Quote Originally Posted by londonboy View Post
I watched the New Lambton vs Magic 9s and 10s over at Speers Point. Some excellent football on show.
saw something quite interesting in the main game between these two clubs.
firstly, it was a great game, played by two teams intent on playing football. the game was frenetic but there was always a buildup, no long balls. every attack had at least 4-6 passes upfield and players had to use their skills to get by. last few weeks ive seen A LOT of long ball in order just to get goals but this was a proper football game.

the interesting thing though was at one stage a home team player had skilled his man and was off down the sideline, the away player then made a clumsy tackle from behind and got his legs.
it was a little cynical and in grown ups it was def a yellow card. ref called the foul and was ready to restart when the away coach called his player over and made him sit down for a spell. told him the tackle was unacceptable and he wasnt happy (mind you, the coach did it in a very stern but not abusive manner). the player went to the sidelines and sat on the bench, came back on a bit later and all was good.

about 10 mins later the same thing happened the other way. a clumsy tackle from the home player wiped a kid out. again, the home coach this time called his player off and sat him down (the home player knew hed deserved it and apologised to the kid he nailed). after full time i saw the home player go up to the player he whacked and apologise again and shake his hand. a few weeks prior this kid came off the field showing everyone bruises he got from getting pinched in backplay from one of the best teams in the comp, such was the importance of 'winning' games this club had.

it was a stark contrast to some of the carry on from teams (and coaches) that are all about winning and carrying on like its the Premier League. Both coaches and all the players should be congratulated for the way they respected each others players and the purpose of the program. its the type of game id love to see every week. some of the kids on display could be absolutely anything in the sport, it was fantastic to watch.