I’ve always known that referees are powerful. With a ‘peep’ of their whistle they can stop 22 people dead in their tracks. With a point of their finger, they can solve an argument as to whose free kick it is. With a flourish of a piece of coloured card, they can sway the direction of a game when a key player is red carded.

But controlling the weather? Are they really powerful enough to control the weather!?!?

When Referee Deluca called ‘Begin!’ at 9am at Barnard, we did not realise that this call would immediately unleash stinging rain, strong westerlies which blew the rain sideways, and hail. Yes. It hailed!

Fortunately, the Giants knew that it was simply time to don their boardies, and grab an inflatable ring – it was time for ‘pool soccer’!!

The game itself was masterfully played. The Angels are not on top of the ladder for nothing, and they continued to press any advantage they could, resulting in getting it past the keeper 3 times. However, the Giants, for the most part, were able to defend in packs, controlling the ball well to the outside of the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ and delivering to the wings with great regularity. Special mention must go to Evan Collie, who’s 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th efforts won the moment a dozen times during the half.

The attack were a player short (the team was missing Gemma, Josh Riches & Diwan Ackerman – more on them later!) but they opened up space and opportunity well, and it was only some resolute defending by the Angels backline that stopped several Giant advances. Jarred ‘The Hoof’ Brough worked hard down the left wing, earning a dubious penalty (well… the Angel’s coach thought it was dubious! :0)), which was methodically converted by Jacob ‘Juddy’ Black.

Other first half highlights included Josh Nicholas controlling and passing the ball well out of defence, and Caleb ‘The Journeyman’ Hendry starting to find some hard-ball, and feeding it well to team mates.

There was a lot to like at half time, and The BFG urged the Giants forward, looking at taking advantage of the wind that was now in our favour, and to keep pushing home any advantage that could be taken.

The 2^nd half was dominated by the Giants, and featured 2 field goals. One by Callum ‘Sir Hotfoot’ Ferrity, who had started to find some touch, notably creating almost unlimited amounts of time for himself to be able to pass or shoot with poise, and the other by ‘Juddy’ Black (I just think he plays the game like Chris Judd would have, if Chris Judd had played soccer!)

However, these were set up by some strong running and crossing performances by ‘The Hoof’, who owned the left wing. Morgan Hughes also began crossing the ball in from the right wing, talking in Latin to the ball as it sailed through the air, commanding squadrons of flies, midges and mosquitos to assist in his endeavour.

We don’t know why he does that. It’s just how Hughesy rolls!

‘The Journeyman’ and Lehan ‘The Smiling Assassin’ Ackerman also racked up plenty of leg miles as they controlled the midfield, finding some sublime touch on a day where the conditions dictated otherwise. ‘The Smiling Assassin’ did well despite the absence of his brother, meaning that Lehan had to speak English for the entire day. Diwan was a late withdrawal from the squad yesterday. Apparently, having a doctor stick 3 inches of steel into your arm makes him unable to play. I think we have found his ‘kryptonite’!

The defensive efforts continued well into the 2^nd half. This time, it was Jack ‘The Cheetah’ Wallace who repelled ball after ball, with only the Angel's very best efforts getting past, requiring Jack ‘Commando’ Ellery to dive time and time again. Will his shirt pass the OMO test?

The final score was 4-3, with all spectators commenting that 7 goals scored in windy conditions was a credit to all those on the pitch.

Josh ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ Riches is expected to miss one further game. He is completing a special ‘high-altitude’ training camp to increase his lung function and aerobic fitness.

Gemma ‘The Spartan’ (yes – that’s how tough she really is!) Begley was absent today. Whilst we missed her, given the circumstances (there was a certain 'echo' in her voice when she phoned in sick!), we were glad that she was elsewhere. :0) We look forward to seeing her when she is well.

The Giants look forward to travelling to Dunsborough next week for a 9am clash with the Raiders.

The BFG