Match report

Match report

Hahndorf fans turned up in droves to witness the magic on a glorious sunny morning last Saturday in Birdwood. 

Hahndorf started off strong with Brooklyn Karamanov, Harris Parkyn and Will Neelawala in attack. Parkyn gave the fans a show of his skills, blocking a Birdwood attacker close to their goals, taking possession of the ball and not long after, taking a shot at goal. 

Michael Griggs was instrumental in defence, tackling the opposition several times, preventing them from scoring, and booting the ball back up to our attackers. 

Hahndorf dominated the first quarter of the game, with Neelawala, Griggs and Felix Breitweg each taking shots at goal. 

Neelawala and Karamanov had wonderful chemistry and cohesion, passing the ball continuously into advantageous positions.

Eric Jager took another shot at goal for Hahndorf and the fans were on the edge of their seats with anticipation waiting for one of our shots to hit the back of that net! 

Kealan Atkinson put his body on the line with an effective block when the opposition had momentum towards their goal. Shortly after, Charlie Roeszler heroically saved two solid attempts at goal by Birdwood. 

Ollie Drake passed to Breitweg who had a shot at goal, and spectators commented that the ball had spent most its time so far down Hahndorf's attacking side. 

Birdwood then scored, twice in quick succession, with Roeszler managing to save another attempt by them in between. 

Hahndorf kept their chins up and found another burst of passion and focus to even the score in a matter of minutes. Edward Hung in defence turned it around for us and Atkinson, Harry Ramsey and Neelawala worked together to assist Karamanov to drive that ball home with his powerful kick! Karamanov scored not once but twice! 

The game was even at half time and the Hahndorf players were brimming with tension and excitement as they enjoyed their oranges.

At the outset of the second half, Hahndorf and Birdwood were very evenly matched. Hahndorf showed confidence and cohesion, delivering to Breitweg who took another shot at goal. When Birdwood had momentum, Ramsey and Drake each daringly intercepted their players to turn the play in our favour. 

Parkyn, Jager, Griggs and Roeszler banded together for strong defence work, and Hung took a powerful long shot at goal and went on to prevent a likely goal by the opposition. 

There was plenty of excitement up our attack end, with Neelawala putting his body on the line with a brilliant tackle. 

Shortly after, Birdwood scored but again, Hahndorf came back strong. Parkyn took two shots at goal, one rebounding off the post, and followed them up with a goal and a very Shakespearian celebration to even the playing field! 

Defence kept the pressure on to keep the game until the whistle blew. Roeszler in goals deserves a special mention for performing beautifully under pressure and honourably notifying the referee when the ball was out, granting the opposition a corner rather than a goal kick for us. 

All in all, a wonderfully entertaining game with strong play by both teams and great sportsmanship all around.