University Beavers vs Waterside (Match Report)

Final Result: The Big Kumara University Beavers 3 - Waterside Karori 1

Player of the Match: Sam “Jockey” Cameron

Yet another “home game” for the Big Kumara Beavers, although not on the field affectionately known as The Graveyard. Would this move away from Nairnville Park see the Beavers continue their indifferent form or would a new pitch yield victory? In what many could have termed a slap in the face, the TAB had installed the Beavers at long odds and the team was keen to prove the bookies wrong and make a good return for those who had backed them.

Missing several players including Wilko Wilkinson, Dre “The Bearded One” and Matty "BZP" Smith, the Beavers knew they would need a complete team effort to take the points. The team arrived at the park as a unified group, bar Frontrunner, who was a late arrival following a big night at the Poon and a “Mission Impossible” home to Bron.

Battery’s eyebrow had recovered sufficiently from, depending who wants to know, the window/assault incident.

The incompetence of the University team playing before the Beavers meant the game would have to go ahead without nets. Would this lack of netting lead to any disputed goals?

In an unusual move Lizard Versteeg had started the game on the sideline and it was easy to see that he was keen to take the field and provide a spark from the bench.

As the midway point of the first half neared, a slick Beavers move resulted in a Guy Simmo goal, who calmly slotted it home into the back of the net. A 1-0 Beavers lead, and a goal that Ruud van Nistelrooy himself would have been proud of.

21st Minute.......... GUY SIMM 1-0 BEAVERS

It would not be the Beavers without at least one player having a spew on the sideline. This week was the turn of Samuel Barrett, who did not appreciate the Tiger from the night before.

For large periods of the first half the opposition had the run of play, without ever really threatening to dent the Beavers. The Beavers went to the break with a 1-0 lead and feeling confident about their chances.

The Beavers returned to the field after halftime with two noticeable changes. Inspirational midfielder Tayne Falconer had taken a well earned rest. The other change was not in personnel, captain Ben Shagersma had been less than pleased with his own performance in the first stanza and went to the kit bag in search of answers. Would the lace now tied tightly around his head, ala Fernando Torres, lead to big things in the second period?

Shaun Murphy was obviously inspired from the shock 30-0 result earlier in the week, leading to a few challenges that wouldn’t look out of place in a Maroon jersey.

A well struck/flukish shot from just inside the box left Mad Dog helpless as it fell just inside the top left corner of the Beavers goal. This locked the score at 1-1, a position the Beavers had been in to often this season. The question in everyone’s head was would this lead to another draw or could the Beavers push on and get a better outcome?

59th Minute...... GOAL 1-1 WATERSIDE

Dave Geange put in an inspired performance down the flank, his high work rate and good touches keying many of the Beavers moves forward. He would cap off this excellent display with a timely goal that restored University to the lead, this time for good.

66th Minute...... DAVE GEANGE GOAL 2-1 BEAVERS

2-1 Beavers, a lead Waterside would not be able to overcome.

It was then time for the captain to step up and lead his men to victory and Shagersma did just that, scoring a goal that iced the result and ensured the Beavers left with full points. Was it the inspiration of the headband and Torres that led to the goal?

74th Minute...... BEN JAGERSMA GOAL 3-1 BEAVERS

It is fair to say that the cap wearing goalkeeper for Waterside had a poor performance and he heard it in the second half from the Beavers supporters watching the game from behind the by-line. A number of his errors led to well taken Beavers goals that would have by snuffed out by the man in red for the Beavers had the boot been on the other foot.

In a well played game with many good performances the player of the game was undoubtedly Sam “Jockey” Cameron, who led the Beavers from the back. His combination of speed, skills, deceptive strength and jumping ability are rarely seen in Capital 10, and on this afternoon he turned in arguably the performance of his Beavers career, playing a full 90 minutes. On defence he snuffed out many Waterside attacks with well timed tackles and leaping headers and once he had the ball he was able to beat his man and deliver good balls to the midfield.

A great result for the Beavers, taking 3 points from the team sitting second on the ladder before the start of the round. What will be especially pleasing for the team is the fact that once Waterside drew level the Beavers were able to regroup and press for victory, something they have not done much in season 2008. The Beavers will be looking to continue the good form and move up the Capital 10 ladder.

Reporter: Courtney Edge