A Thrilling Match Ends in a Draw
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
MIGHTY WHITE MARAUDERS 16
DARK DESTROYERS 16
A stunning fightback ensured an upset in an incredible battle at the Powerleague Superdrome last night.
Before the match bookies had the Mighty White Marauders as 6-1 ON favourites to win, however it was the Dark Destroyers who looked most likely to clinch the game in the frantic final few seconds. Despite leading 12 - 7 at one stage, the Marauders had to defend to salvage a 16-16 draw out of a thrilling encounter.
A horrendous mistake by Alan Gillies had given the Destroyers an early lead. A speculative Michael Tamburrini shot took a deflection and looped onto the nets behind the goal. In trying to catch the ball, all that Gillies managed to do was throw it into his own goal - giving the Destroyers a vital advantage. Gillies was the only man who had never tasted defeat before last nights match, and such a horrid mistake almost cost him that record.
Predictably the Marauders fought back. Gillies, working hard to get his side back ahead, inspired them to a 12 - 7 lead. At this point, with little over 15 minutes remaining, the match looked as good as over.
When Martin Penman struck a thunderbolt to restore the Marauders three goal lead late on, the Destroyers late efforts appeared to be in vain. However, there was one more twist in the tale.
With Neil Williamson stopping everything in the Destroyers goal, Simon Pattullo grabbed a desperate equalizer late into injury time, causing Marauders players to surround referee Hugh Dallas demanding to know why he hadn't blown for full time.
At this point the full time whistle was blown - before the match descended into violence. Pattullo had already suffered a stab wound to the knee, and Destroyers player Michael Tamburrini was nursing a blister on his big toe. A thrilling match had came to a dramatic end.
Player ratings
Mighty White Marauders
Iain Cochrane - 7
Solid game, rarely looked in trouble, although was guilty of losing his discipline in the melee late on.
Alan Gillies - 6
Spoiled his match with a horrific error early on, but recovered to play a vital part in his teams recovery.
Craig Heighton - 8
Should be banned from playing as he is about twice as fit as anyone else.
Martin Penman - 7
Scored a thunderbolt late on which looked to have secured victory. For a spell, was untouchable in midfield.
Christian Graham - 6
His heading prowess was never really properly used by the Marauders. Was also disadvantaged as it was snowing at his head height, but not at his feet.
Dark Destroyers
Simon Pattullo - 7
Was the driving force behind the late fightback from the Destroyers, and scored the crucial late equalizer.
Tom Barker - 8
Stunning performance, rewarded with 3 crucial goals including a cunningly placed strike off Martin Penman's leg.
Neil Williamson - 7
Incredible goalkeeping display kept his team in it late on.
Luke Barker - 7
He was overshadowed by the other Barkers fantastic display.
Michael Tamburrini - 7
Spent most of his time trying to look good. Sometimes succeeded. Scored a stunning goal, which a local described as "A beautiful dipping, swerving half-volley from just over the halfway line, left the keeper looking like the millennium dome - overpriced, old and rooted to the spot."