The Hibs and French both went through all their respective pre-game warming up exercises and team talks and then had to hang around in the blistering heat for half an hour for the 3rd match official to arrive. The game eventually started at 3:15pm. I think one or two individuals in the Hibs team must have lost their focus due to the late start as we found ourselves 2 goals behind after only 15 minutes. Two horrid defensive mistakes (or great “assists”) lead to two soft goals for Gaulois. But fair play to the French these late Xmas gifts were taken well. So Hibs found themselves deservedly down 0-2 after only 15 minutes.

But it has been the mark of the Hibs team since we joined the Cosmo League that we have always shown a great spirit and unity in both good and bad times and so it was today that the lads didn’t get on each other and we simply rolled up our sleeves and worked our way back into the game. Bastian was causing a constant threat up front and the inevitable penalty was created through another of his surging runs into the Gaulois penalty box. Bastian calmly put the penalty away as the Germans always seem to do! The rest of the half was dominated by Hibs and their pressure lead to two goals from set pieces for Glenda ‘Pin-up’ Fayers and Spackers. Only half an hour played and it was 3-2 to the Hibs and that’s how it stayed until half-time.

Maybe it was the heat, but the second half was somewhat muted in comparison to the first half fireworks. There was lots of honest endeavour from both sides and many half-chances created but nothing clear-cut for either side, although Spackers had a close range header that he should have got on target. Hibs seemed to have settled for the 3-2 win by spending the last 15 minutes sitting on their lead and defending in two strong banks of four. We defended solidly with Geoff and Spackers breaking up any promising play that was being created in the centre of the park by the French and James Harvey made a solid cameo in the heart of the defense. The Hibbies closed out the game in professional and tidy fashion – for a change – to win 3-2.

Thanks to the French lads for a good game which was physically tough, without ever being over the top. So it was a bit strange that 4 or 5 yellow cards (I lost count in the end) were brandished to the two teams. It was not a dirty game and not the type of game that warranted so many yellow cards. Several of these yellow cards were only just about fouls, let alone cautionable offences so, after arriving late, it was not a great day for the officials.

It was a hot welcome back to Singapore footy for Hibs ex-President Fyffie after his one year sabbatical in Jakarta. Plaudits to Ben Arnott for one of his most solid Cosmo performances this season, but MoM goes to the industrious Geoff Rodocker who worked his nuts off in the middle of the park for the full 90 mins…GOOD JOB !