A Gentleman's Game at Scoundrel Prices

The Punctual Football Fan decided to see a bit of cricket, well actually he say four days of cricket! Yes cricket is not for every one but football is not for every one either.

I went down to this time the "home of cricket" in western Australia namely the Western Australian Cricket Ground or better known as the WACA Ground in east Perth. This was the third match or "test match" being played between Australia and the 'old foe' England for the Ashes.

Conditions at the WACA are not the most forgiving when this sport is played in hotter conditions and summer. The ground has virtually no shade for the patrons and very little provisions for free sun cream dispenser stations. For a sport heavily government subsidised it makes you wonder. Perth this summer has been experiencing a bit of a strong heat wave with temperatures in the low 40's (that is in Celsius for you septic tanks reading this blog). with that in mind with no shade and the extortionist prices we call "perthonomics" it is a recipe for disaster. I was lucky to be in the member's section of the ground and you would think that they would be looked after? No is the obvious answer!

The game was very entertaining with me tuning out with what my friend was going on about and just immersing myself in the battle taking place in the blazing heat. I found it incredibly uncomfortable to watch i would hate to think how it was playing in those conditions. The maximum temperature hit 45 degrees during the day so it was understandable it was an ordeal.

The WACA ground sadly has seen better days and those days are now an incredibly distant memory that died out when the dinosaurs became extinct or more notably 1970 when the Test Stand (Inverarity Stand) and the Prindiville Stand.

These are on par with the olympic stadium in Seoul and many other concrete behemoths built in the 70's and 80's. Although the 2002 face-lift patched up some blemishes it still is a rotting cast iron style ship waiting to be scrapped. Despite me saying this I would not want Perth to lose such a location for cricket and hopefully the much touted development goes as planned.

The food is much like Pattersons; expensive, very expensive. The drinks are 5 dollars for cool drinks and water with Beers and spirits being 9 dollars minimum. Sandwiches start from 8 dollars and burgers are in double digits. Food quality is much the same as Pattersons; boring, bland and not good value. Chips although i must admit were great in taste are not worth 8 dollars for a small portion and the hot dogs although gourmet are not worth 12 dollars but the saving grace for the WACA (members remember) was the copious amounts of beer jugs full of ice water with plastic cups. That was a godsend. I had to venture up and over the hill past the East Perth cemetery to the IGA to get some food and ice cream. Also a subway is across the road on Royal Street as an Italian restaurant as well as very good bar and dining places along claisebrook cove. Better value and better quality than at the ground.

The WACA is also like Pattersons, try and keep food and drink purchases to a minimum and go to East Perth during the breaks or smuggle it in.

Latin Community World Cup - Final and Playoffs

I have to say that the Chile and North Sudan was a complete hack fest, but in saying that I thought for what it was, entertaining; I wasn't expecting anything else though. 
A surprise for me was the fact I didn't realise Gavin Knight was Chilean, but surprises keep us on our toes right?
In the end Chile won on pens after being 3-3 after extra time. 

Ireland won the final 4-2 but when it was 1-1. I have to say the game had a real intensity about it, which was great to see. Congo could have run the Irish ragged if they moved the ball a bit quicker as they had them for pace. The Irish are very good at shutting the player down. 
A decent crowd and great atmosphere especially when Congo equalised. Hugh Best running the line and copping loads of stick from the Irish fans.  
The headline act - the steak "sandwich" (burger) was one of the best I've had says Roeder and others
The burger was sold as a steak "sandwich" but in truth it was in a burger bun. All the usual salads, three fillets of steak (tender steak not rubber) and home made mayo. They had home made chili sauce (not hot but very tasty) that could be added to burgers or chips.
Price was $10 but the price was suitable as it's a big burger, you could live it for a couple of days. My agents in the field have tried it 3 times and has been consistently good. So next time you have an empty stomach and are wanting to watch a bit of football and enjoy a good night out, head down to Litis Stadium in Mount Hawthorn.

Latin Community World Cup - Group Matches

The Aussies were abysmal against Zimbabwe despite a sprinkling of our "new" aquisitions, aka scousers in the side. The right back aka the one arm bandit being their best winning the "Roeder/Hulk medal". In the earlier match between Eritrea and North Sudan, was buzzing. This match put most state leagues games to shame for atmosphere with dancing, drums, etc... This is something that we need to embrace as a community. Bring them more into the football set up and give these guys a clear pathway to reach the A-League or higher. To the reason why we are here, the steak sarnie was sensational. Three fillets and a burger bun not sliced bread. The downside if you call it that was the price tag of $10 but was topped of with some home made South American chili sauce, well worth the investment. The $8 entry fee for an amateur event was recognised as a bit pricey but what can you buy in Perth for that amount? Maybe a pint of the cheapest draught beer if you are lucky/unlucky depending on how you look at it.

Sunny Days at Perth Oval?

Well the Punctual Football Fan decided to venture down as he is a ticket holder to watch Perth Glory play against Adelaide United. As per usual the standard of the game was stop start and choppy with moments of class matched with moments of pure frustration. I don't normally sample the delights of Perth Oval, known as nib Stadium as the prices for the food and drink is ridiculously high, incredibly poor value and the proportions are a farce.
However PFF didn't eat that day due to cricket in the morning so he bought a hot dog and a bottle of coke for 15 dollars. The drink was 5 dollars! Can you believe that? What high-way robbery! I guess Tony Sage has to make his money some how and the contractor food vendors also need to make a profit too.

The hot dog wasn't too bad but for 10 dollars? perhaps 5 dollars too much i think. Even though you got large portions at Caversham, and not the "best" least you got value for money in their combo deals they had to offer the public. Perth went a goal down and pegged it back to finish the game at 1-1. Not bad but against quality sides that are higher on the table.

This is not good if you want to try and push for a play off spot. The viewing from the eastern grandstand also known as the "Jack Marks Stand" is a brilliant place to watch the game. I have to commend the Department of Sport and Recreation for getting this completed. Now to get the next stage underway and rebuild the western stand and bring this venue into the modern world of sport.

Wet Conditions at the "Home of Football"

Well the Punctual Football Fan decided to try a different version of football in what is the amusingly dubbed "Home of Football" being Pattersons Stadium for sponsorship reasons or for our older readers or "bitters" you would call it Subiaco Oval.

Home of Football you say? Well it is referring to Australian rules football and being more specific the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) but for those fans who are ardently against the more popular and worldly versions of football would be rather annoyed to have others call it "home" also from time to time.

Australia participates in the Rugby Championship, which for the second year has been conducted in its expanded format. Four nations now participate in this competition these being South Africa, 2011 world Cup winners New Zealand and the newest member being Argentina.

The weather for this match was hardly an ideal welcome to our South American visitors but they showed the fans and the Australians that they are no push over. Was a tight match with Australia not capitalising on Argentina mistakes and poor unforced errors but was enough to win the match 14 to 13.

Now to what this is all about; the food, the venue and thirdly the area.

Pattersons Stadium tends to have a not so endearing reputation about it which you think is rather unfair. However these have been perfectly justifiable and would have to be one of the most poorest venues to watch ANY sporting event in Australia.

Food at Pattersons is extremely expensive, i mean for Perth prices it is a joke. Burgers are pushing beyond 12 dollars and before you read this and think; "Hey PFF! State league grounds charge on average 10 dollars for a burger?" My response would be one with agreement but in saying the food produced at state league grounds are fresh, good quality and you get what you pay for quantity wise. Food here is bland, nasty, lifeless and minimal. To add to this farce you have hot dogs at 6 and pies are 7 dollars which are just Mrs Mac's pies. Nothing essentially wrong with the brand but for such a price it is highway robbery. Gourmet sandwiches and salads are not spared either with these ranging from 6 dollars to 10 with virtually nothing to pack a punch with you would be feeling hungry after your purchase.

Drinks are also party to this with coke and other soft drink (diet coke and fanta, not much choice) being 5 dollars for 600mL and bottled water is also the same price. Perhaps an interesting aspect of Perth sporting venues, especially Aussie rules venues is the prevalence of flavoured milks. Most notably Masters is on offer, which for so-called "proud" western Australians; it is rather amusing that things like this slip by. These drinks were also not cheap at 4 dollars at 600mL.

Beers are probably the biggest rort of this venue. They are mid-strength and they are priced at 9-12 dollars a drink with ready to drink spirits also costing you in the low teens.

With that in mind i STRONGLY suggest that any visitor to Pattersons for rugby, WAFL or football please make purchases to a bare minimum and if you dont well you wont get much for 50 dollars if you go in with an empty stomach. Either do three things:

1) Eat at home before you go to the ground. Or Afterwards.

2) Eat at a restaurant or casual dining venue outside the ground. (Celtic club do good pies or Nandos or other places around the ground)

3) Smuggle food/drink into the ground. There is a Woolworths at the Subiaco train station so load up and work out how you will conceal your items.

The sooner this place is demolished the better.

Wednesday Night Football - Perth Glory Friendly

Wasn't sure if I was able to make this one but turns out I was able to watch the entire match and head out to work so win-win all round. Stirling Lions played host to Perth Glory for a pre-season friendly for Perth's preparations for their upcoming A-League season.

Not really much to say about this outing, why? Because firstly at Macedonia Park they always make you feel welcome and secondly they have great food too. Shame about no olives or feta at the bar, must have gone in a blink of an eye; one of many signatures of what is so good about this ground. Despite my disappointment i ordered a Stirling Burger which is a burger with the lot.

The Burger was a brilliant way to warm me up on a rather cold windy night. Burger had onions, bacon, tomato, egg, lettuce, beef patty with fresh bread and delicious sauce. all for 9 dollars was a good sized burger and worth the price tag. Throw in a coke and for 12 dollars cannot complain. Would go well with a nice cold beer which I considered but with work in an hour after the game I decided not to!

Stirling played well and good support for them and to see Perth play too. Perth not able to brush Stirling aside with a big score unlike against Cockburn City yet winning 4-0.

The Voyage North - From Forgettable to Fabulous

Decided to check out a few Sunday league games near where I was and thought why not venture to Craigie to see Whitfords take on southern Spirit at Warrandyte. Have to say was there for the last 20 minutes of the first half and although it was end to end stuff from both sides it wasn't enticing enough to make me stay and watch the second half. Didn't see a decent canteen set up and thought it was BYO picnic style like North Perth so decided to head over to Charonia to watch Joondalup United play Perth Royals.

Well Joondalup were 3 goals down to Perth in the first half I believe but ended up watching another 8 goals in the second half. Perth running out 8 goals to 3 winners with Joondalup having their keeper sent off with a clumsy tackle and stopping a certain goal scoring opportunity. (NOT the last man for goodness sake!) The substitute keeper didn't have a spare keeping shirt so they had to change as they changed over! That is the thing that I laugh and love about Sunday football, the little things like that.

Despite the rather dark grey clouds looming over the Mullaloo skies I ventured over to the canteen and thought I should sample the delights. Although the sausage rolls didn't look home made but rather gourmet from a small bakery they were delicious and with a can of coke only $5.50. The roll was a good size, perhaps length of your hand from middle finger to base of wrist. Pastry was seemed fresh and crumbled as you sank your teeth. I generally don't have sauce with my rolls but thought I'd try some. went down a treat while watching the entertainment. Also there was a selection of alcoholic beverages there to choose from and no more than 5 dollars from what I saw on the board.

The action was heating up as Joondalup pegged 2 goals back I thought I should go back to sample a pie. Similar situation I assume from the same bakery and there was a choice of 4 styles. I went for the chicken curry pie and for 5.50 with a can of coke was a perfect way to spend a winter's day and in my way the Punctual Football Fan says thanks Joondalup despite the loss my contributions over the canteen bench top was my method of showing my gratitude.

Down Memory Lane - A Journey to Spearwood

Decided to visit Dalmatinac Park for the first time in many, many years to watch Cockburn City play Bunbury Forum Force and I must say it was a very entertaining match from start to finish. Great goals, great passages of play and moments of frustration via hitting the post on many occasions as Bunbury ran out 3-2 winners. There was a good turnout at Dalmatinac Park which was good to see although I think it was mainly the Bunbury away support that was there but none the less a vocal and supportive crowd watching a great contest.
Facilities at Spearwood are a hidden gem of sorts. Why do I say it that way? Well not many people head out this way compared to Dorrien, Macedonia, Litis or Frank Drago for example but what Dalmatinac has to offer is something the people around Spearwood should get down to if they want to pass some time in the fine winters afternoon.

Confusion reigned supreme at the ground however when the canteen ran out of buns; no burgers or hot-dogs were able to be sold because of this. However much to the credit of the club I heard the club president dashed off to the supermarket around the corner to source new buns and the production of burgers and hot-dogs resumed at the end of the first half.

Chips and a soft drink at the ground was 5 dollars and fifty cents, not bad actually considering they were under pressure to get chips out more due to the bun shortage so the chips were on the under-cooked side of things. However like the much celebrated bacon, layers of salt generally fixes everything. But for that price Id be happy to get another serving.

Burger was a mixed bag I am afraid. The meat clearly was frozen and then when in the burger was lifeless with the flavours of the salt, egg, pepper, lettuce, bacon, bread and sauce shutting out the taste of the patty. although for 8.50 for a burger that was despite the patty fresh and those components tasty with a soft drink was decent. The size of the burger was great too I must mention that to the viewers at home despite the slight shortfall it was worthy of my dollars.

Beers are a limited commodity at the ground with only Swan Draught and Hahn Premium Light. No problem for me as I rather enjoy Swan but if you dont then you may struggle. Middies were 3.50 and not small glasses too! and pints were 7 dollars so very good prices, the limited choice gets over-ridden with the price and glass sizes.

all in all great afternoon out and I suggest people in the Spearwood, Hamilton Hill area and surrounds to get down there to Dalmatinac Park and support your local team Cockburn City, if you're lucky you may bump into two former Socceroos and a former Perth Glory great.

Catch-up Football and the Whistle-stop Tour

Today was a round of catch up for the premier league but firstly decided to head down to East Victoria Park to have a look at some Sunday premier division with Shamrock Rovers hosting Swan United. Within 2 minutes the home side opened the scoring with a Moses parting the red sea style free header and then after 20 minutes 2 very quick goals. Thought enough was enough as it was rather one sided and headed for Macedonia Park. Although before talking about that match id have to say their bar they have although quaint and few in attendance the prices and quality was actually very good. The Hot-dog although two small sausages placed in the bun was actually not burnt or too oily and the sauce and mustard complimented the fresh hot-dog bun. Chocolates and soft drink was affordable being 2.50 dollars each so that was very good compared to other places. (or none at all like Morley)

Now up at Macedonia Park to watch Stirling play Balcatta and a very entertaining match. Half time score had Stirling with a strong 4 goals to 1 lead and the game did fizzle out later in the second half Balcatta pegged one goal back but the score finally finished at 4-2. Food is always solid at Macedonia Park with the burgers a firm favourite. Burger wasn't too greasy, oily or dry. Went down with a beer or soft drink and with beers around the 7 dollar mark and soft drink again at 2.50 you would have to say a better 2 hours spent than at an over priced fancy pub or bored at home.

Battle of the Cup (its a trophy) Coolridge Cup That Is...

Well made my way down to Litis Stadium to watch Bayswater play Ashfield in the Football West Cup final. I say in the heading it is a trophy as well the design of the trophy is horrible and has holes in it so it isn't a cup! What ever happened to traditional FA Cup style trophies with poise and class? Guess we have to give art school graduates work to do?

Well I am trying to write a sizable entry for this but the match was incredibly uninspiring and dour would be putting it lightly. However once again good company and food and drink saved the day at the Mount Hawthorn ground.
The game finished 1-0 to Bayswater with the winner scored in the 83rd minute and again fizzling out to a nothing match afterwards.

Food at Floreat's ground never fails to deliver with the kebab (as it was written on the board) for 8.50 was chicken, onion and tomato. Because the canteen and bar were SO understaffed for this cup final the kebab was rushed and i basically had an onion kebab but  was still nice to consume and was much more livelier than what was going on out on the field.

Cool drinks and beers were very well priced with Coke at 2.50 and four Tooheys extra dry bottles for 20 dollars was a bit over priced to be honest. But when you are waiting up to 20 minutes queuing up for drinks you don't want to argue too much.

Chips and other snacks were available and were great to break up the onion taste afterwards.

A Grey Day - The Battle of Northern Suburbia

Well decided to head out to Percy Doyle Reserve on a cold windy Perth winter's afternoon to watch ECU Joondalup travel to play Sorrento FC. To be honest I wasn't expecting anything out of this match as I haven't watched ECU Joondalup play in perhaps 5 or so years due to the fact that (no offense lads) they bring a rather dour and lifeless style of football in the premier league.

You can tell Sorrento are wanting to get prepared for the National Premier League for next season with considerable work to the club-rooms. Although you wonder is it all worth it when you could simply purchase the old Perth Oval eastern temporary scaffolding seating and make them permanent with a roof rather than place some seats under a shed and you cant see any of the game. The Joondalup Council need to allow sides within their municipality to allow these grounds to start to become serious grounds.

despite the patch work of seating the food is of similar nature too. Plenty on offer but wildly ranging in price. The burgers are 7 dollars with extras for things like egg etc. They did have a special with an additional 2 dollars and fifty cents to have pineapple. Pineapple isn't a favourite of mine however I believed the extra went to charity i think; more like to pay of the extra services at the game like the ice-cream van and mix 94.5 trying to continuously talk Aussie rules during a blessed football match. 94.5 here is a helpful tip, firstly the area of Sorrento is West Coast country and secondly they are not interested in anything AFL while their team is playing in a local derby.

The hot-dogs were very well priced at 3 dollars even with onion. I think that should be the standard price for hot-dogs in the league. Sausage was a tad dry but with tomato and mustard sauce made up for that slight shortfall. Bread was excellent and fresh.

Beers are reasonably priced it seemed as i bought a few Carlton Dry bottles for 6 dollars fifty. clearly ciders and spirits and RTD spirits (cans) would be close to a tenner. Soft drink was at the 2.50 mark which i think is a tad steep, 1.50 ~ 2 for cans should be the mark for cans I feel.

Sorrento never fails to deliver with the assortment of hot chips on offer. There were regular chips, chips with gravy, chips with curry sauce and a chip butty. You couldn't go wrong with any of those really so I did try chips with gravy as well, it has been a while since I had Indian ha-ha. The chips were not soggy and the curry sauce was very tasty.

The game was as colourful as the winter's sky. Gentle, placid and lifeless. Although did spark to life for a moment with a brilliant shot on goal for Sorrento to hit the lead with 10 minutes to go with ECU Joondalup scoring from a deflection just on the edge of the box to level the scores 1 minute before full time. Game ending 1-1 with Sorrento once again delivering some decent food and drink to the casual and dedicated football supporter alike.