Wednesday 5 December 2007

Match Report: Metrica v The Hospital

Final score:Metrica 6 – 4 The Hospital, Goals: Jason 3, John 3

On a mild December evening, Metrica took on The Hospital, who although were dispatched 10-2 in the reverse fixture of the season apparently had new recruits and would not be such a push over. Metrica were also without the fiery tempered Adam Tamplin due to a ‘bad back’ although one suspects that embarrassment also had a part to play after his previous weeks antics!!

After jogging to the pitch from Waterloo, Jason showed that he was on the ball from the off and calmly slotted home to put Metrica 1-0 up. The early exchanges, however, confirmed that The Hospital has significantly improved their game since the last match between the teams and they shortly equalized. Then when the game was looking tight when a long range strike from inside the Metrica half by John made the score 2-1.

Another very well taken goal by Jason and a goal by the Hospital put the score at 3-2 to Metrica at half time.

At the beginning of the second half there were some tired Metrica legs out on the pitch and the opposition took advantage and equalized. This was followed up by some intense pressure from the Hospital on the Metrica goal, but some outstanding defending by Ed and a few fingertips saves from Tom in goal kept the scores at 3-3. Then using some very silky footwork on the edge of the opposition box Jason beat the defender and then the goalie to make the score 4-3 and secure his hatrick. The opposition shouted at the referee that he was in the box, but Billy the Ref was having none of it. After more pressure by the Hospital the ball was fired into the bottom corner leaving Tom with no chance to make the score 4-4. Having been 4-2 up the previous week and then having lost 7-5, Metrica clearly had to dig deep so as not to suffer another defeat. Rich twice went close up front forcing a couple of full stretch saves from the goalie. Then after an interception, John slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make the score 5-4 with a nerve-racking minute to go. Another calmly taken goal with about 30seconds to go secured the game and the second hatrick of the match.

The win has left us 3rd in the table with a real chance of finishing 2nd ahead of Alan Baxter. We now have the winter break for a month with our next game on Jan 8th with an early 6pm kick off….so if any of you can make it down to support us it would be much appreciated.

Team:Tom (Gk), Ed, Rich, John, Jason, James

League Table:

Waterloo Tuesday League A Autumn 2007

Team





P

W

D

L

F



A

GD

Pts


IPC Marketforce





9

8

0

1

67



31

36

24

Res/Fix

Alan Baxter & Associates





9

7

0

2

63



44

19

21

Res/Fix

Metrica





9

5

1

3

62



36

26

16

Res/Fix

WK Dragons





9

5

1

3

63



40

23

16

Res/Fix

L.E.G. FC





9

5

0

4

44



49

-5

15

Res/Fix

The Hospital





9

3

0

6

44



47

-3

9

Res/Fix

FC Hoff





9

1

1

7

37



88

-51

4

Res/Fix

IG Index





9

0

1

8

28



73

-45

1

Res/Fix

Wednesday 21 November 2007

Match Report: Metrica v FC Hoff

Final Score: Metrica 14 (fourteen) - 0 FC Hoff
The Daggers got back to form last night in fine style, easily dispatching FC Hoff and notching up a record fourteen goals along the way. Playing in red for the first time Metrica were both the rag and the bull, showing greater passing, commitment and finishing than their opponents.

The opening exchanges were fairly even before Tamplin kicked into gear with a quick fire hat-trick, which stunned the Hoff defence. Goal of the night came next from Ed, who curled the ball into the top corner from deep inside his own half. Two goals from Kenno effectively put the game to bed before Tamplin returned with a fourth. 7-0 at the half and the Daggers were thirsty for more.

In the second half the carnage continued as Hoff heads began to drop. On their rare attacks they hit the post twice, but other than that they found 'Safe Hands' Jagger in inspired form and well on his way to another clean sheet. At the other end the goals kept flowing in. Two from Fell split three more from Adam as Hoff were put well and truly out of sight.

JT had a penalty saved but his persistence was rewarded with a one-on-one with the keeper, which the Dark Horse finished with an audacious back heel. Ooh-la-la! Not happy with seven Tamplin ploughed on and notched number eight with a neat back heel of his own.
Special thanks to our supporters on the night, Tim 'ever present' Weeks and newcomers Airena and Erica! They are our official team lucky charms and photographers!!
So at the half way stage in the season Metrica are only 5 points off the top, with a healthy goal difference. Next week the cycle starts again as we face table-toppers IPC Marketforce. When the teams met on the opening day of the season, the Daggers took all three points and the boys from the Blue Fin will be out for revenge.

Metrica: Jagger, Kitchingman (1), Fell (2), Kennedy (2), Taylor (1), Tamplin (8)

Friday 3 August 2007

Game 5: Metrica Ballbusters vs. Bd-Network

On what was a pleasant evening there were a few notable absentees, noticeably our Scottish captain of vice Lucy. We did, however, manage to put together a fearsome team including debutant Ben.
After an early mishap of Rich and Rachel not managing to get on the tube, we regrouped at Baker Street before setting off towards the pitch. In the meantime the nimble footed Jags had cycled to the pitch and was getting paranoid as to whether there was actually a game scheduled due to nobody else appearing!

At last we all arrived to Tom’s relief and there we saw Huggy Bear bopping across the pitch to scare off the footballers encroaching onto his ‘territory’ (the pitch).
As the opposition rolled up there was a growing confidence within team Metrica’s ranks. To open the batting James ‘the dangerman’ Taylor stepped up to the plate and with what can only be described as unbridled aggression within his eyes, he duly dispatched the ball and we were off. After a successful first innings of 3 runs we moved out into the field. Tom ‘the natural’ Jagger our star pitcher took to the pitchers circle and tossed some nice ones down, unfortunately Huggy Bear appeared to have forgotten his glasses and there were some dodgy calls.

In what was a low scoring game, there were two notable events. The first involved Ed ‘its gonna come down with snow on it’ Kitchingman. After hitting what can only be described as a rocket Ed tore away and off around the diamond, unfortunately his turning circle appeared to be rather large and bases were not stepped upon, in the ensuing drama Ed was tagged out by their ruthless pitcher despite having reached 3rd base ‘safely’. Despite this setback we headed into the bottom of the 6th innings only 2 runs behind needing to keep the opposition from scoring to give ourselves a chance in the last innings. To everyone’s disbelief, a female member of the opposition team (who had been feigning injury for the whole match, requiring someone else to run for her) was spotted doing handstands and cartwheels whilst waiting to bat. This increased the Metrica ferocity in the field and we held them to only 1 run.

In the last innings chasing a deficit of 3 runs, Gareth who had already hit some excellent shots stepped up to the plate and blasted one into the outfield. Unfortunately his pace deceived him and he overshot the third base and in another cruel move the opposition tagged him out, heads dropped and it was apparent that it was not going to be Metrica’s day.

Although a 10-7 defeat was the end result a good time was had by all and we shall be back stronger so Gerunimo “The G-Force” our next opponents had better beware!

Thursday 14 June 2007

Game 4: Metrica Ballbusters vs. Betgenius

Metrica started the game in their traditional style, turning up late after wandering around Regents Park looking for the chancers to trounce at softball. Betgenius looked keen, they had loads of players and at least one American/Candian, possibly two, which in my opinion is over the legal quota and is just cheating. But the Ballbusters weren’t daunted, in fact it just made us hungrier.

The ref got the game underway, Betgenius to bat first. They were out for a few runs, and Metrica’s response was a mighty 10 runs in one innings. This was going to be easy, or so we thought. However, these betgenius lot were made of sterner stuff and the fight was going to prove tougher than we would have liked.

Special mention must go out at this point to the ref, who was cooler than huggy bear, with better hand signals that snoop dogg. Brushing the dirt off his shoulder to signify foul balls, spudding his fists together, speaking in code and revelling in every single steeeeeeeeeeeriiiiike.

Back to the game, there was some great eye work as usual, and we welcomed every stroll to first that came our way. After our fine opening innings however, the points were proving harder to come by. Ed was playing like he didn’t want to be in, going for big hits when it was an opportune time to be usin’ them eyes. He also was wearing a pair of James’ patented Velcro gloves and just couldn’t let that bat go at one point. When batting Kristin decided not to hit the ball and instead saw that her time was best spent on the sidelines corralling the troops. Boy Wonder John kept on Bustin them balls into the stratosphere to keep the scores competitive and special mention must also go to rookie Louise, who had not played before but did sterling work on the batters plate.

However, as we all know it is fielding, and stopping the other team scoring which wins the game. It also seems as though tagging is the way forwards and, as john found out, also lets you have a sly grope should you feel the need.
Tim, showed his tenacity on second base with a gravity-defying on-the-floor-behind-the-back tag of one other team. Ed was also on the end of a more erm ‘physical’ tag as he was clatted by the opposition. Thankfully it was not a woman as is his usual choice, but a tough looking skinhead. They all count though. Other tag action included Kristin chasing one young man off the field with a glint in her eye and the ball in her hand. He couldn’t get to third base and was out.

Going into the final few innings we had lost out lead and Betgenius were beginning to pull away from us. This was down to some dropped catches and fumbled throws, including when John and Jags collided trying to catch an easy ball and when my arm turned into a girl’s and threw an absolute shocker from deep, allowing one of their guys to get a home run. I apologise. However, I did put my family jewels in peril for the team, so I think I deserve some credit.

Late in the game Jagger replaced T Dubya as pitcher and really began to throw them some corkers. So much so infact that LLcoolRef suggested that he went to the allstar tryouts as he was a, and I quote, ‘natural’ pitcher. We were left in the final innings with 10 points needed to clinch the victory. However we just didn’t have it in us and the game finished 22-16. A hard fought game, full of ups and downs, it was a shame we let it slip away as we played some great softball at points.

Well done all involved, now lets look forwards to next game where we will be missing some vital players, so anyone who wants to become a ballbuster, step forwards and join our merry band, victory not guaranteed, but good times certainly are.

Till then…

Wednesday 13 June 2007

Game 3: Metrica v Euro RSCG

On a hazy Tuesday, pitch 7 of Gloucester Green would be the venue for what would be the Ballbusters toughest softballing test. Earlier in the day it seemed as though we were doomed to forfeit, with only 6 players, and lacking in one vital girl. However we showed our mettle by getting together a full side (thanks to all those that played), and we started well, turning up on time, with the kit and everything. However the opposition looked mean, with well worn-in gloves and a cocky confidence to their tosses. We spent our warm-up time explaining rules and practicing ‘good eyes’ in preparation for leaving the no-balls. This was not going to be easy as the most, well, shall we say ‘inexperienced’ Metrica side to date faced off against a hardened band of softball enthusiasts.

As the game got underway, it was clear that we were in for a tough time. Their batters all had gloves and did the little leg pose, and more importantly hit absolute screamers for our fielders to scrabble after.
These were a bunch of big-hitting, beer swilling brutes. And that was just the girls! Only joking of course, they were fine examples of femininity and Ed, of course, displayed his usual courtship behaviour of a solid clattering on third base. How could they resist?

In fact there was quite a lot of rough and tumble in what was meant to be a non-contact sport. I put my body on the line a number of times getting in the way of their almighty slugs and making dives for bases, including one instance where I caught some impressive hang time having collided with the leg of their first base fielder, hitting the floor with an almighty thump. It hurt, and still does. Lucy also showed her fielding talents by bravely stopping another wallop with her foot, causing the opposing team to rush over to help; she then had to be substituted as she couldn't move.

In what seemed to be the fastest game of Softball in our short history, it soon came to the sixth innings. We were sure that we had played seven (or at least we were hoping it was seven) and we were getting trounced. Turns out it was the final innings and we had the chance to catch up our 10+ point deficit. We played an absolute blinder but still sadly were all out for only a couple of runs. The game was over and we were soundly beaten 25-10.

Had we fielded our strongest side I really think we would have struggled to beat this lot who were damn good, so it is no shame to lose by such a margin given that many of our team had no played before. Of course, if we had forfeited we would have only lost by 10 runs. But that’s not the point. It is not the Metrica way to back out and I think congratulations are in order to all those that turned out and bravely battled for the ballbusters.

The game lost, we made our way to the pub, licking our wounds and sounding off about where we were can improve and how we were going to win next time. And there will be a next time…so see you there!

GO BALLBUSTERS!!

Tuesday 22 May 2007

Game 2: The aftermath

In true Metrica style the Ballbusters remembered that the real game is played in the pub, long after the sun has set on Primrose Hill.
After enjoying some pleasant refreshments...










... the pace increased ...










... but at the end of the evening the true team spirit of the Ballbusters prevailed.

Friday 18 May 2007

Game 2: London Raiders

The stage was set, Primrose Hill pitch 2., a classy and sophisticated venue for the Ballbusters’ cultured style of softball.

I must say, from the look of the opposing team, who seemed to have actually played softball before, I thought we were going to get a pasting. However, the game got underway and my doubts proved to be unfounded as the Ballbusters really began to show their mettle.


Tyrone was pitching for the opposition and despite having all the gear, he was useless, throwing ball after ball and getting increasingly more angry with himself. His team however didn’t seem to be too phased by it and offered him odd words of encouragement/advice such as ‘easy on the fingers Tyrone’, ‘just have fun with it’, ‘loving your work Tyrone’ etc. etc.

As the game continued the Ballbusters really controlled the play. Special mention must go to our pitchers Tim J. Weeks, Paul Kenno and Jags who were doing great work. John smashed a couple of corkers as per usual. Lucy, against all odds used her good eyes to ignore all of Tyrone’s useless pitches and was top scorer with three runs. Well done Lucy, no one doubted your talents. James ‘Velcro Hands’ Taylor just couldn’t tear himself away from the bat and insisted on running with it, much to his team’s dismay. Lorraine struggled against adversity and continued her high standards of batting and fielding despite a crocked leg. Richard Bennett also was the unhappy recipient of a torn hamstring, and, like a true man, he limped off out the game. Special mention has to go to Tim (J. Weeks) and Tom, who, at a vital point of the game were preparing to catch an absolute peach of a shot, completely unaware of each other and collided in comical fashion. Everyone however put in a great performance and showed that Metrica can really bust some balls.

In the final innings we were 7-6 up and needed to ensure that the Raiders didn’t score. We put the game on total lock down and forced them off the field, with our fielders really getting on top of things and getting the raiders out with ease.

The elation in the team was palpable as we were nearing a historic victory as the sun came out to herald our success. We batted last and the game was over, final score 7-6. WINNERS!!! We shook hands with the losers and sauntered off to the pub whilst the Raiders enjoyed a huddle and de-brief after the game. That victory pint was the sweetest I have ever tasted.

Again, well done team, it was a glorious day for the sport of softball, here’s to many more victories, lets hope they are all as comical and satisfying as the last one.


(The final score should have been 8-6 but an error in the score taking meant that Jack's first innings run wasn't marked. We don't care, we still whipped their arses.)

Game 1: Latitude

We arrived late and bedraggled to the arena of sporting greatness that is pitch 15 of regents park softball field. Latitude were even more late, looking equally confused. Game on.

The game got underway and it was clear that neither side had any idea of the rules, with Coach/Umpire/Match Fixer Alan barking out cryptic Softball do’s and don’ts, ordering us about and generally adding to the air of confusion around the game. It was clear that the other team was pretty intimidated by the talent on show among the Ballbusters, and one guy even left to go to toilet and ran home, never to be seen again.

Most of our points came from letting the useless bowlers from the opposing team throw foul balls, and then prancing to first base triumphantly. It was pretty even going for the first couple of innings, with both teams equally useless and playing with a dogged determination to get to the pub and escape the rain.

Notable incidents include Golden Boy John’s sweet shot into the stratosphere which broke some poor girl’s hand, me roughing up an opposing player, Anita falling over, and Ed clattering a poor defenceless girl on third base which was applauded by Coach Alan as being ‘the right thing to do’.

In the final Innings we were 8-4 down, needing 5 to win. We started off well, loading the bases and profiting from Latitude’s erratic bowling. However, Alan, who it must be said, had it in for Metrica from the off, started to show his true colours. Displaying a rather annoying habit of telling the other team how to get us out, whilst keeping it a secret from us, he ruined Lucy’s joyous run to the home plate by informing Latitude that she could be run out by tagging her with the ball. Whatever that means.

We were told, whilst congratulating each other for some great play, that we were all out and we had lost the game, 8-5. It’s a shame because we were definitely the better team, I mean, we had matching T-Shirts; that has to count for something surely. And they were using our mitts! we should have forced them to use bare hands. Next time we need to be more ruthless.

In summary I would say we wuz robbed by a conspiracy between dastardly Latitude and Alan, who showed in the pub afterwards that he will, if asked (and we didn’t) talk about softball literally for the whole evening.

Great effort Ballbusters, thanks to everyone for turning up and enduring lengthy spells of inactivity in a rainy field, we really showed them what we were made of. If its that much fun in the rain, just think how good it will be when/if its actually sunny.