Match report

Match report

“Someone was chopping onions.”

Friday night saw one of the final games of the U17 league play out at Summit Sports & Recreation Park. This game was supposed to be played pre-COVID restrictions, but was called off due to a wet pitch at Woodside Recreation Ground. By the time COVID restrictions kicked-off it was put off until later. Turns out it would eventually be much later, and finally being played on Friday 10th September.

For Strathalbyn Strikers this would be a chance to take a strong team. A win over the top team would be a great moral booster that would linger into next season. Even a draw would be something to be proud of too. Either way it was clear that they were just there for a final game on the synthetic pitch at Mount Barker. Recent game history has been strong and their energy levels were high, but the fact that it didn’t matter what the result was helped tremendously. Games are a lot more authentic when it doesn’t matter, at least in terms of ladder placings.

For Woodside their season premiership was sealed a while ago. They were certainly aware that the Strikers would bring a physical challenge above what most other teams bring, however their confidence in their own game is their strength. Meanwhile Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN was facing his own set of challenges, that being that this game would be his final as the role of coach for a junior team. This is after 10 years of coaching. There were several moments pre-game where a simple spell in the usual pre-game proceedings would almost get the better of him, but he kept himself busy with minor tasks.

The evening was warm and the pitch was as expected. Nothing changes, although hints of real-life grass-roots were pushing through the plastic, reminding everyone who is the ultimate boss.

The game kicked off at 6pm under the watchful eye of experienced referee Nathaniel Roberts. Teams were once again thankful of the AHRB supplying two assistant referees in Lucy McAvaney and Asher Gaff. This meant that all parents could enjoy the last game watching their child take to the pitch under junior conditions, whilst the two referees pocketed coin for their efforts. It’s a win-win situation.

From kick-off the Warriors were under prepared for a determined opposition. This wasn’t surprising as Strathalbyn came out on fire. A fourth placed side up against first generally puts up a solid fight. As a result Strathalbyn were first to break with AHJFA U16 Rep Striker Kalan Brooks scoring on the 14th minute. It was this point when the Warriors support crew were concerned.

Not long after Warriors Captain ANGUS WILKINS equalised with a trademark goal. Wilkins has a habit of scoring from range and on a regular enough basis to continually remind players why he was the obvious choice for captaincy this season. Before half time LACHLAN MOWBRAY continued his goal scoring lead in the U17 league. His goal kicking style is on the other end of the scale compared to Wilkins. Low, close-range goals resulting from incredible speed and ball control often leaves keeper’s stunned and querying what his defenders are up to.

By half-time the scores were 2-1 in favour of Woodside.

The second half saw another AHJFA U16 Rep Forward score early on the 41st minute. JETT TONKIN, when given enough time to power-up, is hard to catch. His final goal for junior association football came from a through-ball from TOBY VINCENT. Vincent’s mid-field support for his forwards has been valuable to the side, particularly Mowbray and Tonkin.

Woodside continued their dominance in the second half with both JAMES RENSHAW scoring his first and Mowbray his second. Renshaw has come a long way since he first started being coached by Tonkin at Nairne Knights. Renshaw is typically quiet at both training and on the pitch, however his palpable energy on the pitch speaks volumes.

Strathalbyn didn’t give up, but unfortunately that was inline with Woodside’s defenders. The combination of ASHER HAMMAT, IZEYAH RAYMOND, CASEY GODFREY and JOSH VASSOS is unique. They’re all masters of their position and they’ve all played an important part of the season that was.

Some seemingly weird but calculated final substitutes saw keeper SAMUEL HERMAN relieved of his keeping duties, taking to the pitch whilst VASSOS donning the gloves. Not long after Woodside’s youngest player, EDDIE HERMAN, was rested for the final time. HAYDEN DAVIS and ISAIAH HAMMAT soon joined Herman. All three players have been great to have in the team, however all three will return next season.

Everyone’s favourite giant, BENJI BAILES, was given a handful of opportunities to score off a header, as was the ongoing aim of his Warriors. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be and the final corner, whilst delicately placed, fell short on finding Bailes head.

The final whistle sounded. The score finished 5-1 in favour of Woodside,and raw elation overcame Coach Tonkin on his last outing with his team. A guard of honour was formed between both teams, Assistant Coach MATT THODAY and opposing Coach Nick Brook. Tonkin exited the pitch for the final time, despite knowing full well he had to go back to his box to grab his gear.

“Kudos to Nick and his team”, said Coach BRUCE TONKIN post game. “They could have easily not worried about playing. The result was never going to be ladder changing, but to turn up knowing they’ll be challenged is testament to their spirit. With such a young team they’ll be a force next season. By the way, if anyone reports that I was tearing up it was because someone was chopping onions near our bunker.”

JAMES RENSHAW delivered a final performance and was deserving of best and fairest recognition. CASEY GODFREY also played well and as expected, whilst JOSH VASSOS offering to get Herman out of goals deserves a mention.

The Woodside Warriors U17 team finished their 18-round season with a total of 16 points clear of second. A single loss and no draw was a fairy tale ending for 10 players and 1 coach finishing their time in the Adelaide Hills Junior Football Association.