Match report

Match report

This weeks match report… 

Hahndorf U8W vs Woodside U8R 

The morning started off chilly and breezy but with glorious sunshine. After last weeks cancelled match players and parents alike were eagerly anticipating the game…. However this wavered slightly as we had 2 players pull out last minute due to illness and another on holidays left us scrambling to fill volunteer positions but Dearest Readers I digress……. Our loyal parents all stepped up amazingly! Joey from U7’s stepped in for us and Woodside graciously lent us a player so the game was on! 

It began with strong pressure and footwork from Woodside, Zeek Neelawala applied excellent skill thwarting the ball off several Woodside players and making a play for goals, only stopped by their intense defence set up.  Joey wasn’t just wearing golden boots for show, he immediately dazzled in defence, going up against much bigger players in the 1st half proving to be a solid defence asset to our team, along with Linus Doyle who used his great pointed toe to flick the ball out of Woodside players feet numerous times. Defence was also supported by Carter Karamanov who put in a tireless defence effort, supporting Angus Bretag in goals. Bretag as always put on an epic performance throwing limb, torso and everything he had at the ball, stopping many Woodside attempts with sheer brilliance. Unfortunately 1 just slipped past and another skimmed the top of one of our players heads in this half. 
Our centre midfield was heavily supported by Charlie Kilpatrick, who went up against the opposition, getting the ball and making many runs down the line, listening to his wise coach and several times sending the ball to Magnus Palmer who put in his best game yet! His determination and improvement in skills was notable the entire game, relentlessly going after the ball and attempting to get it to our end against intense teamwork by Woodside. 
Neelawala had a fantastic chance at goal only to hit the post, he continued his attempts showing his skill and resolution, at times getting through and around 4 players at a time! 
Karamanov showed determination gaining the ball from the Woodside attackers and pushing down the pitch towards goals, once he had passed it off or was stopped by Woodside he expertly returned to his position supporting Doyle who loyally held his pocket well through the half with our golden helper holding the other! 

Half time saw Brendan bring the boys together, summarising how well they were holding their positions, passing and calling to each other so well but while prepping them for what would be tough 2nd half. 

The 2nd half saw Karamanov and Doyle swap, with Doyle in defence in what could only be described as an all over the pitch defence system, he persistently stopped Woodsides goal attempts with skill and finesse. Supported keenly by Doyle who added to the defence set up, again standing firm in his defence pocket not letting the ball pass when he could get through the throng of what seemed like 100 Woodside players! Karamanov dived, jumped and threw himself into the new position stopping all but 1 goal. Using his much practiced ‘massive kick’ to drive the ball towards our end of the pitch, where Neelawala was ready to show off his skill as a young attacker, assisted by Joey who fearlessly went up against multiple Woodside players unfortunately not resulting in any goals. Kilpatrick again chased the ball down leaving all his energy on the field frequently passing to his team mates including Palmer, who perhaps gave us the highlight of the half undoubtedly a Goliath vs David moment (without any stones of course)….Standing up for the rules, fighting for justice by backing the umpires call of a Hahndorf throw in against 5 fervent Woodside players arguing the decision! He took the throw in like a champ, proving his skill and knowledge of the game and showing his opponents and his team what he’s made of. 
Although the game didn’t result in a victory, our team came off happy with themselves and had a great time. Brendan took the post game chat to encourage each player, celebrating their determination, skill and development as well as reminding them that we should be taking Friday nights to perhaps get a early night rather then late ones!