The return of the 'Little Asian'

Today saw Doug's second intra-mural game during his visit from Malaysia. Once again, Luke and I ran the line for him as we took charge of the game between Physics Society and Chemical Engineering Society.

I said at the end of Wednesday's note that this game surely couldn't be as exciting as Wednesday's. And so it proved. The game wasn't totally devoid of action, but it was tense and at times a little scrappy (not helped by the wet conditions). The teams were clearly well-matched and that made it quite tight.

In terms of the first half, there is really very little to discuss. Doug didn't give a free kick until 27 minutes in, played advantage where he could and got most things right. He penalised foul throws consistently too. I got the usual abuse for giving correct offside decisions. No problems for any of us.

The second half continued in the same vein. Doug tried to keep the game flowing. I thought he should have got in there a bit more quickly when there was a little flare-up after one tackle although a player separated the two people involved and nothing came of it. Luke and I assisted him where we could.

0-0s are very rare, and I thought it typical that it was a penalty which separated the teams. It went to Chem Eng Soc, as a player was brought down from behind with 20 minutes to go. It looked a little soft, but I had a decent view and there was a definite foul. The offender was cautioned for dissent and the penalty scored.

Physics Soc tried to find an equaliser, and it was the 90th minute before they did so. There was a minor controversy as a ball from another game was kicked onto the pitch in the build-up, but in an IMS game I think it is best to let it go and that is what Doug did. A few minutes later, Doug brought the 1-1 draw to a conclusion.

Overall, I didn't think it was an exciting game, but for the officials it went well. No major errors or problems and just the one yellow card from Doug today. The conditions weren't difficult but for the most part the players just got on with the game and that made it easier for the three of us. An enjoyable afternoon's football, and what could turn out to be Doug's last ever game. Surely not?