Match report

Season Date Round Venue
2019 U14 Div 1 1st June 10:30am League Round 7 WWSC Main Pitch 1
Goals
J. Tonkin (24'), J. Tonkin (27'), J. Wall (52'), J. Tonkin (56')

Best
J. Wall (1st), J. Tonkin (2nd), C. McLean (3rd)
Goals
N/A

Best
N/A
Match report

Saturday's late morning U14 Div 1 clash between Woodside and Rangers was bound to be interesting. Woodside keen to add some much needed points to their slot on the ladder after losing to Strathalbyn White after grading. Rangers keen to prove that placing them in Division 1 was the right choice after losing to Mount Barker Red after grading. Unfortunately one was likely to win with a draw yet to appear in the 2019 season.

With an equal supply of parents, supporters, friendly coaches and energetic players, the only sway between the two teams was towards Woodside in that it was held on their grounds, otherwise it had all the makings of a classic battle. The referee blew her whistle right on 10:30am and declared the match underway.

The home team started with some unusually strong forward plays, often kicking it forward and just hoping for the best. Captain JETT TONKIN took the opportunity to score for his team with the first goal of the game. The unofficial formula paid off again when Jett slipped another past the keeper after a neat cross from right forward, AILBHE BIFFEN.

Despite the two goal difference the Rangers weren't likely to let the home team steal the thunder from what was a good 30 minutes of solid defending from their team. Notably a handful of girls in their team delivered an outstanding performance across the park. Having done most of the work across the midfield they fed it to one of the boys who managed to slip it past the Woodside keeper, opening up their scoreline, 1-2, before the second half.

The second half was much the same with Woodside's JAYDEN STEWARD preventing Rangers from an equaliser on the 40th minute. JAMES WALL, with a sensational centre-pitch run at top speed, managed to sink the goal of the match, at least in the eyes of Woodside's supporters. Jett added a fourth onto Woodside's scoreline before the referee declared time.

Despite strong performances from most of Woodside's players (CAMERON MCLEAN being a stand out), there were some obvious flaws that need addressing. "A win is a win", said Woodside's Coach post-game. "They've got a long way to go to deserve a 2nd or 3rd placing on the ladder though. Credit should really go to the Rangers team who ran that game out to the 70th minute."

With a weekend off before the next round both teams have extended time to discuss and address any issues. Woodside will see Hahndorf on Pine Avenue at 1pm on the 15th of July, whilst Rangers will take on Strathalbyn White at 10:30 at their Polo Grounds.

The Woodside Warriors Red U14 Div 1 team
Photographer: Amy Cotton

Cameron McLean on the run
Photographer: Amy Cotton

Christian Francis in control
Photographer: Amy Cotton

Tommas Balacco about to clear it
Photographer: Amy Cotton

Chris Collins practicing his dance moves
Photographer: Amy Cotton

Cameron McLean stretching to reach the ball
Photographer: Amy Cotton