Match Report from Sunday 15th February 2015
Waikanae first team entered the pre-season Hilton Petone tournament as part of its build up to playing in Wellington Capital Division Three for season 2015.
The tournament is played initially in a group stage over three weeks and then depending upon results progression into a knockout stage.
In our group is Wellington United, Karori and Wainuiomata.
Our first game was against Wellington United and we travelled to Petone for our opening fixture and being a new team there was an uncertainty and a little bit of apprehension on how we would perform against opposition that play two divisions higher.
We suffered further set back when three players were unable to travel due to various reasoning leaving us with the bare eleven but what a passionate and committed eleven they were !!!
The opening minutes were dominated by us with a few good goal scoring opportunities going missing ( it is pre-season I suppose ) then the ball fell to Taku Warren who very calmly outpaced the defence and slipped the ball under the keeper for a 1 -0 lead. Our joy was added to when a scrabble in the Wellington box produced our second goal claimed by Josh Hamilton.
As expected Wellington came at us for the remainder of the first half and just before half time pulled a goal back
Half Time 2 -1
We knew Wellington would continue to press us looking for the equaliser but the lads battled and worked extremely hard but following a quick counter attack down our left flank the ball eventually finished in the back of our net 2-2.
Would the players be able to respond was the question Paddy and I were asking ourselves on the side-line, no subs available so unable to bring on fresh legs but the lads dug deep and continued to worry Wellington going forward the battling and passionate being shown by the lads was outstanding and then potentially one of the goals of the season.
Great midfield play sees the ball played wide and a first time driven crossed is met by Taku who rose above the defenders and headed the ball from 12 yards out into the top corner- fantastic move and finish 3-2 Waikanae.
The boys held on for the next ten minutes for a fabulous win which was fully deserved. The standards are being set so look forward to our next match v Karori.
I am sure there will be sore legs and lungs on Monday but the teamwork alongside the positive attitude shown towards each other was brilliant.
Alan Jones