MATCH DAY REPORT: 6/29

Another impressive turnout, even with the early start saw an exciting game back in the old 'hood of Trap Hagen's hallowed grass.

Yes, there was some hallowed grass on the field. More than when we played there regularly. But to be fair, most of the greenness was down to a mix of clover and other weeds and, while the goal area at one end was lush and verging on overgrown, the opposing goal was patchy at best, and parts of the midfield were billiard ball smooth. Then again, what are we? Synthetic Herbivores?

Ah, Trap! How we love you!

Several players took the change of venue, and a somewhat lighter-hearted attitude that comes with playing what is the closest to an away game as WSS will ever have, as a chance to experiment with their team colors. Among those that joined the team they would normally be playing against were Hock and Mark Miller, wearing white, while Keeble put on his blue shirt for probably only the second time since leaving Trap for Waldwick High in 2006.

The Blues got off to a flying start and by the time the White team registered their first shot on goal (a shot that went in - a Dan special that bent past Doug in the Blue goal) they were already down by four. Scott R played as an out-and-out striker, backed up by the muscle of Vince and some neat wing play from Dimos. The white defenders tried hard to maintain an offside trap, led by their Blue Team defector Hock, but it was caught out time and again, albeit with a few dubious calls in the mix. Doug's booming goal kicks were tormenting the white back line and his command of his area was leaving the white strikers praying for a mistake. Even when a rare shot beat the 'keeper, the frame of the goal bailed out the Blue team with no less than three certain goals pinging off the crossbar and away to safety.

When Steve opted out of the White goal and took up a position at right back, Justin went between the pipes for the Whites and with some unconventional play managed to stem the gaping holes the Blues were exploiting. That change gave the Whites the chance to pull back a few goals, led by Scott P, Tom D and Dan (again.)

The heat was intense, and when play was called at 10:30 there were few complaints, even from the Whites who were in touch of pulling out a win that had looked unlikely for the first hour of play.

Final Score - Whites 8 Blues 6

Man-of-the-match: Doug. A goalkeeping clinic and several assists with his long goal kicks.