Match report

Match report

A cloudy, brisk and fresh morning greeted players and spectators at the new Summit Sports and Recreation Park. This was the first time both teams had played at this magnificent facility and what a treat it was shaping up to be. The full sized pitch was surely going to create a lot of room for both teams to display their skills and test their fitness. 

Mount Barker were coming off a 3 game winning streak and Nairne were keen to get their season underway and take the points. 

The game started with both teams passing the ball around well. Each team was adjusting to the new surface and possession often changed hands. Mount Barker started to settle and press the ball forward. Mount Barkers striker, Archer Hawkins took numerous shots on target but each was successfully dealt with by the Nairne keeper. Eventually something had to give and after a period of relentless pressure, Mount Barker found the back of the net at the 13th minute with a well-timed shot by Mount Barker striker, Archer Hawkins. 

This goal was quickly followed by another 2 mins later by Archer Hawkins and Mount Barker were 2 to the good at the 15th minute. The game threatened to get away from Nairne. 

The game now settled into a see-sawing affair with Nairne finding their rythm. The game swung end to end with both teams penetrating the oppositions defences. The players were beginning to find their space on the large pitch. Nairne begun to string a succession of passes and hold their shape. At the 29th min they opened their account with a well-earned goal by #8 Mitchell Stribley. Nairne lifted and only 2 mins later were rewarded with a penalty.  #31 Ned Morgan confidently strode up to the spot and claimed a solid goal at the 31min mark. This leveled the score at 2 all and Nairne had their backs up! 

This seemed to sting Mount Barker back into action. They began to hold their mid-field shape and after a lovely combination of passes, Remarni Puiatti slotted a killer pass onto a flying Rupert Curran who deftly slotted pass the keeper to take the score to 3-2 on the stroke of half-time.

Half Time Mount Barker 3 - Nairne 2

At the second half kick-off Mount Barker quickly pressed and took possession deep into the Nairne half. It wasn't long before Mount Barker's Centre Midfielder, #22 Beau Riddle began to find space and he was rewarded with an early goal. From the ensuing kickoff Mount Barker took possession and pressed hard. Another goal by Beau Riddle and Mount Barker were surging at 5-2. 

Nairne were valiant and competed hard, they certainly were not going down without a fight. The large pitch was starting to expose some players fitness levels and opportunities were being explored by both teams. However it was Mount Barker who began to dominate field position and hold their structure. After a good lead up period a lovely ball was slotted through the Nairne defence and Archer Hawkins pounced, bagging a hat-trick at the 49th min. 6-2 

With players beginning to tire, Mount Barker brought on fresh legs. This had an immediate effect with Mount Barkers Lawson Handley playing on the left wing beginning to find space out wide. A clean shot by Lawson found the net and the game was slipping from Nairnes grasp. 7-2 

With players tiring the game began to open up. Mount Barkers defensive line pushed forward to increase their numbers. A clearing kick from Nairne rolled toward Mount Barkers cente back, Liam Hawkins, who took an opportunistic long range shot. The ball sailed long, high and true and the back peddling Nairne keeper could do little but watch it sail into the net. 

At fulltime Mount Baker took the game 8 - 2. Nairne were valiant in defeat and played with heart and determination. Nairne certainly made Mount Barker earn their points.

Next week Mount Barker take on Strathalbyn at the Strath Polo Grounds and Nairne will line up against Torrens Valley at Birdwood.