Kanga Cup '08 - The Final Whistle has been blown

Well the final whilst has been blown for Kanga Cup 2008. I'm back sitting in the Waratah Lodge and sipping on some of Lynda's "coffee" whilst around me excited voices are heard, hugs given and recieved, pictures taken and lots of happy excited match offials

A huge day at Greenway, with grand finals since 1pm. Finally a nice sunny day as well, after almost a week of poor weather. I was transport guy for the morning, going to Wanamassa for early morning drop offs with 11 officials and Paul. Mid morning I collected Linda and Norm and heading to Greenway. Another few shuttles and I was back to watch Nick M. do his line (not bad for a 13yo 1st year Canberra ref doing U/12GF).

A few games went the full monty to penalties, but generally a good day with only a few cautions and no reds. Seems this was a trend also at McKellar and Deacon.

Back at the Lodge by 8:40 or thereabouts. Daniel M. thanked everyone for their efforts, acknowledged the award winners.

Norm was awarded with a football signed by all here (well almost all here, I didn't get to sign it!!!) in a nice case - good luck getting it on the plane. It was actually presented at the Hub by Capital Football earlier in the day, along with Referee of the Year type awards. But there was no one from the refereeing crew there as everyone was on games far and wide. Back at the Lodge tonight he was also awarded a 10 year whistle, a stuffed Kangaroo and a nice bottle of something for his service to the referees by David L. A good speech (Norm is rarely short of words) and a really nice way to end the formal part of Kanga


Grand Finals
Girls 18 Cup - Jen Hollis was awesome (she told me to say this, as she's hot and is sitting right next to me)
Boys 18 Cup - Christian - It went to 28 penalties (14-13)- Useless prat who could get a result in regulation time - No wonder he got Referee of the Tournament!!!!!

Other Final Noteables
The South Korean team walked over the opposition like last year 8-1
The A League trophy was at McKella and the officials were able to hold it

I started this blog about 2 hours ago - now after 1am, so really not able to write much further. Lots of U/18's still watching DVD's, playing GTA4. Paul has just gone to bed, Norm a bit earlier and I'm likely to follow soon. All the O/18's are out on the town, making me feel old before my time. Tommorrow promises a ref's match at 10:30am somewhere locally, then onto the Jets -v- Mariners game. I'm going to decide in the morning if I stay - there is a option to stay and go back Sunday.

Overall a different but good Kanga

Lynda say's hi to everyone

Night Kanga Cup followers

Ruralref (On assignement on Kanga Cup '08)