SOCCER
IN a change from last week, we weren’t looking to get out of the sun. Showers dampened the fields but not the skills as teams battled for a spot in the Grand Finals of the Bulahdelah Twilight Soccer Comp.
C Div: Joseph Wright scored a double early to take Saligna to a 2-1 lead, but the SoccerWhos? came back to finish 4-2 victors.
In the other match a severely depleted Bullrouts were no match for Thriftylink Titans, going down 7-1. The benefit of substitutes showed as Bullrouts tried hard but simply ran out of legs. Josh Jones grabbed a hat-trick and Zac Allen took off his keepers gloves long enough to grab a goal as well.
B Div: The rain got heavier and so did the old legs as Dad’s Army failed to fire against Woftam. Doubles to Trent Barry and Chris Buckley saw the younger side through 5-0.
The battle of the pubs was the tightest match of the day, with Plough Inn and Tea Gardens Hotel going head-to-head. Controlled football saw Madge score first for Tea Gardens before Dave Morgan equalised in the 2nd half. Extra-time meant no substitutes and players dropping off at two minute intervals. It took 12 minutes before exhaustion, attrition and the driving rain combined for a Plough Inn goal.
A Div: The rain by this time had claimed one field with the referee calling off the match between Mayers Flat and Red Rockets due to the shifting surface. This match will be played next Thursday at 7pm, with the Grand Finals postponed till February 26.
On the other field, Down to Earth Paving took on d’Illusioned FC in a high quality match. The young Pythons lost to d’Illusioned 7-1 last week, had no subs and were without their coach and keeper, yet still took it to the three times champions. An early goal to Alisha Smith put d’Illusioned in front but Pythons responded via Jake Hacene to make it 1-1 at the break. Torrents fell from the heavens but didn’t lower the skill level on the pitch. Brad Keaton was exceptional and stand-in keeper Nathan Tansey made save after save for the youngsters. In the end it took the brilliant finishing skill of Trent Lamborn and a ricochet off the post to break the deadlock. He finished with a double as d’Illusioned won 3-1.
Next week: Mayers Flat v Red Rockets at 7pm, with the winner facing d’Illusioned FC in the Grand Final.
Our first registration day was wet but you can still sign up this Saturday February 21 in Stroud St just outside the Medical Centre from 9am to midday. We are still on the lookout for coaches and players in all grades from Mini’s to Over 35s. The club is hosting a Grassroots Coaching Course in late March. This accredited course is entry-level and aimed at people who coach children. The cost is $25, which covers course fees and a coaching manual. The club will cover the costs for anybody who wishes to coach a junior team.
The Guru
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