O'Malley's Oranje

Saturday, January 14th 2006, kick off 2pm. Goals: Koen, Tom Bus, Irish Dave (what a screamer!!) With almost a full squad assembled following the recent Christmas break, the Dutch went into this game believing nothing less than a win was required; captain Tom Bus' game plan of "Tetris 4 Victory" left a few scratching their heads in confusion prior to the game but it paid off as an entertaining encounter was ultimately won by the boys in Oranje, ending the French year of Le Coq before January was even out.... Overcast conditions and a rugged pitch didn't seem to disrupt the standard of play as both teams enjoyed passages of early possession with the French arguably edging things and managing to keep the ball more effectively as the Dutch seemed to struggle holding the ball in the final third. The Dutch defense was looking mean however, protecting goalkeeper Max, his rolled up shorts and his suntan, with Merijn marshalling things superbly in a no nonsense display. It wasn't long before the Dutch took the lead, somewhat against the run of play; some combative work in the middle of the park by Lo and Dave released Steven on the right whose precision cross was met superbly on the back post by new Irish recruit Mike, heading back across goal for Koen to slightly mis-hit but find the back of the net. Oranje managed to defend their lead admirably for the remainder of the half with Max pulling off an outstanding, full length reflex save to deny the dangerous French 13..... The second half started much as the first ended with the French seemingly having more possession of the ball but unable to break a stubborn and hard working defense. A couple of changes saw Camiel playing as striker and his intelligent running and ability to hold up the ball meant the Dutch midfield got more involved, with Lodewijk pulling the strings, Steven probing on the right flank and Dave, as always, dominant and forceful in the centre. Soon it was 2-0; a finely delivered free kick from the right by Lodewijk evaded the French back line and was met sweetly on the volley was Captain Bus as he steered his left foot effort beautifully into the bottom left hand corner beyond the despairing dive of the French keeper. As is often the case, this slight cushion seemed to lead to a period of complacency by the Dutch and it wasn't long before the French pulled one back as the strong and pacy number 13 strode through several challenges, held off Bart & Merijn and steered his effort into the corner beyond the advancing Max who, to be fair, had no chance. What was encouraging was the alarm bells were clearly heard and it wasn't long before the lead was extended again with what was, arguably, one of the finest goals of the campaign so far; Dave, battling to win the ball in midfield, looked up and decided to strike from fully 30 yards - the ball flew straight and true, as if fired by a cannon, through the on looking defenders and past the startled goalkeeper - what a goal!!!!! Lodewijk, whose delivery from set plays was very good all afternoon, went close with an in swinging corner that the goalkeeper did well to turn over but then the Dutch seemed to sit back and invite the French to attack, which made for a nervy last 10 minutes as their winger with a mouth bigger than the River Seine finished coolly on the volley past a bewildered Max who many said should have done better??? He did, however, fully redeem himself moments later with a superb one on one save as the 13 again breezed through a tiring defense to protect the lead and ensure all three points went to the Dutch. Overall an extremely entertaining game that was won possession wise by the French but was won on goals by an ever improving Dutch team; well done one and all!!! Individual Ratings: Max - 7 - Not that much to do but kicking was fine and 2 outstanding saves made up for hesitancy on the second goal. Tim - 7 - Relatively quiet game for the big American, stuck to task well and defended admirably. Bart - 7 - Even with an injured foot (that was kept quiet from most!?) he maintained his usual excellent standards with resolute defensive work, always looking to break clear when possible. Merijn - 8 - Excellent display from "Mr Versatile." No nonsense defending and excellent distribution, unlucky not to be awarded start man?? Jorden - 6 - Got stuck in and used the ball well, both in defense and midfield. Remko - 6 - Number 13 gave him a tough time but he stuck to his game well and defended with purpose when asked. Koen - 7 - Battled well and used the ball effectively until taken off; fine first goal to set the team on way to victory. Lodewijk - 7 - Usual excellent distribution of the ball and seems to have added a new, tougher approach to the game with several crunching tackles - being pushed over by the female French player was, arguably, the moment of the match!!???? Dave - 9 - STAR MAN - Outstanding, tireless display by the no nonesense, all action Irish lynchpin of the midfield - covered every blade of grass and scored an absolute cracker of a goal. Rio - 6 - Seemed a little alienated up front and found it difficult to hold up play but still got stuck in. Roger - 6 - Didn't have too many minutes on the pitch but chased and harried the French defense, looking for an opening SUBS: Camiel - 7 - Worked hard upfront, held ball up well, linking effectively with the midfield; a welcome return after a long period on the sidelines. Steven K - 7 - Clever use of the ball and tireless running down the right caused several problems for the French backline. Mike - 7 - Welcome addition to the team with an energetic and combative performance - excellent assist for the first goal. Peter - 6 - Limited playing time but got stuck in. Tom Bus - 7 - A peach of a goal and a fine overall performance in leading the line. Sander - 6 - Not too much time on pitch but applied himself well, neutralized the threat of the female opposition.... Taco - 6 - Couple of glimpses of promise before being replaced. Ben – 7 – Good solid performance both in defense and on midfield. Good position play and battling skill. (tom’s comment)