Nathaniel can do anything - including this article on the Swannies' win at last weekend's 2011 Indochina Cup.

Nat Payne played in the first two matches of last weekend’s Indochina Cup. In the third, the Grand Final against Thailand, injury prevented Nat from taking the field so he coached from the boundary line. Below he shares some amazing insights, reflections and descriptions.

The moment that Danny ‘Those Yellow Bags Are Crap’ Armstrong threw me the game notes and the coach’s hat for the Grand Final, I knew it would be tough.  For one, I knew that the Tigers had been the most consistent team for the tournament and we were in for a torrid time.  Secondly, I knew I was unprepared with bits of paper.  Professionalism had made its way to Laos earlier in the day when Murph, Coach for the Cambodian Eagles, rolled up with his whiteboard.  Luckily for me, the boys had already done the hard work on the training track and the bits of paper were not required.

The Swans had performed well to this stage of the tournament, but had not set the Vientiane tobacco factory field ablaze.  Sparks of brilliance here and there, but most of the heat up until this moment had been provided by the sun and Phil Jordan’s post match ciggies.  Still, the fire in the belly was there and the Swans needed little to no reminder of what the significance of back to back Indochina Cups meant to everyone.  Just in case we had forgotten, Dez and Dukes reminded us.

The Swans got away to their usual Black Caviar like start.  Slow out of the gates, off the rails and staying out of trouble.  The speed was on early, but we weren’t going to be sucked into going hard.  This was no staying event, but we definitely needed to save some gas for the final furlong.  The Swans were winning their fair share of ball early, but conversion was proving to be our handicap. I am pretty sure we managed a goal and probably led at quarter time… ahh we took up the running by a half head, one out one back and about to release the deafeners.

In the second quarter the Tigers were managing to find space in places that previously did not exist.  They had finally got their running game going.  The Swans’ backline was being tested from all angles, but was standing strong against every attack.  Dez was doing everything in his powers (mostly legal and within the rules) to stop the Tigers’ power forward.  C Dan (formerly Crazy Dan) was plugging holes where he needed to and was providing much needed support as a defensive ruckman and stopper.  The two Phils and Dan Kindness were mopping up and sending it long out of the defensive 50.

By the half, the Swannies had a whiff of victory in their nostrils, but knew that the bench and the run in the legs would hold the key after half time.

Kev hits the deck and will be a hit with the mums from District 2's BP compound, says Nat.

They were right.  The centre square dominance of Ryan Evans was proving too much for the weary Tigers.  Dukes, Dave ‘The Swan’s Website Is My Homepage’ O’Shea and Damo Ballantine were getting first hands on the pill and were giving the forwards every opportunity.  Sammy Stevens, in his first tournament back was growing in confidence on the wing and was the ideal conduit to move through.  Veteran Kev Hornblower was dominating his flank and winding back the clock to the days when he dominated western suburbs football.  Kev had sacrificed his body on many occasions that day and weren’t the mums at the BP compound going to hear about it!

Not much was said at 3 quarter time, but not a lot was needed.  The equation was simple.  Finish it off Swannies’ style and bring home the horrendous trophy with the blue bow.

However this was to be no ordinary victory for the Swans.  There was one final chapter to be written in this story and it was to be penned by National Prez, Phil ‘The Silver Fox’ Johns.

A wrecking ball had gone through the forward line and the Club was looking for some inspiration to lay the Tigers to rest.  Enter Johns.  Fresh as a daisy, Fabbo was sent to full forward to create something out of nothing.

With a sealer needed a ball was kicked long to a pack of players hard up against the point post.  The ball spilled from the pack and the wily fox made short work of it; snapping it over his head for the major.  The stunning goal almost matched the crowd pleasing celebration from Fabbo.  The bench erupted as one and the Cup was won.

Cambodian Coach, Murph, who saved the day with the whiteboard, with Timmay.

With the 2011 Indochina Cup safely in the cabinet, there was only one thing to do.  Give the song another go.  In the name of Cambodian/Swans diplomacy, Murph gave us his whiteboard for the words and we managed to stammer our way through.

Another Swans’ success.  The eight or so new members were given a warm introduction to touring with the Vietnam Swans and our departing members were provided with another lasting memory.  You can leave the country, but you can’t leave the Club!

Swans’ Annual Awards and Presentations, Saigon – tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Saturday 3 December 2011, the Swannies will host the Annual Awards and presentations in Saigon. The event will be held at the Boomarang Bistro, District 7, from 2pm.

In Hanoi, the Club will hold its annual awards event on Saturday 10 December at JASPAS. More details to follow.