Match report

Match report

Hahndorf U8W vs Strathalbyn U8

8am

Somewhere on the skirts of Strathalbyn in the early hours of Saturday with the sun shinning over all like a warm blanket that we would all rather still be under if not for watching these champions do what they do best. 

Hahndorf soccer team took on Strath. 

Following the ritual rock, paper, scissors for kick off by proud 'acting' captain Linus Doyle, Strath took first possession only to turn it over and find Carter Karamanov, despite bravely playing with a massive knee injury, was able to run the ball past all defenders to stun the crowd with a goal in the opening minute!

Soon after we would find Angus Bretag, still seemingly running on the high of birthday celebrations and sugar from the night before, giving him an almost super human amount of energy to have multiple attacks towards goal on the right side. 

The rest of the first half had shared possession by both teams. Strathalbyn (who could inarguably considered the most adorable opposition Hahndorf has faced) shouldn't be underestimated as proven by a late goal in the second half. The ball getting by Magnus Palmer who up until then had defended his goal the way ironman defends his planet. 

It would seem this only lit a greater fire in Hahndorf's belly and made Charlie Kilpatrick drive the ball forward, pass over to Zeek Neelawala who slotted another Hahndorf goal. This looked like a training drill that would not just put fires in bellies but warm the cockles of their masterful coach's heart. 

Half time was filled with jersey swaps, oranges, pats on backs, future tactics, water guzzling and indistinct chatter.

The second half kicked off with more back and forth than a couple of Nonna's during a sugo making session. Highlights was watching Noah Williams show off his incredible talents and relentless sharing of the ball to team mates, and Patrick Griggs take the mantel of goal keep that would make even Palmer proud. 

The only way the ball was getting past Griggs would be through shock and awe coming in the form of a perfectly striked ball by carter to give Strath their second goal. 

All blame could only be put squarely on what would have to be one of the worst knee injuries imaginable. 

In order to right all wrongs, Karamanov, who was only playing on one leg at this point, somehow managed to score another goal. This time for Hahndorf!

This clearly inspired Neelawala, with his perfectly good knees, to notch up another impressive goal for the season. 

Then came two moments that would be talked about for generations. Both Williams and Kilpatrick kicked the ball into the arms of the keeper who may or may not have been behind the line creating greater confusion and controversy than an American election.  However the stoic umpires call would be final and fair. 

The final whistle would blow moments after another almost superhuman save by keeper Griggs. 

Cheers were given, elbows knocked and hair was ruffled. 

All in all coach would describe the game as the teams best and would bring these inspiring kids to a rousing birthday song for Bretag who would cement himself as the most popular teammate of the day by sharing skittles with all. 

Skittles!!

A reward most deserved.