MATCH REPORTS
 - by Vaughan Barras

That time rolled around again, where Melbourne's atmospheric research community once again turned its attention to the staging of the Priestley Cup.  This is an annual six-a-side soccer tournament held between teams from Monash Uni, Melbourne Uni, CSIRO Atmospheric Research and the Bureau of Meteorology.  This year it was hosted on the grassy playing fields at Monash University, a surface popular with all the players.  Earlier in the day the weather had threatened, however by the evening the skies had cleared, the teams had assembled and the stage was set for some exciting matches.

Some big clashes started off the tournament beginning with the "researchers' rumble" with the Bureau facing CSIRO.  Both teams had a closely fought game with neither side able to break the deadlock.  The Bureau came closest with an"almost" effort in front of goal, but sadly they don't score almost goals.  The other game featured the "axes of academics" with Monash squaring off against Melbourne.  It was an open game with Melbourne scoring early, but Monash came out firing in the second half pulling one goal back.  However, Melbourne's attacks finally put in two more goals to finish the game (with a generous assist from Monash's captain standing in as a Melbourne sub!  Thanks Ailie!)

The next round saw the "sandbelt scrap", CSIRO taking on Monash.  CSIRO's earlier frustration in front of goal turned into a feast finishing with four unanswered goals.  This still didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Monash cheer squad who remained in good voice all evening.  The other game was the "downtown duel" with the Bureau playing Melbourne.  The Bureau defense stood firm, but was finally broken moments before half time.  The second half saw Melbourne score twice more including an amazing goal steered in directly from a corner kick, certainly one for the highlights reel.

With muscles aching, the third and final round began with Melbourne only requiring a draw against CSIRO to retain the title.  This round was also the "apposition of the ages" with both university teams coming up against their, erm, more experienced colleagues (does age really need a euphemism?).  Monash finished well against the Bureau, scoring twice after conceding three goals early but couldn't find an equaliser.  The game between Melbourne and CSIRO was also a close contest.  Unfortunately Melbourne were a player down for the first half after their captain took one too many knocks to an already cracked rib.  Despite this, Melbourne were able to find the winning goal to ensure the Priestley Cup stays proudly on display in the computer lab for another year.

Thanks must go out to everyone who participated on the night.  Without exception, every game was played in the best spirits and sportsmanship.  Thanks especially to Ailie Gallant and Greg Roff for their efforts in organising the great venue and the barbeque.  We look forward to defending the title again next year!

ROUND 1
 

Melbourne University	4	Bureau of Meteorology	0
Monash University	1	CSIRO	0

ROUND 2
 

CSIRO	4	Melbourne University	3
Monash University	0	Bureau of Meteorology	0

ROUND 3
 

Melbourne University	1	Monash University	2
CSIRO	0	Bureau of Meteorology	3

Champions for 2 years running!  Relive the triumph of 2003