A very wet, windy and wild day at Strathalbyn Polo ground Pitch 2 where Hahndorf whites met Strathalbyn Whites.
Strathalbyn started really strong and immediately but our defensive side under pressure. Captain Matthew Knight shone in goals for the whole game, and his killers saves and massives kicks were an asset. Charlie Harvey, Oliver Dahmke, Will Whiting and Zoe York were our defensive line. These players marked their opposition and were kept busy.
Harry Mumford, Griffin Turnball, and Julian Hack played midfield and Josh Verryt, Lucas Leske and Max Oliver played attack. Riley Bowden was left wing in the second half and bought much needed stamina to the team.
The second half of the game, Hahndorf found their feet. The team slowed down the strath players and they started to dominate. Our first goal was by Verryt and our second goal by Hack. We played a good game and the team should be proud of themselves.
Today's match was played in very wet and very cold conditions at Pine Avenue in Hahndorf.
A very well balanced and competitive match between these two teams.
A good team game from the whole Hahndorf side produced a well deserved victory today.
Ivy, Angus, Gracie, and Ryan ran hard and defended with courage all game.
Callum, Manning, and Damon were excellent in mid field, and provided a number of opportunities on goal.
Tom had another great game in goals, in very difficult conditions, and showed great courage with some outstanding saves.
Coach's best players and comments:
3 Orland - Once again played a beautiful all-round game with a goal up front, great forward positioning, superman throw ins down the line, and then a near perfect swap into defence.
2 Ryan - Played the off side trap well today, and then pushed up front to get a tricky goal. Worked very hard all match and covered a few mistakes in forward and defence.
1 Elwin - Set up some goals and ran hard after a couple of weeks away. Controlled the call and looked up to find players.
Well winter is here, and the game was played in the hills typical winter conditions. The pitch was wet and muddy, to the kids delight.
Mount Barker made an early press into loose defence and found an opportunity to take the early lead. the Rams midfield and defence adjusted Ben Kramer making sure the ball was directed to the wings. Max Toholke made an immediate impact driving up the wing and crossing to the centre area. Eric Fahner was able to convert the cross to level the scores. The Rams defence was working with close margins to the offside line and in initial offside call was overturned to give the lead to Mt Barker by the end of the first half.
At half time the Rain arrived with strong winds and players had to dig deep to keep moving and keep warm. An arm wrestle began in the midfield with the Rams pressing into the goal box a number of times. Adam Strauss worked tirelessly to keep the ball in the area to increase scoring opportunities. After a few corners, the Rams finally found the levelling goal. Tye Foster continually drove the ball up from midfield and with Cooper Ward the found chances but no finishing opportunities. the Mount Barker defence was sound and would not let the Rams break away.
With a final score of 2-2 it was a true reflection of the game, as both teams were evenly matched.
A cold,wet and windy winters morning caught Strathalbyn Strikers U14 Red team by surprise it would seem in their match against their closest rivals,Murray Bridge Gold this weekend.
At half time Strathalbyn were down 3 - 0 despite many shots at goal from their forwards.
The second half however saw Strathalbyn come back with renewed vigour and purpose and this time with the wind at their backs.
As the rain lashed down and the wind blew in with considerable force Strathalbyn scored not once but twice thanks to great combined efforts from their midfield play.
20 minutes into the game and a Strathalbyn strikers shot which was by all accounts going into their opponents net was carried by the gale over the cross bar by a hairs width.
25 minutes in and another Strathalbyn shot ricocheted off the cross bar.
With only 8 minutes left to play and an arctic wind becoming their greatest opposition Strathalbyn scored a third goal through fantastic team work putting the teams on an even keel.
2 minutes left to play and again Strathalbyn were unlucky not to have scored again as a spinning ball from a save by the Murray Bridge keeper fell awkwardly at the feet of a Strathalbyn striker who was unable to 'put it in the net'.
It is safe to say the second half was a very exciting game and played extremely well by Strathalbyn.
Full time score Strathalbyn 3 - Murray Bridge 3