Match report

Match report

Round 3 saw Mt Barker's U12 Red team travel to Ashton Oval to take on the Rangers.
From the opening whistle, the pendulum of momentum was undecided as to which way it would swing; it was a tight wrestle for ascendency, with both teams stringing together some good passes and fighting for possession. The Rangers struggled to test the Barker 'keeper Tyler Raven, but when they did he put in some fine saves to keep a clean sheet.  Raven was well supported by the formidable backline of Alec Belsey, Rylan Henke and Danny Paterson, who guarded their goalie with vigor and valiance. The Reds' midfield of Eric Liemareff and Max Barrljung-Hummel, supported by wingers Lincoln Denley and Harry Betts, worked well as a unit to create chances for Beau Curran up front. Both teams fought fiercely in tough windy conditions, but at half time the score was 2-0 in favour of the Reds - both goals courtesy of Curran.
In the second half, the momentum pendulun swung in favour of Mt Barker, as the reds upped the intensity. Arlo Turner provided a well-rounded performance in the midfield, helping the defence when required and kicking a goal as well. Harrison Burt was added into the defensive unit, supplying some extra pace and power to the backline. Captain Jeremy Sprau slotted into the left midfield, making some terrific runs up the line and assisting Paterson for his sole goal for the game. The Crusaders' joy didnt finish there though, as Betts sent a superb shot over the keeper for his first goal at Mt Barker. Henke moved into attack in search of an elusive maiden goal, but it was Curran who ended up doing the damage; 3 goals in the second half left him with a second 5-goal haul in a row!
To top off a fantastic match for the Reds, Lincoln Denley conjured up some magic and curled a blinder into the top corner, surprising even himself.
Credit to the Rangers for showing great sportsmanship and determination throughout the match. Another fantastic performance from an exciting young Mt Barker squad, who hold top spot on the ladder going into Round 4.
Next week, Rangers will host Mt Barker Blue, while Mt Barker Red will lock horns with Woodside.