The Roar Rock Ok?

The most complicated part of my game preparation today was getting a frangipani to put behind my ear for the game. I had to plan ahead, because I had to go more-or-less straight to the game after work, after catching a cab to get Jacob and his mate Stav. So on the way to work in the morning I got a couple of the flowers and did my best during the day to keep them ok. They were pretty bad by the end of the day, but I stuck with it and stuck one behind my ear, decrepit as it was, for the game. The only other preparation I had was having a Sunshine Kebab for lunch (they sponsor the Roar). You have no idea how nervous I was about this game, especially after my hubristic outburst last week. I really thought the Roar were up to it, but so many things go wrong in football, and, ok, maybe beating Wellington at home wasn't too convincing. We beat them last time at home after all.

The moment of confidence came when I found a frangipani tree right near the stadium as we walked the last 100 meters to the game, and popped a beautiful fresh one back there under my hat. Nothing could go wrong now.

Ten minutes into the game of course I knew we were fine. We seemed all over the so-called 'Victory', and Kruse's goal off Matty's cross was class. For any doubters now, let's be clear - we didn't have Tiatto, we didn't have Zullo, and after half an hour we lost Moore as well. Ok, I admit after Moore went off - who frankly was dulling Thomson's game with aplomb - I was worried. But no need. Does anyone want to doubt that Farina and the Roar rock? Go on - let me know.

Toward the end the Victory had a few free kicks and Jacob, as cynical and emotionally self-protective as ever, kept saying, "they're going to score." I grinned at him at these points and said, "I remind you that I have a frangipani behind my ear." At his cynical rejoinder I explained, "Look, some people put their faith in God, I am putting my faith in a frangipani behind my ear." The logic was unassailable. It quite clearly worked. From now on I have a frangipani behind my ear at every home game. I just hope the frangipani season holds out 'till the end of the season.

On the way home from the train Jacob and Stav played some very creative soccer with an empty plastic Coke bottle along the road, passing, crossing, back-healing, doing rainbows, reminding me why this stuff was so cool. Tomorrow they play, in the West End Terrors, the Reds, in Indoor Soccer, and I reckon they're gonna win that.

Joyous evening. What more do we want?

Look out Sydney... we're coming for you next.