Match report by Doc, number one and only SSS ticket-holder. ‘It takes a crane to build a crane It takes two floors to make a story It takes an egg to make a hen It takes a hen to make an egg There is no end to what Im saying’ Yes, that’s right, another gem from that literary giant, Jason Mraz. What’s it got to do with football ?- nothing; but I just like to highlight the poetic mastery of his work. Now, let me get back to the topic at hand - there are a few things in life worth savouring ; among them - a visit to the Italian Wine Festival held in Sydney Town Hall on Sunday. There are not many pleasures that surpass a dry Veneto pinot grigio to wash down some buffalo mozzarella served with sourdough and tomato jam from Eugenio Maiale of A’Tavola; or a perhaps a full-bodied Brunello from Montepulciano to accompany an appetizing ‘pizza fritta’ from Luigi Esposito from Via Napoli. It was with such expectation that was awaiting the Monday night game of SSS, following a restful bye last week. The reserved section for SSS supporters were again filled to capacity when Doc showed up for this important fixture. The atmosphere prior to kick off had the tension and expectation only found with opening a vintage Piedmont Barolo. Nicholas Theodosi had been in sparkling form of recent matches reminiscent of a Lombardy prosecco and Nigel Howe has also been in robust sangiovese shape though the age may be showing a bit in its maturation; not forgetting the dependable Chianti Classico of goalkeeper Harry H, who seems to improve with age on the vine. Nevertheless, despite the sweet moscato touches of Peter Theodosi and soave passing of Simon Howe , the match was nearly nipped in the bud from SSS who were behind in goals from the start of play. The team were outplayed by a primitivo style that can only be described as likened to quaffing rough red from a cardboard cask. It was only through Super Tuscan efforts that a 4-all draw was managed in the closing minutes. Jeremy Howe was hampered before the game by speculations of botrytis dry rot. However, he proved his critics wrong with a superb display of his floral characteristics; and though he may have been weakened by a weekend of heavy manual harvesting, his scoring did not suffer with refined finishes. The evening was spoilt somewhat with a post-match bonding dinner and drinks at The Brewhouse, Olympic Park. Sadly missed were the Giovanni Pilu selection of Sardinian cured meats. Not present, the sublime squid ink risotto from Alessandro Pavioni of Ormeggio. What did we eat? Well, there were copious servings of chicken schnitzel and chicken parmigiano. The pork sliders were as inedible as a screwcap on a corked trebbiano. Lets hope the gastroenteritis resolves before next weeks match.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 11:41:55 +0000