Falling Star by Robert Rayner

ball, but Edison, scrambling to his feet, raced between Steve and the twins, taking the ball with him. He stopped and turned. Julie and Linh-Mai were advancing on him. Toby was lumbering after everyone, holding a rock in each hand. He called, “The boys’ goal is between this rock …” He threw one down. “… And this one.” He placed the second rock about a metre from the first and stood between them, adding, “I’m the goalkeeper.”
    â€œThat’s not a goal,” said Linh-Mai. “It’s a … a … mousehole.”
    â€œSo where’s the girls’ goal?” Julie demanded.
    â€œThere.” Toby pointed at two young hawthorn trees growing nearby. They were about ten metres apart.
    As Toby pointed, Edison chipped the ball over Linh-Mai and Julie. Toby kicked it into the girls’ goal and performed a little dance, proclaiming, “Boys — one. Girls — nil.”
    Edison looked across the meadow to where the High Park players were lined up before Coach Spear. Their attention seemed to be more on the Brunswick Valley pickup game than on their coach.
    When the referee walked onto the pitch for the start of the second half, Mr. Field gathered his players quickly to him. “We have to find a way of springing a surprise on High Park if we’re going to score, because most of the time they’ve got you guys …” he nodded at Steve and Edison “… bottled up.”
    Edison nodded, and Steve said, “Tell us about it.”
    â€œTheir close marking is part of my plan,” said Mr. Field. “This is what we’re going to do.” The team leaned closer as he lowered his voice to describe the surprise move.
    When he finished, Shay said, “That’s crazy.”
    â€œThat’s why it’ll be a surprise,” said Mr. Field. “But remember — we can only pull this stunt once. We have to hope it unsettles High Park enough for Steve and Edison to do their stuff.”
    â€œI have an idea for a surprise too,” said Edison. The team collected around him as he described his plan. It was a move the Eagles used to do. He finished uncertainly, “Do you think it’ll work?”
    â€œIt’ll be fun finding out,” said Mr. Field. “Now — forget about winning or losing, and forget about expectations and reputations. Play with as much fun as you played in the meadow.”
    When the game resumed, High Park swept straight into the attack. Heather passed to Harry, sending him on a run at the Brunswick Valley defence. He left Brandon standing, brushed past Toby, and cantered toward Amy’s goal with only Linh-Mai left to beat. She planted herself in Harry’s path, her eyes fixed on the ball. He slammed into her. She staggered backward, but managed to keep her feet and gave chase. She caught up and was about to tackle when one of his pistoning elbows cracked her on the forehead. She reeled backwards and collapsed. The referee whistled and waved Mr. Field and Mr. Grease on to the field.
    â€œI’m okay ,” Linh-Mai protested, struggling to her feet. “Stop making a fuss.”
    As Mr. Field returned to the sideline, he whispered to Shay and Edison, “First chance you get — spring surprise number-one.”
    A few minutes later, when Edison took the ball past Heather, she launched into a sliding tackle from behind. As her foot stabbed the ball from his feet, he made sure he tripped over her leg and fell. The referee whistled.
    Heather protested, “I got the ball.”
    The referee said, “Free kick.” He pointed to a spot halfway between the midfield and the Brunswick Valley goal. Edison placed the ball and backed up, ready to take a long run for the kick.
    Coach Spear shouted, “Stay close to your assigned player.”
    Edison started his run at a slow trot. He gathered speed as he went down the field, and was in full flight by the time