Parklife

Added Parklife to Old Friends

2007-09-18T08:39:00.000+10:00

I have added Parklife as an organisation to the Old Friends Web site. Hey ex members, - join up so we can stay in touch - maybe we can have a reunion one day!

Grand Final result

2006-07-10T08:04:00.000+10:00

Us: 3
Them: 8
Scorers for Parklife: Josh 2, Ben 1

The lads won the semi final on Friday night, putting us into the 5th Grand final in 16 seasons. Unfortunately it didn't look like we were going to be able to field a team due to injuries and work and other committments. Some fast talking with the officials, a letter written by the captain, and an agreement with the other team saw Tim and injured Mike available to play. Neither of us were qualified as we had not played the request 5 matches. However the other team in a spirit of sportsmanship generously allowed us to play so they could have a worthy team to play. Ben was able to get there from work, and Josh decided to play even though injured also.
We took the field, and unfortunately went down 1 nil immediately with a keeping error, followed in short succession by another handball outside the box by the keeper resulting in a penalty, duly slotted.
Tim took the field and went straight to goal and kept the rest bar one goal out for the remainder of the first half. The goal scored was partly my fault, and partly bad luck. I went outside the box to intercept and save a hard strike at goal - the bruise is still on my calf. However the ball rebounded to half way and before I could get back into the goal was belted home. To make matters worse I was accidentally impeded in my return by one of our players.
The second half of the first half was won on the field by Parklife, racking up several ineffective strikes on goal and better field work and passing.
Ben hit an awesome strike to get our first goal.
We went to half time 4-1 down but believing we could overcome the deficit.
Second half started well with lots of strikes on goal, and although we let another one in due to a 2 on 1 attack on our goal we kept our heads up. Then Josh struck, and struck again and it was 5-3. We were back in it and with 2 minutes to play went all out on attack. This left our defence strung out and they countered with another 2 on 1 attack splitting Ben the defender and Tim in goal and hitting another home.
Tim then let another one in in a similar situation to the first he conceded by saving a goal and leaving the goal open for a counter volley. Finally with 30 seconds to go Tim dribbled out of the goal circle, got forced wide - taken to the net and forced to attempt a long pass to one of our players hanging free near the opposition goal. The pass was cut off and rolled into the goal with 1 second on the clock.

Parklife will now hang up the boots as a club.
To all the Parklifers - thanks for some wonderful times - stories we can tell our kids - and five Grand Final defeats!

The Last Hurrah!

2006-07-10T08:02:00.000+10:00

Pat writes:

As far as I know this weekend is the last weekend for Parklife

I say that cause Nossi and I are retiring and I think Pete has told Eric we are not going ahead next season. The reasons are we dont have enough players, usually fielding 4 or 5 and sometime 3 of our own squad. Also with the fees at $72 per game we end up paying close to $20 most weeks which is not sustainable. Noss and Pete have really kept the team going playing 14 and 12 games respectively out of 15. Ben and I have played 9 each, Josh a newcomer 8 and Richard nossi's brother 8 before he went to England for 6 weeks. Our record is 8 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses and considering we lost the first 2 games that's very good. I dont have a record of all the goalscorers as we've scored so many and people cant remember. We have won 8-1, 8-2, 11-4 and 12-3 in four games.

We came second in the regular league and our semi-final is this Friday at 6.10 (assuming we can clear our debt to the centre of $55 before the game. We should have a great chance of making the final and going out on a high. If you are around Friday any support would be great. The final if we make it is 2pm Sunday I think.

Personally for me I just dont enjoy it enough anymore and am happy to have something else on to avoid playing. I guess when I feel like that its time to retire. I would like to thank you all for the last 5 years. Its just been a wondeful journey with the parklifers. Between the 50 game plus Parklifers we have played a combined total of over 1000 games which is some achievement. The approx totals are

Pat 171
Ben 154
Tim 153
Ralf 147
Mike 135
Larry 122
Pete 105
Eugene 60 and
Noss 57

I reckon we need to catch up soon and have an evening to celebrate a great era.

Bye for now

Pat

Parklife is back!

2006-03-11T18:27:00.000+10:00

Parklife indoor soccer is back on!

Starting March 17th.

The indoor centre phoned and the time for next week is 8.50pm. Pat had asked for an earlier game but no luck, that's the time.

Let Pat know if your playing.

2005-10-22T00:33:00.000+10:00

Us: 1
Them: 7
Scorers for Parklife: Richard 1

Sad way to finish a season (though it was against the top team) and also our 200th game as a club. Still an awesome effort.

We are resting the boots for a seaason and will come back stronger and recommitted in the new year.

I will post any planned social activites over the holidays on here.

Parklife Result 14 Otcober 2005

2005-10-19T12:49:00.000+10:00

Us: 4
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: Andrew, Richard, Peter and Pat 1 each.
Played the United Nations team. This week we had 8 players compared to 5 last week. It was the first time for ages we played with a sub let alone 3. They weren't great but we didn't play too well. We never got into any rhythm with all the changes and could not put them away. Andrew scored first with a clever goal after he heard the ref call direct free kick, but they didn't so he just slotted the ball into the net and they didn't try to stop it. They equalised when they caught us on the break. Andrew's brother Richard restored our lead with a cool finish but we were sloppy again just before the break to leave it 2-2 at half time. Pete scored early in the 2nd to put us ahead again but rather than go on with it they stunned us with 2 goals in a few minutes to leave us 3-4 behind. They defended better from here on and we found it hard but we kept going and got level with a couple of minutes left when Pat scored. We nearly got the winner right at the death but they deserved a draw for their spirit and tenacity.

Parklife Score 7th October 2005

2005-10-11T18:25:00.000+10:00

Us: 2
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: Andrew 1, Milan 1

We played CUS. We had 3 players, Eugene, Andrew and Tim so grabbed two extras.
Hard fought game as always against CUS.
It should have been an extra goal after the referee changed his mind about a call and then disallowed the goal we scored.

Parklife Score 30 September 2005

2005-09-30T22:50:00.000+10:00

Us: 7
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: (Greedy) Patrick 5, Eugene 1, Andrew 1
We got off to a bit of a bad start with them scoring 1 almost straight away. After that we fired up and Tim passed some long balls out to Pat who scored 2 or 3 straight away. After that they started playing a man back and we had to work a bit harder. It was a very fast game and they were a lot fitter. However in the end we prevailed 7-4.

Parklife result 23 September 2005

2005-09-24T02:04:00.000+10:00

Us: 4
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: Andrew 3, Tim 1

Tonight was a physical and fast game. We went ahead and stayed ahead until about 8 minutes to go when they got their 4th goal. Then shortly after our keeper was hit in the face with the ball cutting his forehead slightly. The time taken for this meant the clock ran down and by the time play was restarted we only had 2 or 3 minutes left. It finished in a draw.

Each of our goals was set up with precision passing and slotting into the net. There were no blasted shots or wild attacks. We played a very controlled game against a physically larger and faster team. It could have well been a higher score for them.

Match Report 9th September 2005

2005-09-14T15:49:00.000+10:00

Us: 2
Them: 8
Scorers for Parklife: Andrew 1, Eugene 1
Soulmatic were much improved from the last time we met and were full of running and shots early. They went 2-0 ahead but we were still in the game until Mike twisted his knee again, and as he hit the ground with his hand in frustration I knew he was in a bad way. We had to play the rest of the half with only 4 and they scored another couple before the break. We got an extra player at half time who looked and played a lot like Ralf. We were only playing for pride though really and being desperate going forward we didn't defend well and let in more goals. Andrew and Eugene got a goal each at least for our effort.

No game this week

Parklife score 2 September 2005

2005-09-03T00:35:00.000+10:00

Us: 9
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: Theo 3, Pat 2, Mike 2, Eugene 2, Tim 0
Theo filled in as we only had 4. We started well with strong defence and tightly controlled passing resulting in an early goal. We hit several times in the first half scoring 6-1 by halftime. The second half was a little slower with more holding the ball and working it to an opportunity. We let them in with some casual defence a couple of times and one shot was absoutely fired at the goal. I didn't even move til after it had smacked the back of the net it was so fast. However we still had several quick passouts from goal resulting in shots on goal. It was a strong win.

Parklife Result 26 August 2005

2005-08-26T23:19:00.000+10:00

Us: 5
Them: 2
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 2, Pat 2, Andrew 1

We had 5 versus their 6 so they had a sub and we didn't. Didn't matter as Pat's new boots shone in the sun!
Although they went ahead first with their first goal Pete soon scored and then we just started dominating. Snappy passes to feet and one-twos followed by shots on goal. They had nothing against us - every attack was quickly cut off and turned into a quick rebound attack. If they failed or were blocked we returned to a passing game. We did have a few sloppy defence moments but they only capitalised on one and we ended up coming away wininng 5-2.
Parklife is BACK!

Parklife Result 19 August 2005

2005-08-20T12:07:00.000+10:00

Us: 1
Them: 6
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 1

Shocking start saw Tim let in several goals early on as they cut us apart at the back.
Poor marking let us down - shots in goal were probably even but their keeper was awesome.
Not a memorable performance.

Parklife score 5 August 2005

2005-08-10T22:16:00.000+10:00

Us: 4
Them: 5
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 3, Andrew 1.
After going behind early we clawed back to 4-4 and held there for 5-10 minutes before full time, but then with 12 seconds on the clock they scored to make it 5-4.
Realistically it was silly keeper errors by Tim that gave it away.

Pats Final Lament for Last season

2005-08-04T14:57:00.000+10:00

Well I guess were all feeling a little down after losing yesterday when we had such a great chance to win. I kept replaying incidents in the game in my head last night. If only we hadn't got off to a bad start, if only we had taken our chances when 3-2 ahead etc etc. I'm sure we all do it but we cant change what happened and I guess that's sport for you. Still overall it was a great season, we came 2nd out of 9. Here are some stats.

Record: Least defeats in a season 4 (incredibly 3 to Chief Wiggum and O'Malleys who I think we would agree are that bit better than us at present, top 4 div 2. So Chief Wiggum were the only team to beat us in our league and by one each time 5-6, 2-3 and 3-4.

Record: Best % for a season at 67%

Record: Most consecutive games unbeaten 8

Pete well done most games played and goals scored in season and you passed 100 goals a few games ago.

Parklife Result 28 July 2005

2005-07-30T02:33:00.000+10:00

Us: 5
Them: 6
Scorers for Parklife: Domonic 2, Andrew 1, Adrian 1, Tim 1

With only Tim and Anderw there as regulars Tim brought two from his outdoor team Dom and Scott. We dragged in another fill in and that made 5.
They attacjed from the outset and some good defending helped us deal with the onslaught til we broke though, Scott setting Dom up for a perfect side foot into the goal. They scored sraight back at us and then again. We went to half time 4-2 down.
They took it to 5-2 and then we scored twice after lots of pressure from us and amazing saves from their keeper. Another goal from them took it to 6-4 and then with about 2 minutes to go Dom scored his second. We all out attacked for the last 2 minutes with the whistle blowing as Tim (goalie) was half way down the field with the ball trying to get in a position to shoot or pass.
Given that it was a new combination, we had no subs and they had one, I think our normal team would have beaten them. They were a new team to us and their skills were good, but predictable and after we worked them out we shut them down easy most of the time. All their goals scored were on break aways and one on ones with the keeper.

Reflections From Pat for 21 July Game

2005-07-30T02:31:00.000+10:00

Tim, I think your match report for last Friday was a bit harsh on us. I thought we played well and was 1-1 at half time. It was only when Jono went in goal we let in some soft goals. Its something we gotta watch in future games. Only recognised keepers should play in goal. But I cant blame you for wanting a run outfield Tim Friday and anyhow it wasn't really a Parklife team. I enjoyed it though.

2005-07-24T08:59:00.000+10:00

Us: 2
Them: 7
Scorers for Parklife: Miguel 1, John 1
Only Pat and Tim were the regulars there due to injuries and travel commitments. Laurent made a guest apearance, Debbies husband John came to help out and two of Tim's friends Miguel and Jono from his outdoor soccer club came.
The cut us to pieces across the back line and scored a number of goals that we normally would not have let in. We had a good physical game regardless.

Parklife results 15 July 2005

2005-07-16T20:35:00.000+10:00

Us: 2
Them: 3
Scorers for Parklife: Pat 1, Andrew 1
We went ahead fairly early and held a 2-0 lead for most of the game. In the second half we put Andrew in goal and they scored 2 quick goals to make it 2-2. Although we had most of the ball and more shots on goal they ended up taking it out 3-2.
After game analysis suggested we weren't too worried as this is the first game of the new season and we are still in grading games. We comfortably beat them in our normal combinations and Andrew has kindly offered never to keep again.

Final 10 July 2005

2005-07-10T20:36:00.000+10:00

Us: 3
Them: 4
Scorers for Parklife: Pat 2, Pete 1

The went ahead early with two quick goals. We followed up soon after with two well constructed goals finished by Pat. A third goal hit by Pete just before half time saw us take the lead 3-2. For the next 15 minutes we defended our lead and attacked constantly, but missed every shot, either putting it wide or being saved by the keeper. Tim stopped a couple of goals but they didn't really worry our end as our defence was too tight. Finally they took a cross court pass which we were to slow to cover and a shot was smacked into the far post tying the score up with around 4 minutes to go.
Now the pace became frantic, and we literally bomarbed their goal forcing their keeper to make saves, and some shots going wide. No luck and on a return attack they scored again with less than 2 minutes left. Now it was all stops out but to no avail and once again we walked away with a 2nd place runners up trophy.

There's always next season - game on at 5:30 Friday 15 July.

Semifinal 8 July 2005

2005-07-08T20:47:00.000+10:00

Us: 2
Them: 0
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 2.
Great win. We went ahead with the first goal after 10 minutes of intense back and forward from both sides, hardly any shots, just great build ups and defence. Pete took advantage of a bit of loose defence and blasted a ball past 2 defenders on the wrong side for the keeper to see straight into the net.
We fought hard for the next one which was a well set up series of passes between Mike and Pete allowing Pete to put it away.
Half time came and we resolved to hold firm, score another if we could, but to defend hard and tight. Well we did and we won. I pulled off a save out of nowhere to stop a ball that was flying under me. Still not sure how I got my hand on it.
Final now on Sunday at 12PM.

Parklife Score 24 June 2005

2005-06-25T08:32:00.000+10:00

Us: 6
Them: 0
Scorers for Parklife: Mike 4, Tim 1, Tom fill in) 1

Pete put a pass to Mike in the corner which he tapped to me on the top of the goal circle. I trapped it with my right foot turned around the defender and poked it under the keepers hands with my left foot for the first goal inside 2 mintues from kick off. This was followed a couple of minutes later by the first of Mike's 4 awesome goals.
We went to half time 3-0 and decided to concentrate on defending our lead. With no subs we all took turns in goal except Pete who worked tirelessly and gave so many great passes to Tom, Tim and Mike. Tom put one away and Mike put two more away, both blasted so hard at the keeper he couldn't stop them. One actually went straight at his face and brushed it as he jerked away and slammed into the top of the net.
The had a few shots on our goal that were unlucky, one hit the inside of the post and came back out and a couple hit the outside and skidded off, but we contained them pretty well.
One more game then the finals.

Parklife results 17 June 2005

2005-06-17T19:54:00.000+10:00

Us: 8
Them: 3
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 4, Mike 4, Eugene 1

They scored from the kickoff first within in 5 seconds.
That sparked a scoring spree for both sides that ended 5 minutes into the game with the score 4-3 to us.
From there we defended well and scored two well constructed goals to go to half time 6-3.
The second half saw more tight defense and two more goals rounding out the score at 2 minutes to full time at 8-3. Despite a frantic push for the 9th goal and an additional bonus point we were unable to convert two chances in the last 1.5 minutes.

The ref commented to Mike that this was the best game he had ever seen us play.

Parklife Results 10 June 2005

2005-06-12T00:36:00.000+10:00

Us: 3
Them: 3
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 2, Tim 1
Pete scored the first goal with a cracking right foot cross court shot into the top left hand side of the box beating his man on defence and the keeper as well.
I came into goal shortly after and they scored when they kicked across the goal box, I anticipated it but dived too late and they scored from the other side behind my sprawled body. After I came back out of goal Mike, fresh back from Istanbul, was inspired and set me up against their keeper who came out of his box and shoved me into the side net. I went to take the free kick but Mike stepped in and touched it to me and I blasted it through two defenders' legs and the keeper couldn't handle the power and it dribbled past him into the net after he only partially stopped it.
Some hectic defending for the next while saw Ben and Pat both stopping numerous shots with their legs and great tackles. Mike and Pete continued to rove up front but the defence was on them like the stench on 4 day old prawns. I even managed to reflex save one massive shot fired at me so hard it sounded like a bullet shot firing off my palm back out into the field of play.
Finally however they managed to score with a cut pass across the face of goal and slammed into the back of the net.
With only a minute 49 to go it looked unlikely we were going to get anything but a draw but Pete managed to slot another home making it 3-2. But 40 seconds later after some frantic attack by the opposition they managed to get a shot between our defender's legs and although I got my hand to it I couldn't stop it.
Although we didn't win we didn't lose either. And given we were second on the table by one point prior to this game the bonus point for scoring 3 goals is welcome also.

Parklife Score 27 May 2005

2005-05-28T01:31:00.000+10:00

Us: 5
Them: 2
Scorers for Parklife: Pete 2, Tim 2, Pat 1
Awesome game. I scored off a long ball from Pat in the goal in the first minute (AC Milan style). The ball bounced once and sat up for me to pivot off my left foot and half volley the ball past the keeper. They equalised within a matter of minutes with a long range shot that surprised Pat. Pete poked one in shortly after through a guys legs and straight past the keeper.
Not long after I took a free kick right in front of goal. My intention was just to touch the ball and leave it for Pete to score as it was an indirect penalty. However I missed it altogether, Pete slammed it into 2 defenders legs, it ricochetted to me and I slotted it past the keeper.
In the second half Eugene, Ben, Pete and Pat all shot at the keeper a lot for no result. I was in goal and the other team passed brilliantly to set up a back post player with a shot I couldn't stop. For the next 14 minutes we defended our 3-2 position, and then in the last 2 minutes we scored twice, Pat finally got one in then Pete with the final one. A great result that needed great team synergy. Well done Lads!