Bath at home, Snr Flags R2 - 26 Nov 2005

It was a cold day at Sandilands as Purley's opponents of two weeks ago Bath came to town. Both sides turned out stronger teams for this flags match than for the previous league encounter. Purley got off to a good start scoring the first goal of the game through an individual effort by Nigel Tasko. Bath replied not long after with a good fast break, and this was to set the scene for the rest of the quarter - Nigel Tasko individual effort followed by a Bath break, and at the end of the quarter only a Dave Arnot goal separated the sides as Purley lead 4-3.

The second quarter saw Purley take charge of the game which they had threatened to do in first quarter, but had been pegged back by a hard working and much improved Bath team. Purley worked hard cut out the team mistakes, and the defence played tighter as a unit and only allowed the Bath side one goal. With another "Nigel" effort and good team goals by Mike Barrett and Jamie Tasko (making his first appearance having knee surgery in the summer) the quarter ended with a Purley lead of 7 - 4.

The third quarter was the return to attack for Matt Payne after playing the first half as a long pole. His new found role as a long pole has been very refreshing for the defence and midfield. Tim Richmond also got released from refereeing duties and made an immediate impact creating a better shape and adding a sense of control to the Purley attack, and his two goals in the quarter helped Purley extend their lead to 11 - 7.

Tiredness from both sides caused the fourth quarter to be very open with lots of fast break chances at both ends. Bath began to rally at the start of the quarter, and with two quick goals they got themselves to within two, but Purley came back with some excellent fast break goals and solid settled play. Two goals in the final seconds made the score perhaps a bit more flattering than Purley deserved, with a final tally of 17 - 9.

A mention also goes out to Purley's new Australian recruit from Camberwell, Luke Smith who had good game considering he was wearing borrowed equipment.

Purley's opponents in the semi-finals will be Hitchin, who overturned Hillcroft 12-10 in extra time - sounds like that match was a cracker.

Goals: Nigel Tasko 5, Jamie Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 3, Tim Richmond 3, Mike Barrett 1, Matt Payne 1