Let's raise a glass to an unsuccessful season

I wish I could say the glory of international football was what led Rotorua United to the Cook Islands, but I'd be lying.

After finishing the local competition mid-table, and that's being generous, our men's team set sights on the beaches of Rarotonga - to relax and take some pride back by beating local island sides.

We arrived without too many complications on a hot Friday morning, boots in one hand and duty free in the other.

It's hard to know what the Cook Island Football Association thought of us as we rocked into their academy, where we stayed for the four-day trip, but it didn't take long for us to prove we had something to offer.

That afternoon we stripped up and stepped on to the best pitch on the island to play our first of two games.

The grandstand was empty but a crowded backdrop of mountains and coconut trees set the scene.

In the 25-plus degree heat we seemed to thrive, opening up the Cook Island Under-17 defence on numerous occasions, winning the game 6-1.

Surprisingly senior player Josh O'Sullivan made little impact during the friendly game, hiding in the shade of left midfield for most of the first half.

Ring-in, and player of the tour, Albert Geuze scored four goals during that outing, making a statement to our next opponents - top ranked club team on the island Tupapa Maraerenga.

As days and activities ticked by the game approached.

A cheeky change of venue had us playing on a field resembling a minefield, but the boys still entered the game with optimism.

We struck first through the boot of Steve Rogers, who was buoyed by the support of his weekend romance watching on from the crowd.

The good start was extended to a "safe" 3-1 lead early in the second half. It's hard to say what happened after that, some would call it the curse of 2012.

The game ended in a demoralising 4-3 loss, with Tupapa Maraerenga slotting three goals in the last 15 minutes.

Another reverse win for United but a great trip none the less.

I'm not sure if anyone has toasted an unsuccessful season to someone before but this season goes to our retiring coach of five-years Neil Rush and our captain Niki Te Miha, a Cook Island international.