Werder Weekly 2007

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December 21, 2007

During the last Werder Weekly of 2007 Wayne Smith played his 300th games with the SCSC.

In his first game of the night he overwhelmed Kevin Nieman 5-0.  Smith took six shots on goal, only one of which Nieman saved.  It was a powerful shot that was saved with the goalkeeper’s feet.  Kevin did manage two shots on goal, which forced Smith to make saves with this goalkeeper. 

"Five-zero was a drubbing," was Nieman’s comment after the game, "but a fun drubbing."

At the same time Dominic Hutchinson surprised his father, Simon, taking the lead in the third minute with a shot that went in at the near post.  The younger Hutchinson played well making a string of saves with his goalkeeper as his father pushed forward.  Simon's equalizer was scored in the seventh minute of the second half, and his winner was scored with just 11 seconds remaining.

"Considering Dominic was playing with regular rules he did very well," Simon conceded. "His goal was a really good one and I feel confident that with a bit more practice he will be able to compete well without Newcomer rules next year."

Smith refereed the game between Nieman and Simon Hutchinson.  Hutchinson scored his first goal, in the first half, from a free kick that left Nieman’s spare goalkeeper stranded.  The ball struck spare goalkeeper, then the underside of the cross bar and dropped down into the unguarded goal.  For most of the second half Nieman pressured Hutchinson keeping the ball in Simon’s shooting zone as he was awarded several free kicks and won a string of corners.  But a combination of defense flicks and saves with the goalkeeper kept him at bay.  Hutchinson’s second goal came with less than a minute left in the game with a low shot to the side of Nieman’s goalkeeper.

Smith’s 300th game was a rematch against Nieman.  The first half of the game was goalless and described as lackluster by the players.  The game livened up shortly after the start of the second half when Nieman took the lead, which he kept until the 11th minute when Smith equalized.  Smith’s winner came with just over a minute remaining, scoring from a ground shot that alluded Nieman’s goalkeeper.

"Oh no! I’m in hell, I’m reliving last week!" was how Smith described his feelings after Nieman had scored.

"It was a really tough game," Smith continued.  "I was so glad not to botch up my last shot like last week.  It takes Kevin about two or three games to warm up, and then he’s really good.  I thought with five minutes left, this could be Kevin’s first victory against me."

"It was exciting to score the first goal," was Nieman’s response, "and with five minutes remaining I was greatly encouraged by being up one-zero.  So I must admit to being disappointed that I couldn’t at least come away with a draw."

December 14, 2007

"Dominic did not play as well as he did the last time," was how Wayne Smith described his ‘mercy rule’ win over Dominic Hutchinson. The previous week the game had ended 3-2. This week Smith scored two goals in either half and Dominic had made a string of saves. Smith was proud of a shot where there was only three quarters of a base width he had to squeeze his figure through. His flick rolled his figure on the edge of its base, through the gap, to strike the ball on goal, and Dominic saved.

On the other pitch Kevin Nieman defeated Adam Carlson by the same score. "Adam’s flicking a lot better than it was the last time I played," Nieman commented. Both players mentioned Adam’s lack of offense.

"My defense is good. I still need to get the ball up the field and work on offense," was Adam’s observation of his play.

"Simon (Hutchinson) took advantage of a lapse in concentration," Nieman lamented after losing his next game to a single goal in the first half.

"I kept pushing forward and putting pressure on Kevin’s defense," Simon explained. "I restricted him to just three shots on goal."

Dominic and Carlson’s game ended a goalless draw as both players were better at defense than offense. "It was a stalemate due to a mix of good and bad flicks," was Dominic’s only comment.

Simon played a fast game against Carlson and was successful in keeping his opponent off balance. The first of Simon’s goals came early in the first half, the second early in the second, and the final goal with jut nine seconds remaining. Carlson’s goalkeeping skill was tested as he made a number of saves throughout the game. Adam did have one shot at goal when he was trailing 0-2, but it was wide of the near post.

Despite beating Nieman 5-0, Smith was magnanimous with his post game comments. "Kevin’s offense played so quickly that I did not get many defensive flicks."

"I just could not capitalize on my offense," was Nieman’s response.

In their second game Nieman tied Smith 1-1, his first against his opponent. The first half was very poor and ended goalless. In the second Nieman took the lead with a shot from a sharp angle, the ball struck the far post and bounced into the goal. Smith equalized not too long later. With 1:10 left in the game Smith's shot struck the underside of the crossbar, but the ball remained out of the goal, securing the tie.

"I introduced Kevin to Subbuteo 3 years and a month ago", Smith observed. "My lock on the league is no longer."

December 7, 2007

It was a night that Wayne Smith found his games harder than he first thought.

In his first game of the night he agreed to use Maricopa Cup Newcomers rules against Dominic Hutchinson. Dominic’s lack of focus during the first half allowed Smith to dominate and score three goals. In the second Dominic focused on the game and it showed as his defense closed down Smith and he scored two goals. The first was from an 18 inch flick to strike a ball that was about an inch in front of Smith’s goalkeeper, the ball hit the top of the goalkeeper, landed behind it and rolled into the goal. The second was a shot from a tight angle from outside the penalty on the left, the goalkeeper had the angle covered but Dominic’s shot blasted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far side of the goal.

"In the first half I did not miss a flick," Smith reported. "In the second I did not play poorly but Dominic made some fantastic flicks and his two goals stung."

In his second game Smith faced the elder Hutchinson, Simon. For the first nine minutes Simon dominated as his defense kept Smith’s offense at bay and a good part of the game was played in Smith’s half. Smith’s goal was scored against the run of play in the tenth minute, and he dominated the remainder of the first half but was unable to add to his goal. The second half was the same way the first half had started with Simon’s defense limiting Smith to long flicks to take shots, and he had what were the two best opportunities to score but was unable to do so.

"Simon played really well," Smith commented after the game. "He was so good I could not run my offense."

While Smith was playing his first game Simon Hutchinson played Adam Carlson. The first half ended goalless as Carlson’s defense outnumbered and smothered Simon offense. At the start of the second half Simon changed tactics and played with six up front. Carlson defense could not mark all of the forwards and Simon was able to break apart Adam’s defensive line. This allowed him to dominate the half scoring his first of three goals in the first minute and his last with just a minute remaining.

Dominic scored a goal in either half to beat Carlson. He scored his first before Adam could get his hand on his goalkeeper. The second Dominic was lined up on the penalty spot and chipped Carlson’s goalkeeper. Unlike recent games between these two where the ball would be flicked from to end to end, in this game both players showed they can control the ball through midfield and into offense.

November 30, 2007

Due to illness of our usual host the Werder Weekly was moved to Simi Valley.

In the first game Simon Hutchinson ‘mercy ruled’ Adam Carlson with two goals in each half. While Carlson was satisfied with his defense he felt that his goalkeeping let him down.

Dominic Hutchinson did better against his father, Simon, holding him to a goalless draw with a combination of packing his defense and tactics designed to use up as much time as possible.

Dominic went on to face Carlson in back-to-back games. Carlson won the first with a goal in the first half. In the second game Dominic was victorious with two first half goals.

November 16, 2007

It had been two weeks ago that all the players had last flicked a Subbuteo figure. It showed as everyone was a bit rusty in their first game.

The first game of the night was a ‘battle of the Hutchinsons’ which father Simon won 3-0 playing regular rules. “Dominic is getting better at keeping his defensive in place making it harder to get through it for a shot on goal,” commented the victor. “With a bit more practice he is definitely going to be ready to play regular rules next year.”

“The only reason it was 3-0 was because it is my first game in two weeks,” Dominic opined. “I think my defense was good. Offense was poor.”

In a thrilling game Simon surprised Wayne Smith by taking the lead in the fourth minute. After that the game swung from end to end with scoring opportunities for both players before Smith equalized in the twelfth minute. Two second half goals from Smith, the last one coming with just six seconds left, secured the victory.

“It is getting very difficult to break down Simon’s defense,” Smith commented after the game. “My first goal was lucky. For the second I managed to find a way to get around Simon’s defense. The third was right at the end of the game.”

“I am please I took the lead and held it for so long,” was Simon’s reply. “I managed to keep him blocked by putting defenders in the way of most of his shots. His third goal took me by surprise as I was preparing to block.”

In the last game of the night Smith ‘mercy ruled’ Dominic 4-0. “Dominic needs to work on his touch on offense,” counseled Smith. “Oddly his touch on defense is better.”

“In defense it is easier because you have to aim for one spot on the pitch,” his opponent replied. “Offense is harder as you hitting one spot on a smaller target (the ball) with the right amount of power.”

November 2, 2007

The night started with a battle of the Hutchinsons, which father Simon won 3-0. "I am really proud of two of the goals," he said. "They were chips over the keeper and I don't think anyone could have saved them. I am proud of how well Dominic is playing and he would flick at lot better if he would take the time move around the table to take flick."

On the other table despite losing to Wayne Smith Kevin Nieman was upbeat. "This was the first time in ages I have not been 'mercy' ruled against Wayne," Nieman said. "My one goal was from an incredible angle. The shot droopered [sic] into his net."

His opponent, Smith, was also proud of one of his goals. "My first goal was a beautiful chip off the far post and in. I said 'Wow, did you see that'. And Kevin replied 'Yes, I had a front row seat.'"

With two goals in each half Smith 'mercy' ruled Adam Carlson. "This is only the second time I have played Adam using (Maricopa) Vase rules," the victor stated.

Simon and Nieman played out another draw. Simon described his first half goal as "a quick move up the wing and a drive into the corner and over Kevin's keeper." Nieman's goal came in the late in the second half. "My goal was scored as I did not hesitate," Nieman commented and he added "All who hesitate lose in Subbuteo."

Dominic's game with Carlson was a fast flowing and both players struggled to keep possession for more than a few flicks. Nieman had to referee the game closely as there were frequent disputes and arguments. As the game ended goalless it went to a shoot out, which Dominic won scoring the only goal with his last shot.

Smith won his first of back-to-back games with Simon 3-0. The first goal was from what he described as a "very steep" angle. His second came from a build up of about 40 flicks before he was in a position to shoot. The last came after a series of tick flicks left two figures open. "I had numerous attacks," the defeated Simon observed. "Wayne exploited the gaps in my defense as I was pushing forward."

In the second game a goal in either half gave Smith the win. "I tried to attack," he commented, "but my defense was better than my offense."

Nieman played Carlson using 'V1' rules, Maricopa Vase rules in the first half and regular rules in the second. Kevin won 3-0 scoring one goal in the first half and two in the second. "Adam was erratic," Nieman explained, "and I took advantage."

October 26, 2007

To help Dominic Hutchinson make the transition from Newcomer to Experience player, which will happen at the start of 2008, the first half of his games against his father Simon and Kevin Nieman would be played using Maricopa Vase rules and the second half would be played without any special rules.

The first half of Dominic’s game with Simon ended goalless as the Vase rules gave Dominic the time to frustrate his father’s moves. The elder Hutchinson scored his first goal early in the second half. His second was scored directly from a corner when the ball was aimed at and struck the back of Dominic’s keeper and bounced into the goal.

On the other table Wayne Smith had run up a three goal lead by half time against Nieman, and in the second half both players scored one goal each. But it was Nieman’s goal that was the one they were talking about after the game as it was the first time he had scored from shot that has cannoned off a defending figures and into the goal.

Early in the first half of the game between Nieman and Simon there was a disallowed that changed the game. "The non-goal made me physiologically push forward," Nieman said after the game. He took the lead midway through the first half and was gifted the second when Simon stranded his goalkeeper and gave Nieman possession for an easy shot at an open goal with just three minutes remaining.

It was not a surprise that Smith beat Dominic, it was the score line that was surprising, 2-1. Dominic was proud to recount how he had scored his goal. "The ball was just inside his shooting zone. I did a long flick of one of my defenders from my shooting line. It hit the side of the ball and chipped his keeper."

Nieman beat Dominic with a goal in either half. "My second goal was the longest I have ever scored," explained Nieman. "Dominic shows much more control with his blocking flicks. It was very frustrating as he knows which figure to block."

"Simon keeps playing better and better," was Smith’s comment after his game with Simon. Smith scored his first goal from the first attack of the game when the ball stuck the side post and then the goalkeeper to deflect into the goal. Smith’s second goal was also a deflection off a defender and the top of the goalkeeper. Simon pulled a goal back from a quick break. Simon shot as Smith paused holding his goalkeeper high as if to block a chip shot and the ball went under keeper.

October 19, 2007

This was the night that Wayne Smith reached the total of 100 goals in this year’s Werder Weekly.

He scored his 98th goal midway through the second half in his game against Simon Hutchinson. "Wow," Smith said after the game in which Hutchinson had made nine saves and his defense had kept Smith at bay for long periods of time. Smith continued "I am going to have to mix it up as Simon knows what I am going to do before I do."

Goals number 99 and 100 came in the second half against Kevin Nieman. The first came following Nieman’s first shot at goal, which struck Smith’s far post. Within four flicks Smith was inside Nieman’s shooting zone, and he scored with the fifth. "The SCSC is not what it used to be," was Smith’s only comment after the game.

Hutchinson exacted revenge with a 3-0 win over Nieman following a loss and a draw in their last two games. "Two quick goals in the first half gave me the edge," Hutchinson said. "Unlike our game in the Posh Spice Open when I threw away a two goal lead I was able to defend it and add to it with a goal in the second."

"My offense failed me. My defense failed me," Nieman said before continuing with a laugh "Other than that it was a great match."

October 12, 2007

There were only three players tonight, Wayne Smith, and Dominic and Simon Hutchinson. Perhaps the best word that described the games was “training”.

The first game was between the Hutchinsons. To help prepare Dominic for next year when he will no longer be classified as a “newcomer” the first half was played with regular rules. Simon scored three goals in the first half as the younger Hutchinson struggled to get accustomed to his father not waiting for him to take his defensive flicks, as is done when playing Maricopa Newcomers and Vase rules.

The second half was played using Maricopa Vase rules. Smith and Simon used the pauses in play to advise Dominic on his tactics and flicking. The pauses between offensive flicks disrupted the flow of the game and Simon only scored one more goal.

Saying it would help him watch Simon’s flicking, which had been such a problem during the previous Sunday’s Maricopa Cup R9, Smith suggested their game be played using Maricopa Vase rules. As Smith had to pause after each offensive flick it disrupted his normally fluid offense and gave Simon plenty of time to take his defensive flicks to block. Simon scored the only goal midway through the first half. Despite his attempts to apply pressure on his opponent Smith was continuously frustrated by the need to wait for the defensive flick.

“Wayne can now understand how frustrating Maricopa Vase rules can be,” Simon said after the game.

Revenge was not long in coming as Smith and Simon played a second game with regular rules. Smith took an early lead, and was two up at half time. Another goal in the second half proved that Smith is the better player.

October 5, 2007

Dominic Hutchinson finished the night with the distinction of having scored more goals than everyone else except Wayne Smith, with three goals. In his first game Dominic took a first half lead against his father Simon. The elder Hutchinson had to change his tactics and “up” his game during the second half to score two goals and win the game.

In his other game Dominic stormed to a two goal lead in the first half against Adam Carlson. During the second half Carlson managed to pull a goal back, but as the game raged from end to end Dominic kept him at bay to win.

Earlier Carlson had been defeated by Smith, who had scored a goal in each half. The victor was complimentary about his opponent. “His touch is getting better,” Smith said. “He is actually getting his figure where he wants to go, which is a big step in learning how to play the game.”

In his other game Smith stormed to a three goal lead in the first half against Simon. Hutchinson defended better in the second half and managed to keep Smith from getting another decent shot at goal. The form of these two players was in contrast to that of the game two weeks ago that ended in a 1-1 tie.

September 28, 2007

Kevin Nieman joined the four regulars for the first time, and was thrown straight into the “fire” facing Wayne Smith in back-to-back games. He contained Smith in the first to only lose 0-1, the second was only one half and Nieman was 0-2 by the end of it.

Dominic Hutchinson beat Adam Carlson on a technicality. Carlson used his goalkeeper to save a goal bound shot when his spare keeper was stranded on the field. Dominic was awarded the goal, which turned out to be the only goal of the game. Carlson was twice beaten 0-3 in his remaining games, losing to Simon Hutchinson and Smith.

Nieman’s game with Dominic ended in a tie. Nieman took the lead in the first half, and Dominic equalized at the end of the second half. He took Nieman so much by surprise that he did not even have his hand on his goalkeeper.

Nieman took his revenge upon the Hutchinsons in his next game, against Simon. He scored two goals in the first half of the first half. Simon came on strong for the rest of the game, but Nieman’s defending held him at bay. Simon’s pressure did lead to one goal, a shot from a tight angle bounced off Kevin’s keeper, then off a defender and into to the goal at the far post.

September 21, 2007

The first round of games pitted father Simon against son Dominic Hutchinson. It was another tight fought game and the younger Hutchinson held his father at bay until early in the second half when the only goal of the game was conceded.

At the same time Wayne Smith 'mercy ruled' Adam Carlson, winning 4-0. "My shooting was good." Smith said afterwards. "I was playing really well. My long touches worked well. I am hoping this will carry over to my next game."

After losing his first game Dominic made amends by beating Carlson, scoring a goal in either half. "I finally got my revenge for losing to Adam last week," explained Dominic.

Smith scored in the first minute against Simon, the ball struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line. Fears of another big win by Smith were not realized. Simon equalized with a chip over Wayne's keeper midway through the first half. Despite both players having several shots at goal the game ended 1-1. "Simon played defense like I have never seen before," Smith said after the game. "I missed a lot of midfield flicks due to Simon's defense."

September 14, 2007

There is now a regular four for the Werder Weekly and this was the third week that Adam Carlson and Dominic Hutchinson joined Dominic’s father, Simon, and Wayne Smith.

Simon surprised Smith scoring in 1:20 minutes from a ramped shot off one of the defenders and over the keeper. Smith equalized before half time, and went on to take a two goal lead during the second half despite a string of saves from Simon’s keeper. With less than two minute remaining Simon scored his second, the first time he has scored two goals against Smith.

“Where did all that offense come from?” Smith said after the game. “Simon usually got a few chances, but his shooting was always rather poor. Not this time! If Simon can shoot now, that’ll be great for the group because everyone will have to pick up his game.”

Carlson applied what he learned during the previous Sunday’s Maricopa Cup against the younger Hutchinson and played with seven or eight players back in a defensive line. It proved an effective strategy drawing Dominic’s defensive line forward into attack. Carlson took advantage of his opponent’s lack of defense to steal in and score the only goal of the game.

In the next round of games the Dominic was ‘mercy ruled’ by Smith, and then spent the remainder of the time quizzing his opponent on tactics. The ‘mercy rule’ states that a game stops when one of the players takes a four goal lead. Carlson fared better against the elder Hutchinson only conceding a goal in each half.

August 31, 2007

Adam Carlson and Dominic Hutchinson joined Wayne Smith and Dominic's father Simon for the second consecutive week.

They played two games. In the first they used the Maricopa Cup Vase rules, the offensive player would pause for the defensive player to take a defensive flick, and the game ended goalless. In the second game they played regular rules. The game was goalless at full time and they decided to play "sudden death" overtime so that someone would win. During the overtime Dominic had several shots at Adams' goal that were either off target, struck the post, or saved. In about the 30th minute of overtime Dominic took advantage of Adam's defensive disarray to chip the goalkeeper to score the winner.

Wayne's unbeaten run against Simon continued with a 3-1 win that was closer than the score suggests. Smith took the lead early in the first half, and Simon equalized before half time. Wayne's practice of shooting a moving ball paid off with two goals in the second half. It was not all one way as Simon did manage several shots at goal including two that struck the post and one that was kept out of the goal by a spectacular save by Smith's goalkeeper.

August 24, 2007

Simon Hutchinson and Wayne Smith were joined by Simon’s son Dominic and his friend Adam Carlson.

The evening started with Smith playing the elder Hutchinson. Smith took the lead early in the game. Simon equalized midway through the first half. Smith’s winner did not come until three minutes from the end of the game. After commenting “Now would be the time to score a goal,” Smith pushed forward and did just that.

The game between Carlson and the younger Hutchinson was staggered so that Smith and Simon could watch the second half after their game was over. The first half was goalless and pretty even. During the second half Smith and Simon worked with both players to make sure they were flicking properly and to advise them of the tactics they should employ. This caused the pattern of the game to change. When Dominic concentrated on his flicking he dominated the game, with most of the game played either in or just outside Carlson shooting zone. Dominic scored his winner just before the timer went off to signify the end of the game.

With the windows open the humidity start to rise as the “on shore flow” started as the moist air from the Pacific Ocean moved inland. This had a direct effect on the pitch and some of Simon’s figures as they started to become “stickier” than others. It became harder to be able to predict how they would act when flicked, and made it harder to make the blocking flicks that had frustrated Smith in the first game. Smith scored his first goal early in the first half with a chip over Simon’s keeper. Two more goals in the second half completed Smith’s victory.

In the other game Carlson scored his first goals as he beat Dominic 2-0.

August 17, 2007

The game was a lot closer than the score line suggests. The only goal of the first half was scored when Simon stranded his spare goalkeeper. Wayne made no mistake to score into an unguarded goal. Simon almost equalized as he struck the post towards the end of the half.

Changing to a more attacking formation did not help Simon as Wayne exploited the width of the Mawar pitch to score just after the start of the second half. Two more goals in the last three minutes completed Wayne's rout.

August 10, 2007

It was a frustrating evening for Simon Hutchinson. His loss of form experienced in the Posh Spice Open continued tonight as Wayne Smith easily dominated both games.

In the first Wayne scored his first goal in the second minute, and was 2-0 up by half time. The third goal came early in the second. Then Simon managed something he had only done once before in this competition, he scored a goal against Wayne. The game ended with Wayne the 3-1 winner.

The second game was a whitewash. Wayne was 2-0 up at half time and scored two more by the middle of the second half. Was it a case of Wayne's superb play or sign of Simon's struggle to regain the form he had before?

August 3, 2007

Tonight Wayne Smith's unbeaten run almost came to an end. In his first of two games with Steve Tucker, Steve took the lead in the first half and it took Wayne until two minutes before the end of the game to equalize. In the second game Steve dominated the first 20 minutes and had taken three decent shots at goal. Wayne then scored a goal against the run of play and while Steve pressed for an equalizer Wayne scored his second.

They were joined by Brian Hook who had contacted the SCSC after seeing the article in the Thousand Oaks Acorn. While the games between Steve and Wayne were going on Simon Hutchinson played a demonstration game with Brian.

After a break to go to the 'Jack in the Box' restaurant Simon played Wayne. While there was action at both ends of pitch Wayne's unbeaten run continued with a 3-0 win.

Jul 27, 2007

Having completed the preparations for Posh Spice Open, that was played the following day, Wayne and Simon faced off. They played on the 'middle' pitch in the room where the PSO games will be played to test that there was enough unobstructed space around the table.

It was a game of end to end action where Simon's defense and goalkeeping kept Wayne's attack at bay. He even managed a couple of shots and caused Wayne's keeper to make two saves. Wayne took the lead in the 12th minute of the first half ramping the ball off one of Simon's players and over the keeper. Wayne scored his second , in the fifth minute of the second half, as Simon desperately tried to grab his keeper's handle in time to save the shot.

Jul 22, 2007

Having prepared the new larger size Mawra pitch, sticking the pitch to the board, fixing the goals into to place, and making a temporary surround, it was ready for its first game. The size of the pitch did influence the play of the game as both players exploited the extra space of the larger pitch. It was a game of few accurate shots on goal as both players squandered their chances to take the lead. Finally in the 25th minute Wayne Smith scored his first goal, and two minutes later his second.

At the end of the game both players agreed that the pitch played remarkably well with none of the "stickiness" that had been experienced before with new pitches.

July 13, 2007

Both players tried Wayne's new Hertha Berlin team that he had recently received from Table Soccer USA. The bases of the team had been varnished with a different product to that used by Simon and Wayne, and the figures glided further than they were use to. To determine if a decent game could be played in a shorter time frame both games were one period of 20 minutes.

Wayne dominated both games, and while Simon's defense did frustrate a number of attacks it was not as good as it had been in previous weeks.

July 5, 2007

For the second week Andrea Guarducci made the journey up from Long Beach to take part. He played two games. The first was against Simon Hutchinson, where he used the Maricopa Vase rules, and was beaten by a single goal. In his game against Wayne Smith he used the Maricopa Cup Newcomers rules, and was defeated by two goals. Andrea's flicking is better than you would expect with his limited experience of the game. When he gets his new team, Fiorentina on Sureshot bases, and his understanding of the tactics of the game improves he is going to be a player to reckon with.

In the game between Simon and Wayne Simon’s improving play continued to frustrate Wayne’s attack, as it has in recent week. Wayne had to raise his game to score a goal in each half to win.

June 28, 2007

After a week off Thursday night Subbuteo resumed with two games between Wayne and Simon. Despite Wayne scoring five goals in the two games even he had to admit that the games were closer than suggest. They were joined by Andrea Guarducci, a school teacher in Lynwood, CA, wanted to learn more about the game to see if it was something to introduce as part of the after school program. Original from Florence, Italy, he had not played the game before and soon was flicking the Viola (Florentina team) around in games with Simon and Wayne.

June 14, 2007

The game was a lot closer that the score suggests. Wayne Smith took an early lead driving the ball under Simon Hutchinson’s goalkeeper. Five minutes later Simon equalized with a chip shot from a tight angle over Wayne’s keeper. This was the first goal Wayne had conceded in this competition, and the first half ended 1-1. The second half was end-to-end action as both players pushed to score. Two quickly taken goals by Wayne, scored before Simon could get his hand on his keeper, gave Wayne the win.

June 7, 2007

Simon Hutchinson used his Sports Figure goalkeeper for the first time. The new keeper and Simon's defense kept Wayne Smith at bay until the 20th minute, when he scored the only goal of the game.

May 31, 2007

After three weeks of beating Simon Hutchinson 2-0 Wayne Smith went one better tonight, winning 3-0. After scoring an early goal Wayne was 2-0 up at half time, and scored his third midway through the second half.

May 24, 2007

It may have been another win for Wayne Smith but Simon Hutchinson made it hard for him to do so. The first shot on goal was Simon's, and his defense frustrated Wayne's attacking play. But Wayne still managed to score a goal in each half, the first coming in the 14th minute, to win the game 2-0.

May 17, 2007

After a week off Thursday Night Subbuteo resumed with a friendly between Wayne Smith and Simon Hutchinson. Wayne's two goals were both scored in the "third minute", the first in the third minute and the second just three minutes from the end of the game.

May 3, 2007

Thursday Night Subbuteo kicked off with a friendly between Wayne Smith and Simon Hutchinson. The game started off scrappy as both players missed flicks they would normally make. Wayne won with two goals scored from long range flicks from close to his defensive line.

April 23, 2007

It took Wayne Smith 24 minutes to score the only goal of the game against Simon Hutchinson.

April 16, 2007

April 9, 2007

April 2, 2007

Despite a gallant effort Simon Hutchinson, using the circa 1980 bases "cereal bowl" bases, could not stop Wayne Smith, using Sureshot bases, from scoring five.

March 26, 2007

Wayne Smith, using the circa 1980 bases "cereal bowl" bases, managed to prevent Simon Hutchinson, using modern Sureshot bases, from taking a shot on goal in their goalless tie.

March 12, 2007