out as a team that will get thrashed in every game this season. They may well surprise all of us."

-Cobras captain

So there you have it. Well done lads, we have justified our existence.