Blair Wright Boys 2000 Season Review
Blair Wright Boys 2000 Season Review
INTRODUCTION……
All in all 2000 was a pretty successful season for the BW boys as they played in the highest grade in their history.
The season was full of personal milestones as the boys start to get some big numbers in the appearances column of their personal stats.
In a very competitive grade full of youngsters and sides that trained the lads acquitted themselves very well in finishing fifth just one point away from third. This was the best result for a North Wellington third team in four years and the second best performance in the last 10 years.
Dave Wright, as is his way, has provided some interesting team stats:
Here follows individual summaries for the 2000 season based on this reporters recollection of the highs, lows and other bits and pieces.
Andrew Daube (Plank) - P 15, G 3
The big fella had another good season in goal. After missing the first two games, including a call to Harcourt Park at 2.22 p.m. to say he was in town and probably wouldn't make it (travelling time = 35 minutes!?!?), Plank formed a formidable last line of defence for the BW boys. Donned the strikers shirt versus Petone and scored the only hattrick of the season but failed to score against any real opposition. Some memorable saves and was the main reason for Paraparaumu's accusations that we stacked the side in game 18 where Plank crippled Elmo with a well-timed challenge. The big man is a little slower getting down these days, however he remains a force both in the air and in the shower. A summer of golf with driving not dissimilar to his goalkicks should see Stir behind the sticks again in 2001.
Grant Shields (Spotty S) - P 17, G 5
Our shy and quiet larger centre-back was his normal reticent self in a commanding 2000 season. Scored two good goals versus Wellington United including an alleged intentional left-footer but really should have scored more. Always a threat at corners and would back himself more on those surging runs if he had the confidence to make it all the way back. Pulled off the tackle of the season versus Upper Hutt with an earth shattering interception and was then nice enough to inquire if his victim was okay. Tumultuous love/hate relationship with his fellow Spotty centre-back which saw many toys thrown in the first half of the season. One of the many to fall victim to the unflattering BW kit and will be pushing hard for a new strip in 2001. Match reports were adequate and he will need to address this area in 2001. Excellent season overall and was our rock of Gibraltar and equally mobile. Still harbours a return to higher honours but the top weight remains around 15 kgs off the pace so should return to BW colours in 2001.
Dave Cocker (Spotty Herbert) - P 18, G 1
Shaky start to the season for one of only two '200 BW appearances' club members. A few efforts reminiscent of the turn in the mud at Newlands Park in 1999 lead to a few opposition goals. Improved dramatically in the second half of the season by keeping it simple and making some solid tackles. Only troubled the scorers on one occasion with a goal against the cellar dwellers Petone. Not too many other chances during the season and was fairly unselfish once in the opposition danger area. Got on better with his namesake centre-back as the season progressed and the toy throwing incidents got fewer and fewer as the games passed. Still smoking before during and after the game and needs to address his continuing allegiances with those Australian sides. Involved in a spitting contest versus Seatoun but generally a well-behaved season. One of only two to appear in every game and will look to the veteran to add to his appearances in 2001.
Scott Barber (Scotty B) - P12, G 2
The wily campaigners 2000 season was cut short by a mysterious groin injury which appeared to worsen with the departure of his soul mate to the United Kingdom. Solid season from the hitman with one particularly psychotic five minute spell versus University at Alex Wembley number 3 being the highlight. Frustrations boiled over as Barber reacted to his side's lacklustre performance and drew blood from their skipper who earlier had the audacity to chip Plank from 40 metres. The madness culminated in a booking for Scotty B. Scored in game one versus Paraparaumu and also converted a penalty versus Petone. There were few other opportunities on goal as he covered all the positions in the back four. Best game versus Wanderers at Karori where he ran hard and defended resolutely. Scotty B celebrated his 100th appearance for the BW boys and all the team marvelled at the alleged number of goals scored in his BW career with this reporter only having witnessed two in the last two seasons which has seen Scotty B's goals per game average plummet. Match reports suffered under the weight of the groin strain and need some work in 2001. Hopefully will look after the groin over summer helped by regular e-mail contact with his dearly departed and gentle rounds at the pitch and putt in Petone. Look for a big one in 2001.
Bernard Cross (Doogie) - P 13, G 0
The 1999 player of the season never quite reached those heights in 2000. Seemed to struggle with fitness and earned the title of the 45-minute man after a series of half games. Remained a dogged little defender and kept most attacking players at bay when the ball was on the ground. Hopefully with a restful summer Doogie will return fully revived and keen to reach his 150th game for the BW boys next year. Failed to trouble the scorers although he did his best to slip one past Plank in the last game at Paraparaumu. Can't see K Chee being invited to Doogies house for Christmas dinner after the West's interchange when Mrs Doogie accused the big centre midfielder of being the biggest mouth in the side - much to the horror of the Shields siblings. Look for the little nugget to return with avengance in 2001.
Tony Davies (Meatloaf) - P 17, G 1
The second member of the 200 appearance club. A solid season from the dependable right back although the big fella seems to be mellowing with age. This reporter cannot recall any instances of the mongrel emerging in the big fella and there are concerns that the centre of the Meatloaf is going a little soft. Scored a cracker versus Petone with a right foot exocet that had the golfers at Shandon hiding behind their trundlers. Came close versus University but didn't threaten to score on too many other occasions. Hit a number of good crosses during the year which should have lead to more goals although he still needs to have the confidence to carry the ball a little more. Was one of many to acknowledge the pace deficiencies that have beset so many of his team mates, particularly after chasing the University left winger half way round the Botanical Gardens. Was seen to take a rare shower at home (well his hair was wet) after the Upper Hutt game for the All Blacks match and spoke highly the following week of his encounters with True Bliss and Vivienne. Confuses four-year olds with his long hair - Who is that lady in your team Dad? - but will be back to add to his impressive number of appearances in 2001.
Dave Adams (Dave Ads) - P 17, G 4
Solid season from the dependable skipper who found himself paired with a number of centre midfield partners during the season. Always worked hard and scored a cracker to beat the Wanderers at sunny Churton Park. Famous for a 250km sojourn to the washed out game in Paraparaumu and was an early departure on the day of the All Blacks game to enable time to wash and gel the hair. Remains a fine physical specimen and a great advert for the Sports Commission or Hilary Foundation or whatever it is. Would have liked to score more goals and will no doubt achieve this as he brings up his 150th appearance next season. Goalkeeper is not Dave's position as his high pitched squeal versus Petone, "that he doesn't like crosses" confirms. Hopefully his pre-season training around Oriental Bay will include keeping the shirt on and we look forward to again witnessing his silky skills in 2001.
Scott Moran (Scotty) - P 17, G 3
Not a vintage season for the all time leading scorer for the BW boys. Failed to open his account early on and the pressure grew enormously as he sought to break his duck for the 2000 season. Finally managed to knock in two in the 9-1 demolition of the truly appalling Petone side which did lead one to question whether or not these constituted real goals. From there it was no stopping Scotty as he added a further one goal in the last seven games versus the Wanderers away. The mild mannered Scotty has this reporter struggling to think of too many other instances of frivolity from the season. Mrs Scotty and little one were great supporters and offered the former golden boot recipient loads of encouragement as he chased those elusive goals. Always worked hard and I thought had his best game versus Wharfies up front at Churton Park. Another who is looking forward to his 150th appearance next season. Hopefully this goal-scoring machine will put the 2000 season blip on his impressive record behind him and return full of goals in 2001.
James Smith (Jimhe) - P 16, G 7
The diminutive veteran belied his age and had another good season leading the line for the BW boys. Ever the competitor Jimmy started the season well with six goals from 10 games. However his season tapered off and he was only able to add one further goal in the last eight games to be pipped by Dave Wright as leading goal scorer. Jimmy belied his age with a number of sprightly performances and made the likes of Keano and Wright look pedestrian up front (mind you so does my mother!). Another to depart the Upper Hutt game early so that he could shower, shave and gel before making his way to the All Black game. This lack of commitment was rewarded by a comfy ride to the game in the laps of Spotty S, Plank and Meatloaf. Smithy suffered a mysterious shoulder injury in the last game and I am sure he will work hard over summer to return next year. Now ranked as the number two all time goal scorer in Blair Wright history and will push Scott M hard next year for the top spot. Showed promise as a play-making sweeper versus Petone although being vertically challenged and I am sure we will see St James return to lead the line in 2001.
David Wright (Neroli Fairhall/Douglas Bader/Forrest Gump/Wrighty) - P18 G 9
The man is truly an enigma. Historically only known for his superb management skills that had attracted so many players to the BW dynasty, the man of many nicknames was a scoring revelation following the birth of his daughter. With two goals from ten games David soared to the position of leading goal scorer with seven goals in the last eight games. Few will forget his Winston Churchill like pre-match speech versus the Wanderers at Churton Park nor his messiah like cupped hand symbol which conveyed patently (once he had explained it!) that it was all in our hands. At times David caused frustration for his teammates with his Brazilian style one touch football when it perhaps called for him to get it under. Mastered the art of the fade away header which involves leaving the area where Plank's goalkicks were landing. Scored some lovely goals versus Marist, Wellington United and a header versus Seatoun. Spurned a hattrick in the last game versus Paraparaumu which would have given him ten for the season. Tireless work on the phone during the season and his 'what happened on this day in history' segment was a highlight each Saturday. Will need to boost the squad with some off-season signings and we all look forward to his superb guidance in 2001.
Geoffrey Martin (Geoffrey) - P 13, G 0
Geoffrey got over his initial disappointment that Neil Diamond was not making a return visit in the 2000 season and consoled himself that Roger Whittaker and Glenn Campbell were both going to be in town. Geoffrey still managed to miss five games including a sojourn to Asia, however his pace and general fitness were valuable ingredients when he played. Was keen to secure his favoured position of left back although also appeared in midfield and up front. All this was to no avail in terms of goal scoring and the blonde haired speedster with the 1980 shinpads must be disappointed with his return of one goal over the past two seasons. Despite appearing as a mild mannered individual Geoffrey managed to kick more than his fair share of players with a double versus University at Anderson Park and a bone-crunching hack versus upper Hutt at home. Even worse was the erasing of his Gary Lineker reputation with a booking versus University at Alex Moore following another scything challenge. Geoffrey will no doubt be checking the concerts happening in 2001 and we look forward to his return next year so we can perhaps answer the question as to what exactly he carries in that enormous yellow bag. Another who needs to work on his match reports. A peaceful summer walking the links of Manor Park will hopefully see Geoffrey unlock the art of goalscoring and see him hitting the back of the onion bag in 2001.
Bruce Cairns (Bruce Mate) - P 11, G 0
A new addition to the squad and indeed to the club Bruce took a little while to settle into the side. With manager Wright failing to take the appropriate steps and sign Bruce he stuck with us and by the end of the year had become an integral part of the side. Another who seemed to have enormous problems scoring, even when presented with a penalty versus Petone. I think the keeper could have taken a seat on the bank and Brucie would still have missed! Always got himself into a great positions but never quite converted. Struggled to come to terms with the positive encouragement handed out by the Shields siblings and summed things up nicely when Spotty said he had never hurt anyone to which Bruce replied, "Only emotionally." Warned his wife of the friendly banter when he brought her along for her one and only appearance at game 17. Versatile player who can play anywhere, except striker, and hopefully has been secured in the squad for 2001.
Konrad Chee (Jumbo) - P 8, G 1
Jumbo bestrode centre midfield for the first half of the season before leaving soul mate Barber and heading to the Motherland. Got the monkey off his back when a miss hit cross versus Petone floated in to the back of the net for his first BW goal. Struggled along with others with the pace of Div 2 although should have done better when confronted with the two-toed sloth, who had clearly had 500 or 600 too many Big Mac's, that day at West's. Created conflict in the same game with Mrs Doogie and was aghast at the accusations levelled at him. Jumbo had an interesting choice as a New Zealand momento for his overseas trip when he tried to take one of Frank Van Hattum's testicles with him in his final appearance versus Wellington United. Fortunately Grant "The Enforcer" Shields stepped in before the handbags flew. Very generously shouted the boys a six pack before departure and followed the fortunes of the side via the Net. A couple of adequate match reports. External factors and whether England has pitch and putts like Shandon will determine whether or not he is sighted in 2001.
Also Played:
Chris Kean (Keano) - P 8, G 0
Disappointing part season for the walking stomach. Failed to trouble the scorers before fleeing the ditch to the land of the Kangaroo. Would be welcomed back in 2001 and I am sure we have not seen the last of Keano in the BW strip.
Scott Evans (Scotty) - P 6, G 0
Only our second remotely fit player although season was gutted by injury, overseas trips and finally a return to PNG. Failed to trouble the scorers and BW future uncertain.
Garry Hepburn - P 1, G 1
Nigel Ingham - P 1, G 1
Hayden Polyanszky - P 1
Nigel Piper - P 1
Bruce Collier - P 1
Ken Bailey - P 1
Peter Jones - P 1
Warwick "Zac" Smith - P 1
Mark O'Hara - P 1
Paul Shields (Hughie) - P 17, G 7
Great match reports………Oops time up!!
…Thanks to Paul Shields for the team review. Added to website on 1 September 2000 - please note the disclaimer on the home page
Last updated: 1st September 2000