Arriving early this week to fit in some training and tactical work, it was plain to see this was going to be a tough game. The Deros had also arrived an hour before kick-off - and so both teams knew the others' intentions, the match was certainly not going to be take lightly. The atmosphere was so electric that had the pouring rain outside have leaked in, someone surely would have been electrocuted.

The week prior to this match-up was full of hype, and intense preparation. The athletes found it hard to go anywhere without being hounded by the press, and continual speculation over the arrival of Michaelides, and perhaps the sidelining of Lam. Mackay particularly found it hard to focus on the game, though this may be partly due to his ADD, and as the crowd started to build, so did the nerves. Not one player from either team could wait to get onto the pitch, and it was with that aggression and commitment that the game was played. And what a game it was.

The first goal took quite some time to come, as the level the game was being played at continued to rise. Never before had the courts be so well attacked, and covered, and it seemed the deadlock would never be broken. In a moment of individual brilliance though, Kunz powered a shot into the back of the net, leaving Deros keeper, Jerry Chang, wondering where it came from. He had every right to wonder though, as the shot was clocked at over 206 mph.

Before half time, another goal would come, sending the Scorers two goals up. It was again, Cpt. Kunz that hit the goal, and another nail into the Deros coffin. His experience really came into play, and the P-GS certainly owe a lot of their win to him. Red Dero, Matthew Fitzpatrick's highly 'Sore Loser-ish' comment after the game, "Seriously though, you couldn't have beaten us without Kunz," disgusts this reporter, who reminds him - it is a team game. Perhaps Rowan is great, but he needs the support of greatness around him to set him up with goal opportunities, or give him the confidence that the defense is secure when he goes for a run. In any event, Kunz is part of the P-GS, so whether or not you feel ripped off that you lost "because of Kunz," get over it, he's here, and he's here to stay - so if you're going to win, you're going to have to get better.

Half time came, and the Scorers in an unorthodox move decided to stay on the court, to save valuable time in discussion about the next half, rather than wasting it coming off and going back on. The second half started much the same as the first; as if the ground was on fire, and everyone had to keep moving at pace to stay cool. But the game was nowhere near cool, as tempers rose, and the aggression that built before the game stepped in. Players were being hacked, and abused, and for a while, skill and good play were sacrificed for 'Prison Rule' tactics. During this period, the Scorers were caught asleep in defense, letting Deros' speedster James Kwong make a break and slip it in cleverly under Michaelides for the goal. Despite the score now being 2-1, the Scorers were clearly on top, with no real pressure on the goal. That said - when there had been pressure, Michaelides had dealt with it very well, in an extremely solid effort between the sticks. He has already been likened to greats such as the Arsenal double; Seaman, and Lehman.

After that goal, the Scorers bounced back into action. Lam linked up with Jang, who produced a ripper shot that was deflected by the Deros' shot stopper. The ball bounced up, and in a sublime piece of reaction and skill, Jang tipped the ball with his head over the grounded Chang, and into the back of the net. 3-1.

The game played out the final minutes with few more opportunities, and the P-GS were content to slow the game down, and remain in possession until the clock ran out. A momentary break to retrieve the ball fixed in the roof netting allowed the Deros to rejuvenate, and come out firing, but it wasn't enough. Michaelides and the defense too solid, and the game finished 3-1.

After the game, hard fought and won, the euphoric feeling clouded the actual importance of the occasion. Fans could be mistaken for thinking that due to its highly publicised and contested nature, the game must be a final. The reality is however, that we still have two thirds of the season to go, and if either of these two teams is to live up to their potential in winning the comp, they must refocus, and continue working hard for their wins. Despite the Scorers' relatively easy follow up matches (Oblongs, Deroettes), it is important they do not lose sight of the big picture, that is the finals. Though it may be easy to win the next two matches, unless they can use them to increase their team ability, and group strength, they will find it very hard when facing their next big challenge.  

That said, the boys deserve not only a week of rest after their brilliant performance, but a round of applause. They were able to focus amidst the hype and excitement, and pull together a win against a very tough, and well experienced opposition. They showed signs of their potential - which could quite easily be to be the best indoor team ever to grace North Rocks, if not the world. It is a very exciting time to watch and support P-GS as they blossom into a focused, driven and incredibly talented unit, ready for anything.