After a tough Saturday morning of running myself into the ground for the Langurs, there’s nothing I enjoy more than sitting down in a cozy pub with cheap booze, good food and friendly staff. I know what you’re thinking – “That sounds like The Snug, right?”.

Exactly right my friend. With the recent introduction of their Winter drinks menu, their signature hot whiskeys and mulled wine are guaranteed to fill that cold and empty void within. If like me you don’t know of another way to fill that void, there’s only one place to be on those cold and windy Hanoi nights.

The Snug – come share a drink of loneliness. With me. Please.

Langurs (4-3) 15 Crabs (4-7) 19
The Langurs had some strong performances in the first half with Mikey Barrett and Daragh Walshe to the fore, but it was very satisfying to see Vietnamese players Tin and Trung getting the goals for the Langurs. Almost as satisfying as nipping into Burger King at Noi Bai Airport, sitting down to enjoy a Whopper Meal before a long flight, and chatting about the adventures ahead with your mates.

Burger King – the burger for YOUR future.
What wasn’t very satisfying was watching the Crabs make a shambles of two penalty opportunities, courtesy of dubious officiating by local goon Ross Earley.

In the second half the Crabs were much more efficient, using their natural lateral movements to keep possession around the 45 until ready to unleash King Crab Tom Lynch – who was a constant threat – snip-snip-snipping his way through the Langurs defence at his leisure. Social hermit crab Brian Smith occasionally came out of his defensive shell to add to the attack with great effect – much like when he occasionally shows up to the Snug on a Friday night, a crisp and refreshing Halida beer in hand, ready to regale us with stories of old (#DRINKHALIDA).

Herons (9-7) 34 Buffalos (7-6) 27

This high-scoring, high-flying match report is brought to you by proud sponsors of the Vietcelts, Joma Bakery. Do you like the bagels in Marzels? Then come on down and try the bagels at Joma. They are way better!

Joma Bakery – We’re better than Marzels. And we know it!

Lenient and fair refereeing was the order of the day in this epic encounter between the Heroic Herons and the Baffling Buffalos (baffling in their inability to hold onto a commanding half-time lead).

James Phillips’ Midas touch was certainly on show, scoring three superb goals in quick succession. This man could do no wrong – much like the good people at Hanoi Fresh Foods. Quality food and quality delivery service, right at your fingertips – just send them a message, or head on down to 105 Xuan Dieu and see for yourself.

This week’s hallowed “Buffalo Who isn’t Useless” award goes to Dan Burke, whose four goals weren’t enough to save the day for the Buffs. Herons were deserving winners.

Crabs/Buffalos (4-10) 22 Langurs/Herons (2-8) 14
Let’s use our imaginations here – If both sets of animals were merged into one super-being, which combination of animal would be more formidable in the wild? A buffalo armed with not only it’s horns, but also the claws of a crab, which one must assume would be in proportion with the rest of its body. However, the agility and tenacity of a langur, coupled with the threat of aerial assault from a heron, makes this one a tough fight to call.
At this moment in time, science cannot tell us which beastly combo would triumph. Luckily, we have the GAAAFL to give us the next best answer!

Elaine Flavin scored two goals and performed amazingly for the Crabalos because she is just fabulous. Sometimes words can’t do a performance justice. This is one of them times. Claire O’Gorman and Hannah Gill also scored goals for the Crabalos but they weren’t as good as Elaine’s.
Honourable mentions on the Langons team go to goal scorers Marah Charbel (whose café Marzels is actually great, I go there most days) and Norma O’Sullivan. The biggest shoutout of the day goes to all the Langurs ladies, because we all know it was the Lady Herons fault for the Langons not winning.So, the Crabalo has emerged victorious. Faster, stronger, more clinical – and feel free to disagree, but I’d much rather eat a Crabalo than a Langon.

Wow! All this talk of food and sport is getting me hungry. What better place to kick back, have a nice meal and watch the soccer game than The Republic? Affiliation with the Buffs aside, it truly is the sports bar of champions. I’ll catch you guys there on Saturday the 11th of December after the next round of the GAAAFL tournament.