Match report

Match report

The association’s limited pool of six U17 teams makes for some interesting match-ups on occasion. When the head or tail two of the ladder play each other the results can be exciting, but when a higher placed team plays a lower placed team it can be everything but. This is the case across most age groups and even across most sports.

Divisions would solve the discrepancy, but even if the likes of Stirling Districts or Mount Barker United managed to field an U17 team each there still wouldn’t be enough for two divisions. There would need to be 12 teams for that to happen and we’re a long way from that level.

On Saturday the Woodside Warriors U17 took to their pitch welcoming Ashton Rangers for their third of four encounters this season. This was the first game on Woodside soil. The previous two games saw results of 3-1 and 6-0 in favour of the Warriors. Naturally all money was on the home team to win, but expectations were on Woodside to do it nicely and to maintain respect of both opponents and supporters.

The game kicked off under the eye of referee, Sam Gray. The AHRB took the opportunity to treat the game as a safe ground for a couple of assistant referees (lines people) to gain some experience. Meanwhile the team’s in-house linesmen relished at the chance to watch the game instead. In addition to that, spectators were treated to a ceremonial start.

Rangers provided competition from kick-off whilst Woodside were traditionally late to the party, something that they’re unlikely to fix before the end of the season. HAYDEN DAVIS and ISAIAH HAMMAT started on and up front, whilst TOBY VINCENT kept the bench warm.

Once the team had warmed up JETT TONKIN opened Woodside’s scoreline on the 19th minute. A second goal from JAMES RENSHAW two minutes later, managing to clear two defenders in the process, simply built on momentum.

The 23rd minute saw Woodside’s keeper, SAMUEL HERMAN, take a penalty after an unfortunate handball by Rangers. Herman has been relocated to the outfield whilst mending a busted thumb. This game marked his last before he returns to goals for the next game. Herman scored, marking Woodside’s third goal in four minutes of play.

Tonkin continued his run, scoring on the 31st minute. A shot on target into the gloves of Rangers’ keeper prevented Renshaw from adding a second goal to his tally. On the 41st minute CASEY GODFREY scored from a penalty, again after an unfortunate handball from Rangers. A couple more shots from Tonkin, both on and off target, saw out the first half.

By half time Woodside were five goals in the lead. The home team made few changes, keeping JOSH VASSOS, ASHER HAMMAT and Godfrey in defense. Meanwhile keeper ANGUS WILKINS traded places with IZEYAH RAYMOND for the second half, hopefully the last time either need to keep this season.

The second half saw a strong and expected performance by LACHLAN MOWBRAY who pocketed himself a hat trick. Tonkin completed his hat trick with  an awkward strike and deflection by Rangers’ keeper. Unfortunately the ball went back into the path of Tonkin who only needed to tap it into goals. Godfrey added his second goal, a bootless belly bounce into the goal.

Goal of the day had to be by Captain Wilkins, who was in full control of two consecutive plays and long strikes at goal. The first long range attempt reflected off the post and into the away team. Determined to see if he could score from distance Wilkins took possession of the ball and took a shot from within a meter or two of the center circle, clearing the Ranger’s keeper.

The second half ended with six goals in favour of the home team, and a final win of 6-0 overall.

“Despite the result it was a difficult game to play”, said Coach BRUCE TONKIN after the game. “This is the highest age group we can play in. Most of these kids are mere games away from playing Senior football. Should the six goal mercy rule be in place at this level? Should Woodside be expected to limit our attack? Is it considered disrespectful to them if we do? I know that Woodside wouldn’t be happy if any opposition held back and we’ve been on the wrong end of strong opposition teams for years.”

Quality performances by the two girls on the Rangers’ team should give them confidence to at least trial for the AHJFA 2022 U16G Rep Team, should they be of the right age of course. Their relentless energy and positivity on the pitch certainly helped keep their team focused on the end game – to simply enjoy playing.

Woodside’s best player went to CASEY GODFREY. Godfrey has been instrumental in a number of games throughout the season and played a key role in this one. ANGUS WILKINS had a notable performance too. As Captain he leads by example with both elegance and grace, easily deserving of the title. Rounding off the list is JETT TONKIN. His hat trick was a treat.

Rangers’ next game will be a challenge against third placed Murray Bridge at Beatty Terrace in a fortnight. Woodside, anticipating severely low numbers due to school holidays, is expected to postpone their encounter against Strathalbyn.