Match Report: Metrica v Huxley

Final Score: Metrica 3 - 9 Huxley

It was a day for heroes. A day when the rain poured, the wind howled, and the changing rooms at GMH Park still hadn't been completed.

Against this (slightly melodramatic) backdrop, a band of merry stragglers from Jaggers Daggers made their way via the free booze at the staff meeting to a 7.30 showdown with Huxley. The size of Metrica's task was immediately apparent as they lined up with just 4 players- Ray having set off on a crusade for a new pair of shoes at 5.30, never to be seen again.

Despite this, Tom, JT in goal, Rich and Thane "the rookie" Ryland made a good start (by our standards), with some neat passing and tidy defence. The extra man told though, and at half time it was three zip without anyone doing much wrong, Metrica was staring down the barrel of another defeat, and we were getting tired. It was still raining too.

Coming out for the second half it seemed like the cause was lost, and sure enough Huxley tucked a couple more away with some very sharp finishing. But Metrica stuck at it, and with a left foot that would make John Arne Riise proud, Rich lashed a shot towards the opposition goalie. Also like Riise, the hapless fool then turned it into his own net, although Rich still claimed it at the end of the game.

At the other end James was playing a blinder in goal to keep the score respectable, and some neat interplay between Thane and Tom led to a couple more Metrica goals, finished off in style by Jagger. As if that wasn't enough of a surprise, Ray then turned up, enthusiastic as ever but apparently without having bought any new shoes.

Huxley's reputation for physical play and gamesmanship was working against them too, and although even Tom was getting a bit puffed out, a few sneaky kicks and pushes here and there helped to make a contest of it. At the whistle, the Daggers trooped off the pitch with their heads held high and the now-customary defeat in their pockets. Even the rain stopped to applaud their efforts.

Metrica: Taylor, Jagger (2), Ryland, Bennett (1), Hirang (1/2!)

Match Report: Metrica v PR Newswire

Final Score: Metrica 3 - 7 PR Newswire

When Bill Shankly talked about a game of two halves, he must surely have been watching Metrica vs. PR Newswire in the Waterloo Tuesday Premier League! Weekes made his debut in goal for Metrica, but it was the outfield players who looked like they hadn't played together before. An up-tempo start by PR Newswire caught Metrica flat-footed, and saw them quickly put five first-half goals on the board. An air shot from Tom was the highlight of the first half for Metrica FC, getting a laugh from everyone...even the unusually unbiased referee cracked a smile.

The second half saw an upturn in fortunes for the boys in blue. With JT replacing Jason in goal the fresh legs improved the outfield dynamism immensely. Despite having no subs, Metrica forced their aggressive brand of football on the opposition to get back into a game which at halftime had looked dead and buried. Excellent running on the left side from Jagger forced PRN to play deep and following some neat link-up play with Fell, Jagger fired in a shot past the opponent's exceptionally athletic 'keeper, who until that point had managed to keep out everything thrown at him.

Despite being 5-1 down, Metrica found a belief in themselves on the back of last week's much improved performance, showing grit and determination to drag themselves back into a game they had no right to be in. Leading by example, captain 'workhorse' Jagger ran his socks off, linking up in attack well with the 'mercurial' Fairclough and Fell to create some promising chances. Weekes pulled strings in the middle of the park, while JT played more of a Grobellar role between the sticks, distributing the ball quickly to continue the attacking barrage on Newswire's goalmouth. A rebounded effort from John dropped to Andy to finish off, to which the PR boys retorted with a brace.

With minutes to go Andy forced a penalty, which John converted expertly into the bottom left corner which would have left even a Premiership 'keeper with no chance. The final whistle came too soon for Metrica who were going from strength to strength as the opposition were fading fast, but alas it was not to be despite an improved second half performance.

Metrica: Fairclough (1), Fell (1), Jagger (1) (MoM), Taylor, Weekes

Metrica v Saffrey Champness

Final Score: Metrica 4 - 5 Saffrey Champness

The Daggers were back in action last night eager to banish the previous week's poor showing, which they did in some style. From the off it was a different game and goals from John and Andy gave the Metrica boys an early lead.

The Champness lads were not going to go down quietly however and worked their way back into the game scoring three unanswered goals to lead at the half.

The second half was a good battle between the teams and Metrica showed some of the form they had been missing so far this season. Andrew, Jason and Tom worked tirelessly from box to box, while Ray was proving the find of the season in goal. His two full stretch, top corner saves were definitely a cameraman's dream.

John added two more to his tally but both were in response to Saffrey scores. Trailing by a goal with three minutes to go the Daggers pushed on valiantly, peppering the Saffrey goal, but to no avail, as they were edged out by the odd goal in nine.

Metrica: Ray (MoM), Kenno, Jay, Andy (1), Jagger, Fell(3)

Metrica v Practical Law Company

Final Score: Metrica 1 - 12 Practical Law Company

Metrica took on the top of the table in this early Tuesday kickoff – without the scoring exploits of Adam it was always going to be a tough match to win. After conceding a couple of early goals Metrica knew that it would be the toughest game of the season to date.

Despite the gale force winds, the opposition goalie appeared to be in unbeatable form. His goal remained intact, despite some excellent efforts by the 'daggers' attack. Then, just before halftime, John hit a powerful shot and awoke a glimmer of hope for the boys in blue. 7-1 at the half.

The second half was more bruising that the first and the opposition made a number of bad challenges, which went unpunished by the oblivious ref.

The team consisting of Tom, Rich, Paul, Andy (back after a long injury spell on the sidelines), John and James all put in the hard graft, but unfortunately came away with only 1 goal. Big shout to Tom who did a great job between the posts and kept the score down.

There is good news on the horizon following this below par performance – we have to play 4 of the bottom 5 teams in the next 4 weeks. We are confident of getting some points on the board!

Match Report: Metrica v Huxley

Jagger's Daggers left GMH Park on Tuesday with a brave and disciplined performance in their back pockets but no result. A freezing night with intermittent rain saw the usual capacity crowd reduced to three penguins and a snowman, and with just 5 players against Huxley's 7 Metrica looked up against it from the start.

Sensing a walkover, Huxley promptly forgot to play for the first 5 minutes and found themselves 3-0 down. Finally getting into the match, Huxley replied with a good effort, then fluked a deflection past Rich "the cat", deputising between the sticks. Tom "I eat marathons for breakfast" Jagger found himself on the wrong end of some rough tackles as Huxley started to impose their brand of footie on the game.

The teams traded goals, with John and Adam capitalising on an inept first half by Huxley's goalie. Tamplin hit the crossbar from the half way line, and at half time it was 5-4 Huxley, everything to play for. But with no substitutes Metrica were beginning to tire, and shortly after the kick off Huxley extended their lead.

Metrica grabbed shovels and dug in, and a combination of disciplined defending from Tom and James and great finishing from the dynamic duo up front took Metrica ahead for the first time since their early salvo. 7-6 against the odds, and for a few minutes it looked like the Daggers were on their way to a deserved win against the odds. But with tiredness creeping in, Benno picked the wrong time to entertain the crowd with some comedy goalkeeping. And as Huxley pulled level and then ahead, Metrica's legs finally went.

10-7 at the end but, as the watching penguins slipped off into the chilly night, the battling manner of the performance warmed our hearts a little.

Match Report: Metrica v IPC

The Daggers were back in action last night looking to banish the memories of last season's poor finish.

The task was not an easy one as they faced the much fancied, reigning champions IPC Marketforce. IPC showed no signs of rustiness and were quickly into their stride with a 3 goal lead. After the first five minutes the daggers shook off the cobwebs of the winter break and somewhere between slipping and landing on his butt, John Fell connected with the ball and opened the Metrica account for the evening.

Honours were even the rest of the first half with Adam scoring, before Rich dazzled the defence with a double spin move (or triple salco if you're so inclined) and drove the ball into the top corner. Adam then coolly slotted home his second of the game, leaving the Daggers trailing 6 - 4 at the half. Half time may not have quite had the razzmatazz of the Superbowl, but hopefully next week the crowd, of one man and his dog, will be more lively.

IPC hit back with a couple of quick goals in the second half. Their slick passing troubling the Metrica defence all game. Then on a rare foray up field, Kenno played a one-two with Fell, before toe-poking home the Daggers' fifth. John Fell hit a second before IPC rounded off the scoring for a final tally of 10 - 6.

So a relatively positive game for the Daggers against the premier division Champions. Next week the Daggers can expect a physical battle against newly promoted Huxley.

Tue 4 Mar, 7:30pm - Huxley v Metrica

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 2^nd ahead of Alan Baxter. We now have the winter break for a month with our next game on Jan 8^th 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

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)

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!

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…

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!!