Bedford and Henderson (Bob and Gerry) Cup
Season 1 2008 Grand Final:
Reds vs Blues.
April 10 2008
Bangkok Patana

After last weekends shock win by Patto’s Reds - the domestic competition whipping boys, the 2008 Season One Grand Final suddenly gathered much more interest from media outlets around the world.

After being roundly beaten all season, the Reds first win in the penultimate game of the season all of a sudden put some doubt into a previously rock-solid Blues outfit, and suddenly the contest was alive. NOVA fm, one of Melbourne’s premier radio stations, put in a call to the Thailand Tigers own Allan Sharman for his preview of the big game. Apparently he mixed in some of the famous ‘Hollywood’ humor, dropped the word “flea” a lot, and added his thoughts to the electric atmosphere this game was generating.

After a comprehensive start to 2008 by the Blues, the contest was now becoming a battle of attrition, with Blues players departing in droves to all corners of the globe. In a worrying sign for new Captain Jarred Rexillius, his anticipated departures were now being match by the unexpected. The Reds in contrast, seemed to be getting their best players together at the business end of the season, and were looking confident with a win finally under their belt.

Umpire Howie was given the honour of Chief Ump in the grand Final, and Ralphy was also called into action after regular umpire Al ‘Maggot’ Pyers was demoted to the country leagues in Chonburi. His recent performances putting umpire boss Jeff Geishen under enormous pressure to have him separated from his whistle.

So under blazing sky’s, with a slight breeze blowing, the competition would reach its climax at Muang Thon Thani Arena. In a disappointment for both teams, low numbers forced a 10 on 10 game, with key players MIA for both teams. However this always creates a lot of space, and a high standard usually ensues. This was no exception.

Jesus Rogowski and CJ were the opposing ruckmen and away we went. And you wouldn’t of wanted to blink for fear of missing the first goal, as Jesus palmed beautifully to Rex who danced through the middle and slotted through the first in a matter of seconds. Goal number 2 was on the board only moments later as a similar play ended in the hands of Hooey who repeated the outcome for the fast starting Blues. The Reds appeared flat and needed to get into the game. A more spirited contest ensued in the middle this time, and some fierce tackling saw the ball go forward for them finally. The Reds first goal coming from Patto to steady the nerves and get them on the scoreboard.

It was free-flowing from that moment on, with both teams trading goals for much of the first half. Unfortunately last weeks ‘best on ground’ and new radio personality – Hollywood – went down with a back injury and was unable to rejoin the game. However Big Baggers was on song for the Reds, providing a solid target up forward, and with Sefto and Thwaiter swapping roles as midfield and full forward, the Blues defense were constantly under pressure. The Blues were relying mainly on goals from their midfield to keep them in it, with a couple of cameo’s from Nick Bedford, only just back on school holidays and right into the action. Quarter time and half time scores as follows:

The 3rd quarter saw the Reds come out with more purpose, and with a tight backline led by Coxy repelling most of the blues advances, the reds soon opened up a handy lead. Bob Bedford came on for the Reds to immediate effect, with his solid tackling and hard attack on the footy. Saul, Tuck and Slimey also in defense were running all day, regularly helped out by Thwaiter who was running all over the ground. Wazza showed gritty determination on several occasions thwarting what looked like certain goals to the Blues with his tackling and spoiling on the last line of defense. Stew Massey went into the ruck and was doing brilliantly around the ground, and this allowed CJ to go forward and create some headaches for the Blues defense, kicking a couple of important goals.

In a clever move, Jesus went back to be a defender, and Rex went into the ruck. Not only giving away 3 inches in height to his opposing ruckmen, but also fairly fatigued after playing onball for the entire first half, Rex somehow lifted his game and that of his teammates and got the Blues back into the contest with 3 late goals in the quarter. Hamish came into the middle with great effect, Tony came on to help despite an injured ankle, and Jimmy started to find more run further up the ground. The Reds lead now brought back to a very accessible 20 points at the final break.

After a tight start to the final quarter, and with Ando pushed forward from his defensive post for the Blues, both teams traded early goals (Ando 2), however the Reds were able to keep the margin at a safe distance, and finally put through the sealer through Big Baggers. With time running out, and fewer players to rotate off the bench, the task became too much and the Reds stormed home for only their second win of the season.

On a tough, hot day, every player performed extremely well to create a tight game of a very high standard. David Baguely was awarded best for the Reds, and the Blues skipper Jarred Rexillius best for the Blues.

Goal kickers
Reds: Baggers (7), Thwaiter (4), Sefto (2), CJ (2), Patto
Blues: Hooey (4), Yoda (2), Ando (2), Rex, Noodles, Nick Bedford

Many thanks naturally go to our umpires, Howie and Al, for their excellent work throughout the season.
Stew Massey for organizing the grounds and the Crown Van every week.
Dog for organizing the beers and BBQ afterwards.
To the netballers and other girls who come and support, we really appreciate it!
To Jar and Dar, who sell the beer and sausages and are always there on your weekends, thank you very much!
And finally to ‘Noodles’.. We wouldn’t be able to have a kick every week without you. All your efforts are noticed and greatly appreciated.