Match report

Match report

Today saw the Hahndorf Under 9 white meet their match. The Mount Barker team came out strong in what were very wet conditions. Mount Barker made the first 2 attempts at goal, well defended by the Hahndorf keeper.

A quick break by MB saw them in shooting range again, which didn’t convert this time.

Some impressive play in the middle, a big pass from Josh Petitt resulted in the ball being heavily contested in the middle of the pitch. Mount Barker were very strong and took control of the ball taking it to goals, but a stellar effort from Connor Ozolins to defend the goals, kept the Mount Barker team scoreless at this stage.

The teams were both applying good pressure with strong passes and then intercepts meaning the play was changing between teams quickly. When Hahndorf next broke free, this was a 3 way combination of Simran Singh, Petitt and Thomas Gould that had Hahndorf take another shot on goals, but the Mount Barker goalie was too strong.

Play continued on, with Mount Barker then able to make a break and take a shot, which Jamie Timmins stopped in its tracks.

Hahndorf were able to keep the ball moving, a clearing kick saw Singh take a shot and score. The first goal for Hahndorf.

With the closing of the first half drawing closer, as were the dark rain clouds, Mount Barker capitalised with a quick goal. At the same time as the hail started…. play continued for a couple of minutes, with heavy hail continuing.

Half time was a quick break to try to warm up the frozen fingers, a quick pep talk from the coach and everyone was back out on the pitch.

The second half started with Hahndorf coming out very strong. 3 very quick shots at goal, but none making it over the line, then another attempt by Petitt, with no luck, until Gould got another chance and this one made it through.

Mount Barker were quick to take another opportunity to score. The hail coming in again, saw Hahndorf all working so well as a team to pass, Cohen Whinfield some big kicks, Timmins some quick footwork, Benjamin Kowald cutting the ball off, stopping Mount Barker from breaking away. Ozolins was very strong in defence, controlling the ball and sending it down to Hahndorf forwards many times. Tyson Bancroft with some fantastic play, controlling the ball and passing right in front of goals, helping to set up a number of shots on goal.

Both teams making efforts to score, but both teams able to defend.

The second half was very nearly over when Mount Barker made their last shot on goal and managed to cross the line.

The kids were all brave in very tough conditions, all working together, with some impressive passing.

Well done to Mount Barker for really bringing a challenge today.