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vs Jakarta Bintangs
the "More Talk Tour"
August 05, Jakarta

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The Bali Geckos scored a historic win over their old foes the Jakarta Bintangs in Jakarta last weekend. Playing only their third ever away game, the Geckos proved too strong to run away convincing winners by 84 points and win back the Java-Bali Cup for the first time since 2000 (similar to Bledsoe cup rules, a team must win both games in the one year to win back the cup).
After initially being planned for June, a squad of twenty players ventured to the Big Durian to form arguably the Geckos strongest ever team. The team had made good improvements during the year at training and in scratch matches and was quietly confident going into the match, despite the fact that we were not use to the larger field and the 14-a-side format.
The team prepared themselves in the traditional Gecko pre-game night fashion and was in the right frame of mind during the match warm-up. The positive vibe was taken onto the field where the Geckos got off to a great start when a good tackle by Courtenay in the first few minutes of the game caused the ball to spill to Terry who snapped a good goal. Goals followed from Hendo and Courtenay threaded a set shot through from an acute angle. Sammy was getting a lot of the ball dropping back to assist the backline, and Terry Russell finding a lot of space of the wing. The midfield worked together to put pressure on the Bintangs’ defense while the forward line continued to combine well and add goals to the scoreboard, finishing with six goals for the quarter.
For the first part of the second quarter the Geckos seemed content with their first quarter performance and allowed the Bintangs to get a few goals on the board. After the Bintangs came within three goals, the Geckos started to show glimpses of good play. A combined effort from all backline players repelled forward moves from the Bintangs, turning defense into attack on a number of occasions. Stiffy was given the assignment to tag one of the Bintangs better players and proved up to the task. His direct opponent finished the day with few possessions and will certainly remember the name ‘Stiffy’. The control of the game had returned to the Geckos at half time where they led by 36 points.
The dominance of the Geckos once again faded as the third quarter progressed. Bought on by some undisciplined play and a loss of concentration, the Bintangs began to win a lot of the ball, but luckily for the Geckos this did not show on the score board. A highlight of the quarter was when tall ruckman Gus kept the scoreboard ticking over when he received the ball on the wing and ran it into the forward line like a galloping horse to kick a great goal on the run. A great tackle by Shitheap was also a stand-out of the quarter.

Coach Gun had a few words for the Geckos at three quarter time, asking that the team focused on winning the ball and ignore umpiring decisions and actions of opponents. The team regrouped and started the last quarter with a quick centre break, with a handball from Hinch finding Chad running on the wing to kick a long goal. Matty Scarff showed the best way to make a mends for being sent off earlier in the game after a scuffle by kicking an inspiring goal from the boundary line 30 meters from goal. Certainly the goal of the year, perhaps the best goal ever by a Gecko! The Geckos continued to go forward, Gun added to the long list of goal scorers with a long left on the run, and then backman Ben Chong pushed forward and kicked his first ever goal for the Geckos. Again the Geckos finished with six goals for the quarter and easily defeated the Bintangs by 84 points. The team then sang the club song with passion and perhaps a tear or two, testament to the way the team bonded in one of the proudest moments in the clubs history.

Final Score
Bali Geckos 20 14 134
Jakarta Bintangs 7 6 48
Bali Geckos Best: Steve Jeisman, Terry Russell, Russell Yule, Matt Scarff, Courtney Werleman in a great team effort.

Thanks to Courtney and Stiffy for assisting in tour preparations, Rob Hindmarsh for assisting with the interchange bench and to Roland for umpiring. Also a special thank-you to club sponsors Air Paradise, Paul Turner Lighting and Lightcom.

Geckos Triumph in Jakarta
The Bali Geckos Australian Football Club continued remain undeafeted this year after beating their old foes the Jakarta Bintangs in Jakarta last weekend. 20 players plus support staff traveled to Jakarta to play the Bintangs for the Java-Bali Cup. The Geckos started just as coach Peter Muir asked, with determination and teamwork leading to a six goal to one first quarter. At half time the Geckos were still in control of the game, and despite a loss of concentration and undisciplined play in the third quarter, the Geckos remained well ahead going into the final quarter. An inspiring goal from the boundry line 30 meters from goal by captain Matt Scarff, arguably the perhaps the best goal ever by a Gecko, spurred on the Geckos to pile on another six goals in the final quarter, coming out sound victors by 84 points. The team then sang the club song with passion and perhaps a tear or two, testament to the way the team bonded in one of the proudest moments in the clubs history. After the match club President John Lincoln thanked those who were involved in arranging the tour and made a special thank-you to club sponsors Air Paradise, Paul Turner Lighting and Lightcom.

Final Score
Bali Geckos 20 14 134
Jakarta Bintangs 7 6 48
Bali Geckos Best: Steve Jeisman, Terry Russell, Russell Yule, Matt Scarff, Courtney Werleman in a great team effort.

Back row (L to R): Ben Graham, Phil Thomas, Courtaney Werleman, Stewert Henderson, Rusell Yule.
Middle Row: John Lincoln, Mark Parethezius, Dave Schonell, Dan Brooks, Dave Homann, Sam Gosling, Terry Russell, Greg Hinchliffe.
Front Row: Steve Jeisman, Matt Scarff (C), Riki Teitina, Peter Muir (Coach), Chad Paull, Jason Childs, Dan Metcalf, Roland