Match report

Match report

Round two of the AHJSA U16 Competitive Division saw Woodside take on newcomers BHS Forest on the football oval within the Woodside Recreation Ground. 

Woodside's second pitch has always been subject to a lack of drainage. After ongoing rain throughout the preceding week it was bound to be boggy in patches, and was. It will get worse as the season progresses.

The two teams brought a full list of players. Unfortunately they were two totally different quantities. Woodside has the luxury of 15 players, all at their disposable for this game, whilst BHS Forest came with 12 players.

BHS Forest recently broke away from the Noarlunga Districts competition and were welcomed by the AHJSA with open arms. Unfortunately the break, and subsequent new travel time for families, meant that some players opted out of the competition, leaving BHS Forest scrambling to make a full side.

Despite this, and after a Round One loss, their optimism was admirable. Clearly their focus is on playing and enjoying the game, regardless of the result. This was evident in the way Coach RICHARD HILL communicates with his players and the players parents, but also with the opposing Coach BRUCE TONKIN.

The end result was clearly favourable for the home team and will no doubt present challenges for the away team. Still, BHS Forest brought moments of brilliance. M KALBIHOSSEIN's opening goal for his team was outstanding. They were unlucky not to have scored more with numerous strikes missing by less than a metre.

Meanwhile ISAIAH HAMMAT and SAM HERMAN opened their score tally with a goal a piece. JETT TONKIN and TOBY VINCENT did the same with two goals each. EDDIE HERMAN, determined to redeem himself after falling short in the first round, slotted in four, the opener being a penalty.

Unsurprisingly the best and fairest for Woodside went to the ever-energetic JOSH VASSOS, who invests himself in every game he plays. Brothers EDDIE HERMAN and SAM HERMAN picked up second and third place.

Round Three will see Woodside travel to Murray Bridge, whilst BHS Forest will travel to Strathalbyn to meet ladder leaders Strath White.