Outside, the official P-GS weather team recorded the temperature at a high of 32 degrees C. Inside, without any air or cool breeze, it was considerably hotter, and the boys knew regardless of the standard of play, it was always going to be a tough game, one that would challenge their physical fitness to the extreme. The late withdrawal of Julian, and the continued search for missing keeper, Michaelides, did not make the situation any easier. It would mean all would have to work hard, and put in full effort - without the luxury of an extensive reserve bench for rest periods.

The P-GS scored first; a CC handball in the box resulted in a penalty being given, and Kunz's text book spot kick made it 1-0. But before long, the Scorers committed the same offense; and despite fill in keeper, Mackay, picking the right direction, Common Courtesy's resident Emil Heskey was too powerful with his shot - making the game all to play for at 1-1. Heskey then established his dominance setting up much of the opposition play, as CC stepped it up a gear, and scored 2 quick goals, making it 3-1 at the break.

Kunz's half time speech tried to get the boys to lift the intensity, but it seemed as though the heat was too much, and Common Courtesy simply wanted to win the game more. When the game restarted, The P-GS were always on the back foot, conceding 2 more, to let them stretch out to a 5-1 lead, our worst score line of the season.

At this stage, the Scorers seemed to realise that a loss was inevitable, and relaxed into their natural game. At this point, they took control of the game, their efforts resulting in a goal on the buzzer. Though it was too little too late - 5-2 the end score.

The P-GS are unfased by the loss though, an official commenting that, "We simply have to make the semis, and hit our peak then. If we can do that, none of the previous games will matter. We have the potential to win this comp, though we won't if we play like we did today, so it's been helpful to check out our weaknesses against one of the tougher sides and so we can work on them."

It can't have helped either, backing up from two easier games against the Oblongs, and Pink Deroettes. Although we can say now those games made the P-GS complacent, readers must remember, that we will play these teams the 2 weeks prior to the semi-finals, so the boys will have to work on their mental game, so they can switch on in time for the tough games.

Good things can come from today's performance though, the Scorers showed depth in the keeping ability, despite a sometimes relaxed defense, the keeping standard was very high, particularly Jang and D'Silva - so should Michaelides not return soon, a replacement is not too far away.

So a lot to think about, fitness to improve, and a mental commitment to the game that requires the boys to get hungry to win every game. Until they get that hunger, they will never reach their potential. But should they do so - North Rocks Indoor Sports Centre should bring out the fire extinguisher, because the P-GS are sure to set the courts alight with an extensive array of skill, talent, and ability.