Bad day at (almost) Blackrock

The day started like most others, but when google maps directs you to Blackrock .. you've got to wonder.
Sion Hill was the venue,but if coming from the northern side,you were turned left 5m too early and end up in the Blackrock College car park.
When you saw other Corinthians cars in the car park looking at satellite view and saying..its 5m away...why can't I see the pitch ... you realize that the schools are contiguous, another 1km back by road to get 5m.... the story of the day.
Unlike the 1955 movie that won Spencer Tracy an acting award or the the 2009 book by Kevin Power, where Blackrock was not the place to be... we almost turned that on its head, but Sion Hill was almost a the perfect counterpoint. Beating the League leader was possible (Almost).
Frankie (who wanted his Freedom Day, Covid is over apparently), was only available early morning..so the 4ths gained... (who can argue.... noble intentions - late closing hours needed to be observed ..he took one for the team - we salute him).
The 3rds however rejigged the backline and a new formation was created.
A very experienced Avoca team (many with senior cup medals from the 90s) took to the pitch and a tight game ensued.
A cagey 1st quarter showed we were in this and a growing self belief led to Corinthians scoring first, a great team move leading to Ryan passing to Oscar, who unselfishly passed to me, and the rebound was scored by Marco (who for a non-scorer has created a pattern).
But then the unexpected.... Moose was felled by by a single shot on the ankle (they should have double tapped, he wasn't quite dead...more latter, he returned 30 mins latter). Moose was removed from play (the stretcher bearers cried as they carried him off, almost like Brunhilde and the Valkyries)....... and the game changed.
Without Frankie to stabilize the defense, Stevenson's rocket was put in reverse (left back), but forward is a better gear and soon it was 2-1 down, as Avoca capitalized (Der Fuhrer rearranged the formation soon after.. Hamstring still niggly ...apparently),but it worked.
The game settled and we regathered (no mean task considering the pedigree of the opposition) ...Caleb standing toe to toe with the opposition physically and Tim royally setting up the right flank - Alistair and Jack creating space to attack...but an almost Oscar winning performance saw a great individual goal bring the game level with a quarter to go.
Moose (not being quite dead ..an ankle tap not being enough to fell him for long, came back on - (proof next day when he played imperiously for Leinster Masters, as did Guy) ..Avoca should have put him out of his misery - (inside voice for a double tap). Defense stabilized, (Jude saving multiple corners) we attacked again and were suckered with 2 softish short corners and ended up losing ... but a great game, disappointing but encouraging ...
We hope Frank enjoyed the night... but we need you back! (Freedom regained ..all forgiven,but you can use that excuse once)