There is no MATCH REPORT this week. Balmain AA6B were scheduled to play Strathfield at Callan Park on Saturday 30 May, but Strathfield were unable to take the field as the team member with their jerseys didn’t arrive. The referee had no choice but to award Balmain a 3-0 win by forfeit. Ever mindful that the whole point of the exercise is to boot the ball around and have some fun, the Bs cheerfully offered to play a friendly, only to find that most Strathfield players felt the risk of injury was too great.

Three of their players decided to take the risk, and a brisk game of eight/nine a side was organised. The referee sat happily on the sidelines and kept time for the ‘match’, and all players involved had a rollicking good time. Many goals were kicked, including a doozy from James Austin as a farewell gesture before heading off to Japan to work for a while.

UPDATE ON PREVIOUS MATCH: Back in the first round of competition, Balmain AA6B were handily beaten 4-0 by Five Dock A. However, it seems that the A Dockers fielded a player who was not formally or correctly registered. Bs Manager Norman Kang is investigating whether this means the result is reversed and Balmain get the points or that no points are allocated for the game.

Should this reversal of fortune give Balmain the win, and given the forfeit last week, Balmain Bs’ record this season stands at two wins and three losses, which isn’t as bad as it could be. What’s more, there’s a big chance to tip the win/loss balance in the other direction this week. First, on Saturday the Bs take on Enfield at Easton Park. Then on Monday (a public holiday for the Queen’s birthday) Balmain returns to Easton Park to replay the washed out second round match against Five Dock B (originally rescheduled to Timbrell Park, but relocated due to pitch condition). You may recall that the referee refused to let the Five Dock B game go ahead but the Bs and the B Dockers played in the wet anyway (gosh we’re troupers, aren’t we?), with Five Dock claiming the honours 3-1.

All of which means if we can win both of these games, Balmain AA6B could have a four/three win/loss record by Monday afternoon.

NEXT GAME

Match: Balmain AA6B v Enfield
Venue: Easton Park
Date: Saturday 6 June 1998
Time: 1.00pm kick-off

NEXT GAME

Match: Balmain AA6B v Five Dock B
Venue: Easton Park
Date: Monday 8 June 1998
Time: 1.00pm kick-off

Pele medal count:

7 Borman
3 Bacic, Flintoff, Newcombe
2 Austin, Onsman, Rosenthal
1 Fiorenza

Various players may host viewing nights during the forthcoming World Cup in France, commencing 10 June and running until the final on 12 July. Norman is off to China for a week early next week (no, I’ve already asked - he doesn’t speak Chinese), and will arrange something to show off his newly acquired Foxtel after his return on 15 June. Sergio has indicated he will throw open his Ashfield doors at least once (of course, you’ll be need to be wanting to watch England). Entertainment Director Jamie has threatened to take his role beyond cracking jokes on and off the field and may organise something as well.

Here are some more quotable quotes from world football to prepare you for the World Cup:

"Football today, it's like a game of chess. It's all about money." Newcastle United fan, Radio 5 Live

"I'm not a believer in luck..... but I do believe you need it."
Alan Ball

"Merseyside derbies usually last 90 minutes and I'm sure today's won't be any different."
Trevor Brooking

"Dumbarton player Steve McCahill has limped off with a badly cut forehead."
Tom Ferrie

"And I honestly believe we can go all the way to Wembley......unless somebody knocks us out."
Dave Bassett

"And Arsenal now have plenty of time to dictate the last few seconds."
Peter Jones

"What makes this game so delightful is that when both teams get the ball they are attacking their opponent’s goal."
Jimmy Hill

"Strangely, in slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer."
David Acfield

"“What I said to them at half time would be unprintable on the radio”.
Gerry Francis

"“John Harkes going to Sheffield, Wednesday”.
New York Post headline (1993)

"“If there weren't such a thing as football, we'd all be frustrated footballers.
Mick Lyons