Another brilliant tour – this time in Zadar.
We were looking for warmer climes for our 15th tour, so Zadar hit the spot, in the same way that Dixon walloped Harper’s nose with the ball prior to our opener. The squad also comprised of two Sangha’s, Gourlay and McShane.
Our opening game wasn’t an indoor game, as it was a May Day holiday, so it converted to an outdoor one held at Sportski Centar Miro Surać. Thanks to Alen Juričić for arranging at short notice. The pitch was bigger than we normally play on, however, we struggled even when shortening it. This was against an accomplished futsal side, who ran 6 goals past us in both games. We only replied with one and two (in a better second game). As always, we struggle in our openers, due to travel, heat, food, drink and substandard players. Also, by this time, the Tash had lost a pint of blood and unfortunately the camera didn’t record (did record Dixon booting the ball at Harper though).
We had a full spare day, as well as most of the following day, after this to recover and recuperate, so the expected tour shenanigans after this included 60% of the squad nearly drowning off a speedboat in one of the islands, as well as Harper bottling a 10 metre jump into the sea (he only did 5). Excessive ice cream consumption, as well as food consumption occurred. We all though Macca’s tattoos were actually full colour, but it was just sunburn. We also kept distance from Dixon, as we were already struggling with injuries.
This set us up for the planned game organised by Stipe Bjeliš, and his team of politicians. This was probably more in line to our standard, as the holiday excess was taking a toll. We were opposing Zadar’s potential Mayor as their goalkeeper, but had Stipe Bjeliš (ex pro) as our ‘keeper which helped us hugely.
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We played in the humidity and after the first game, we conceded a late equaliser to make it 2-2. Gourlay happily called me a “c**t” after this and this time he really meant it. Harper and McShane found the goals for us. The second went off better with Sassco running out 4-1 winners. Gourlay fired in two, while Harper grabbed the other to complement one of their own goals. This was our only win on another brilliant tour, and after this we were served up beer, whisky and a barbecue arranged by Stipe and his team. Much appreciated and overall, this could be our best tour to date. The town of Zadar was stunning, the logistics were easy, we had a full squad and, most importantly, our opponents were very hospitable for both games.
Tour photos and some videos below.
