Almanac Local Footy: Com Cup Runneth Over
Last Sunday, the annual Community Cup was held at Elsternwick Park to raise funds for disadvantaged Australians and indulge in Melbourne’s unique inner-suburban culture.
The weather was bitterly cold, but dry, and spirits were warm. In the middle of the oval was an old fashioned glue pot following a wet end to El Nino.
Ross Wilson kicked off the show with a rendition of anthem, Eagle Rock. The game was suburban, mixed-gender footy at its willing, uncoordinated best. The live commentary was cheekily wry and spared no player. A one-sided contest had the Rockdogs leading the Megahertz from go to woe, but that was largely immaterial to spectator camaraderie, kick-to-kick, kids and pet action.
Sadly, there was no gender equality among streakers – only the blokes braved it. They tried to involve themselves in the game, but the players were reluctant to be tackled by the tackle.
Total Giovanni were the musical half-time highlight and suitably ironic, and Regurgitator finished off with some old favourites as day descended into night.
Here’s a few pics.
About Paul Spinks
I have had writing published and performed in various mediums, though not always with the luxury of a deadline. Below are links to some pieces published beyond this great site. https://newmatilda.com/2017/07/30/its-time-for-our-baby-democracy-to-walk/ https://meanjin.com.au/blog/the-elephant-in-the-chamber/ https://overland.org.au/2017/11/australias-workplace-laws-a-narrative-tragedy/ https://newmatilda.com/2019/05/16/the-green-blind-spot-on-australias-expanding-population/ https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/is-ashleigh-barty-the-saviour-australian-tennis-has-been-waiting-for-20200108-p53prl.html https://spinksytravelworld.com/pirate-of-padstow/ https://overland.org.au/2020/10/the-slow-death-of-a-public-institution/ https://overland.org.au/previous-issues/false-documents/fiction-paul-spinks/
Onya Paul.
My favourite moment of the day – and probably the highest quality sporting moment of the day as well – was a dog at 3/4 time with a ball in its mouth being pretend chased by about 20 or 30 people and having the time of its life as it dodged each ‘tackle’ with a sensational side-step. When the owner eventually hauled the poor pooch to the ground the crowd on the hill – remember them! – rose and screamed as one ‘Ballllll!!!!!!’.
Sadly the siren sirened and the real match had to get going again.
Thanks, Patrick – you’ve perfectly captured a defining image of the Com Cup.