Mt Gravatt 1 – 0 Bethania
Not quite the battle of the giants, but certainly the battle of the slightly taller than average. Mt Gravatt kicked off as top dogs (a bull mastiff for example) with Bethania in second (medium size dogs such as a Labrador or an overgrown poodle). A win for Bethania would have closed the gap to win and a draw 4 – in the event, Mt Gravatt opened a gap of 10 points...and it was well deserved.

For the first time this season the Metro 4 team were given the use a wide range of facilities at Dittmer park never spoken of before - the ‘home’ changing rooms with showers and state of the art gymnasium equipment, a chalk board (chalk provided), a physio table – and could it be...a warm up on the hallowed surface of Dittmer 1. Don’t get ahead of yourself boys – warming up on field 1 is restricted to the elite of the club – and the other Metro teams.

But come kick off, not even the powers that be could prevent the Metro 4’s wandering onto the shiny emerald jewel that is Dittmer Park. And in honour of the upgrades afforded them, the Hawks kickoff at a spritely pace - immediately putting the much fancied Rams under pressure. The wide open spaces allowed the Hawks to play a more expansive game and utilise the pace and trickery of Dan and Jack in the wide areas. This in turn allowed space for the central midfield pairing of R&R, who went on to dominate their opponents, snapping and biting when not in possession and picking the ball up deep and controlling the football when in possession.

Bethania struggled to keep pace with the game and goal machine Frank was a bit part actor in this movie. Despite this, they do look to have a couple of handy player playing through the middle – but they were never allowed to settle on the ball and they struggled with the intensity of the Hawks. Time and again, Hawks won the ball in advanced areas and laid seize to the Bethania box.

Quite surprising then that only one goal separated the teams at half time – a wonderful finish on the half hour from Johnny Gabo – fast becoming our very own goal machine. Can someone fill me in on the details???

The Hawks lost sweeper, Brett to injury late in the half. Rich shuffled his pack and Toby dropped into sweeper, Jeff operated in a wider defensive role and Ayed filled the gap in front of Toby. Ayed added another dimension with his guile and craft in the art of passing, while Toby adjusted well to the unfamiliar role of sweeper.

So at half time, it was comfortable – but in the balance.

Bethania came into the game in the second half and applied some pressure. But it was huff and puff without much craft. Hawks defended well and never let the ball in behind them. Late in the game Hussein made an excellent double save to keep the scales of justice balanced in our favour but apart from that he was untroubled and unflustered.

Indeed, as Bethania pushed on, it was the Hawks who looked more dangerous with Magical Moe and Johnny Boy Gabo breaking quickly, supported in wide areas by Jack and Dan. Dan added width on the right and had the ball found its way to him, the game may have been put beyond doubt.

As the elder half of R&R tired, he was replaced by Greg – with Magic Mo dripping in beside Russ in midfield. Greg hassled and harried upfront, and made himself available as Hawks broke quickly.

Jeff nearly got his fourth of the season when his header from a freekick or corner (Jeff’s luminous head prevented me from seeing which) struck the bar and flashed over.

Bethania were unsporting on the park (foul mouthed, spitting, tackles with afters – 5 yellows awarded) and ungracious in defeat (their coach suggested we only won because of our overseas players. Given that Brett, Jeff, Harry, Jack, Dan and Francey seem to be our only proper Aussies it’s probably a fair comment). One team I did not wish well for the remainder of the season.

Next up Greenbank away....COME ON HAWKS.

Gaz.
John's goal was scored after Jack made a run down the left, passed it to Mohanned's feet, who then promptly passed it first time to John, who fired home from just inside the box. With the keeper rushing out to the wrong side.