80 Not Out

The new Dynamos team for 17/18 is starting to take shape. Most importantly, the foundations are in place. After 2 games where the Dynamos were getting caught on the break after dominating possession, a back 4 of Jake Lewis, Lorcan Greene, Prithvi Abhishetty and Louis Brown marked tight and were disciplined enough to limit the Friars to very few chances. Progress!

Otherwise, we were up to 3 father and son combos on the pitch. The Nisbets (split out left and right to maximise their impact) gave the midfield energy and did the tireless running you need in midfield. The Greene were split vertically. Man of the match Lorcan was the star addition to defence. Graham led the line and (almost!) scored a great deflected goal. For the Browns, Brown senior was knackered after an emergency 12:55pm Heathens call up but Louis continues to grow and develop at left half.

But the creative energy and most attacks began with Ben Baker and vice-captain Cook in midfield. The Friars is really a vets team they could not really handle the youth of the Dynamos all game. But Ben and vice-captain Cook were most likely to exploit the space on offer and set up attacks. This is beginning to look like a very solid midfield pairing. Ben also scored a real poacher’s goal off the one and only short corner that was not hit directly at the keeper.

Which leaves two players to mention. First, Phil Cartin in goal had very little to do until the last play of the game when the Friars attacked and he got a toe to their best shot on target of the day saving the 3 points. Thanks to Phil for this and also being another who doubled up to help the Heathens win.

Lastly, Tony D’Cruz remains an inspiration to us all. As keen to play as any of the teenagers. Still useful up front. Still offering support and encouragement. Still complaining that I don’t pass early enough. It is an honour and a joy to play with Tony every week and it was great to be able to celebrate his birthday on Saturday with Prosecco, cake and a card. Let’s hope we can all be as fit and active as Tony at age 80!