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Sometimes in life, and perhaps more importantly, sport, there are great upsets. Such as the Parramatta Eels not making the finals series in the National Rugby League competition this year. Or Arsenal missing out on Champion's League or Premiership glory last season.
On Saturday - I witnessed another such surprising defeat. The P-GS went down 4-2 to a well polished Killaz side, in an epic battle that won't be quickly forgotten.
Mackay, branding the new P-GS jersey, had this to say after the game: "We at P-GS don't make excuses, we beleive if you put the hard work in - you will be rewarded. Today, we wearn't rewarded, simple as that. This possibly demonstrates we still have a lot of work to do, before we can take on such established teams like the Killaz. Saying that however, I don't think today was really our day. Firstly, before match warm-up was disrupted by the short ceremony of unveiling our new strip. Secondly, two of our boys - Kunz and Julian had never played this style of soccer before - let alone with the team. The more we all play, the more we will be able to learn the style of the game, and of each other. Playing together more is the only way of become a tighter team - and a team capable of challenging for the title. We were also missing the brick wall of defence that is Gavan Sticka. But we don't make excuses."
That sentiment is echoed by this reporter, the boys still have a long way to go, but despite the loss, good things can be taken away from this match.
The first goal came as a shock to the system, and can only be described as inexperienced defending. No sooner had the whistle blown, than a shot taken from the Killaz kick off. Chang, on loan again from Red Deroes in goals could not see the ball coming through the haze of defenders in front of him, and it was unlucky to go in the back of the net.
The P-GS hit back soon after though, Mackay working his way towards their opposite goalbox, only to be brought down for a penalty. Seeing a gap in the Killaz wall, he slipped it in, making the scoreline 1-1.
To the boys surprise, another shot was taken from the Killaz return kickoff. They were prepared though, setting up a wall - which effectively caused the kicker to put the ball wide. However, as Lam ducked out of the way, it caught his head, deflecting into the back of the net for a goal which had it been down the other end would certainly have been a contender for "Goal of the Year."
By this stage of the game, it certainly was heated. Onlookers became worried as it was apparent that any time soon there would be an injury or fight of some sort due mainly to the uncontrolled circumstances by which the referee maintained the game.
Half time came, and the boys took the pitch rejuvinated. However, they were again on the back foot due to an early goal. A sublime Kunz solo run, followed by a clinical finish saw the Scorers pull within 1 goal, 3-2, and not long to go.
But when the Killaz put another in it seemed the final nail was in the P-GS coffin, and before long, the whistle blew full time, 4-2.
A centre official was heard to comment after the game, "Look, I know Killaz will go down in the books as the winners of this match - by I still think the P-GS are the team to beat. Getting back Sticka will help, and a few games under Julian and Rowan's belts and they will be unstoppable."
This reporter could not agree more. Although a tough start to the season, the boys now have a few easy matches to refine their skills, and technique for the indoor game - and I am sure we will see a much different side next game.
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