Match report

Match report

Woodside’s encounter with Hahndorf on Saturday morning fulfilled expectations.

The game was played at the Woodside Recreation Ground at 9:00am with the away team travelling the short distance to Woodside. The conditions were cold and blustery, although surprisingly dry. After a sunny week the pitch was in top condition for a mid-winter’s game.

The Woodside team knew the game will be difficult with the Hahndorf Under 16 team having a number of players with more than two years experience in the division. One in particular began in the Under 16 division way back in 2017. Meanwhile, at that time, the majority of the Woodside boys were in the U12 division. The odds were certainly in Hahndorf’s favour.

The first half of forty minutes was surprisingly shy of even. Hahndorf opened their goal tally in the third minute with ex-Stirling United player Kyle Fenlon scoring off of a header. Two minutes later Woodside was able to equalise with a particularly pleasant cross to JETT TONKIN who easily hit the back of the net. By half time Hahndorf managed to score a second, taking them into the break 2-1 up.

At half time Woodside was ecstatic with the first half’s performance, expecting to be much further behind the eight-ball than a single goal. If anything they had enjoyed it but knew they’d enter the second half ready for Hahndorf to open up.

As expected Hahndorf delivered an extra five goals over the second half, ending the score 7-1 in their favour. With a bit more in their tanks Hahndorf were able to sustain the 80-minute game for longer than Woodside. Eighty minutes is a long time for anyone, let alone for a group of players off the back-end of an U14 division.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys after that match”, said Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN. “Everyone put in maximum effort, as expected, and all were on their best behaviour up against solid and experienced opponents”.

Best and fairest went to Woodside’s BENJI BAILES who’s speed and ball control have always been notable. The energetic JOSH VASSOS followed closely behind, with JETT TONKIN picking up third.