Winter League 4

Venue: Shankill
Date: Sunday March 5th
Weather: gusty, sunny, calm and rainy

The final weekend of the Dublin Winter League 2006 saw Broccoli producs their strongest line yet with an incredible 9 players including the brilliantly fit Alan Murray. Unfortunately, due to injuries and sickness taking out a few of their already fragile squad, Johnny Chimpo were forced to forfeit their matches for the second week running. This left the green with only one game for the day, against UCD.

Niall and Softy were appearing together for the first time in Winter League so we knew it would be a tough game. Padraig, Liz, Wysey and Tony, amongst others, werent there to make up the numbers either. The game started with Broccoli on D and playing into the wnd. We got a turn and eventually stuck it in with Fi's awesome layout grab in the fron corner. 1-0 quickly became 2-0 with the D working soundly enough and O doing the job too. UCD had other plans though and scored two in a row with Tony getting a few big catches and Niall and Softy causing trouble as always.

With 2 subs and no game later in the day we began to play harder and soon the gap was to show. UCD were unlucky but under pressure and a few small mistakes lead to quick scores for the Brocs. Zone D and quick D to O transition was the key as the veggies grew in confidence and a few scores later half was taken at 7-3. The second half saw Broccoli receive the pull playing downwind and score with Big Gay Al on the end of some swill. Britboy's strong D and the hard running of Rob, Luan and Col in midfield made it tough for UCD and tiredness set in with a few throws going wayward. The green team closed out the game for a final score of 11-4.

A few memories from the game - Fi's massive layout, Niall's non-stop running, Adam's crazy grab, Britboy's D, Tony's catches and the great spirit from both teams in a tough match that wasnt quite reflected in the scoreline. Well done to all the Brocs for turning up to each of the WL 06 events and for playing hard, as a team and for each other. Here's hoping this is only the start of the silverware :)




After the final games we had a huddle and the following were awarded:

Bringer of A-Game : Fiona - every week Fi consitently scored points, caught tough catches and played D out of her skin. She's easily our top scorer and is improving every game, probably the most important player of our League campaign.

MVP : Marko. Most Valuable Asset in the Broc ammo box, as voted by his teammates. Huge displays of prowess on O and D as well as guiding words of wisdom at pivotal moments throughout the League.

MSP : Rob - the driving force behind the team and a perfect example how to play hard but with a smile and in a fair way. Kept our heads up, always.