Rik Bland wins again in Brisbane

Sunday the 26th of March,
Flick Off 9 am.  Woody Pointe club house.

A very, very warm day in SE Qld saw just six brave the heat for some flickin fun. A straight forward league would be played with the top two playing a grand final.
As always seems to be the case, last months finalists had to face each other in the first round, Rik had found Gus's weakness, and with devastating effect. Three dodgy shots trickled in as the expected thunder shot was being saved (the keeper frantically palming away the expected shot whilst actually watching the ball trickle over the line). Rik did manage a real cracker amongst the his four, and Gus got a couple of good goals back but the damage was done. So Rik started the day as he meant to go on, with a comfortable 3 points. Wil and Andrew played out a goalfest, with Andrew winning 8-5.
The second round had all the local rivalries in one go. Wil beating his brother James 3-1 with a couple of pitch invasions to be dealt with. The Sunshine Coast rivalry between Andrew and Gus saw the latter win 3-0. The Brisbane derby saw Rik take all three points from Giuseppe with a close 2-1 win.
The big game of round 3 was a very close and hard fought battle which ended all square, with Andrew and Giuseppe scoring 2 a piece.
Round 4's big game witnessed Gus go into a staggering 3-0 lead against Giuseppe, which Gus maintained till half time. Giuseppe has a great record of comebacks against Gus, and 3-0 didn't seem enough to the Newcastle man. Sure enough, not long into the second half Giuseppe broke and efficiently pulled one back. Gus though dug in, and refused to let the lead slip away. In the end Giuseppe could just not get the goals and the game finished 3-1 to a very relieved Gus, this securing at least 2nd spot.
Round 5 had the Andrew v Rik game, Andrew would really like to beat Rik, and this time he came no where near. Rik routing the Rovers fan 5-0.
So Rik topped the table with a 100% 15 points. Gus runner up with 12 points. Andrew 4th to Giuseppe by goal difference.
The Final, for the 3rd month in a row was played out between Rik and Gus.
Gus had given his goalkeeper a good work out after the round one game and felt almost confident going into the final. Rik seemed to be cruising and was playing very well, and had to be the firm favourite.
After 3 minutes Rik had the lead, which was doubled after 6. Two nil down Gus found an inner strength and fought all the way, hitting the metalwork twice and certainly having the majority of attacks, but Rik's stoic defending saw him win back to back trophies. Another good final, and a worthy winner.
Another great day, some great goals and a fair bit of good banter, not to mention Giuseppe's awesome lunch and hospitality.

(Report by Giuseppe Tardiota)