Match report

Match report

“Someone get on that ginger!”

The line came from the opposing supporter’s crowd at one of those moments when everyone just happened to be quiet long enough for it to ring out across the Adelaide Hills. It surely isn’t the first time Woodside striker and resident red-head LACHLAN MOWBRAY has heard this reference, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Whilst the line has connotations of negativity to it, at it’s core it is a complement to Mowbray and a clear direction to any Ranger players any where near him. “Get close to him and don’t give him any opportunity to score.” Despite the clear instructions there was little the home team could do.

On Saturday 22nd of May Woodside Warriors U17 traveled to Ashton Rangers for what would be, for most at least, the last time that they ever play at Ashton Oval. Most of Woodside’s team do not qualify for the U17 League next season. Out of 14 players there may be three who are of the right age in 2022. 

The weather was bright and sunny and bordering on the requirement for sunscreen. The pitch looked like it has seen bucket loads of love since their last encounter. They’d taken it into the hairdresser for short back and sides. They’d taken it to the beauty salon for some makeup; beautifully straight and vibrant lines. The balls were pumped and shiny. The parents and players were excited to play host.

The game kicked off at 11:30am under the eye of experienced Referee James McArthur.

From kick-off the away team was dominant. This was expected, however their control of the game was interspersed with moments of opportunity by the home team. These moments were amplified by the excitement of their supporters. Any time there was a chance there were numerous parents either just about to scream out with excitement, or they were actually screaming out with excitement. Either that or they were clutching at the hand railing trying to prevent a heart attack. Anything close was a celebration, and there were lots of it.

Mowbray, on the 13th minute, opened the account for Woodside. Three minutes later ASHER HAMMAT took a corner with JETT TONKIN on the receiving end. On the 26th minute CASEY GODFREY took the corner to the benefit of Mowbray who scored his second and Woodside’s third. On the 36th minute Captain GUS WILKINS pocketed the away team’s fourth. Four minutes later the first half was done and Woodside was 4 goals in the lead.

The second half continued in the same vein. TOBY VINCENT scored the first in the second half and was very unlucky not to have Woodside’s 6th goal assigned to his name. On the 71st minute IZEYAH RAYMOND scored his first goal for the season. Hammat pocketed the last of eight goals for Woodside.

Woodside was, and had always been challenged by Ranger’s relentless energy, something the home team have managed to do with most teams in the league, occasionally resulting in victory for the 4th placed side. The U17 League is dominated by two clubs, Woodside being one of them. A loss to Rangers would be surprising for Woodside, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve more, something that they pushed for through to the 80th minute of the game.

Crosses and shots on target were plenty for Woodside. Fancy-feet mid-fielder BENJAMIN BAILES managed multiple shots on and/or off target. Meanwhile CASEY GODFREY had a supreme performance, finishing the game up front for the last 15 minutes. He was unlucky not to convert.

Meanwhile JETT TONKIN clocked up a first. His first yellow. Ever. Tonkin managed to collect a player who changed direction suddenly and subsequently came off second best to Tonkin’s momentum. Deserving, for sure. A reminder from Coach to son regarding a subsequent yellow fell on always tone-deaf ears.

Despite the yellow, and previous moment where Rangers keeper had an on target ball go through his hand to it’s desired destination, the relationship between the two teams managed to withstand damage. Ranger’s team manager and a parent complimented Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN on the sportsmanship of his team. The game might not have been close in terms of the scoreline, but both teams were there for the same reason; to play football.

“It was great to get some feedback on our game off the pitch so to say” said Coach Tonkin post-game. “To hear that the boys are being respected for not just their skills but their sportsmanship speaks volumes. There might be only one winner this season, and it’s unlikely to be measured by the highest score on the ladder.”

Kudos to best and fairest player Casey Godfrey, who seems to always be the bride in the 3-2-1 Coach’s votes. Meanwhile “Ginger” Mowbray, who scored his second straight hat trick, and Hammat take home second and third respectively. Ranger's Joseph and Alex deserve recognition for their efforts out there.

Woodside will travel to Strathalbyn Polo Grounds for their Round 8 clash against the Strikers, whilst Rangers will travel to Beatty Terrace to take on Murray Bridge. Good luck to both!