15 DIV 2

27th June, 14-0 LOSS v Waimak
As the score indicates things did not go our way at all in this game. The score at half time was 0-3 and I was impressed with how well the boys played against an unbeaten and very good Waimak team, especially considering that we had no subs and at times only ten players on the field due to injury. Unfortunately things deteriorated dramatically in the second half with Waimak scoring a further eleven goals.
 However, the boys did not give up at all and displayed a remarkable team spirit in the face of an brutal thrashing right to the end of the game. Sam Krishnamurti earned a well deserved POTM for constant pressure in the face of a determined opposition. Here's hoping this kind of score will not be repeated. 

20th June, 2-3 LOSS v Halswell
The first half of this game was dominated by the boys whom showed a welcome return to form. In atrocious conditions the team played with a fast paced intensity making solid tackles and exerting good pressure on Halswell. A collapse of focus in the beginning of th esecond half saw a well matched Halswell team score two quick goals to level the score. The sore remained at two all untill the closing minutes when Halswell crept ahead. However, the team did pull themselves togeather and re-established enough discipline to mount a determined challenge. Outstanding performances by Ben Allen, Jake Chubb, Daniel M and Nathan Gladstone as well as Lochie Taylor who did a great job inhandling the defense.

13th June, 2-3 LOSS v Christs College
Once again, a lack of commitment to challenges and communication saw the opposition control the first half. After some 'direction' during the half time chat the team began to work together and mount a challenge against a determined and well orgainsed College team. The forwards had many great shots at goal that were saved by a very good College keeper. Nathan Gladstone earned the POTD for his total commitment not only during the game but also in our training sessions. After a rocky start to the season the team is at last starting to show return to form. A good close game, I look forward to seeing what they can do next week.

6th June, 2-1 WIN v Western B
Once again a bit of a slow start to the game but with Lochie Taylor marshaling the back line things picked up half way through the first half. Lochie' committed defense earned him a well deserved POTD. The left wing worked particularly well, forcing the opposition into a defensive position. It was good to see the team working together and displaying the quality that won the the league last year. A definite improvement on last week!

30th May, 2-2 DRAW v Christchurch Boys High
A disappointing performance from the boys this week. A failure to commit to tackles and challenges saw Boys High take advantage of this and control the game through the entire 1st half and most of the second half. However, the last half of the 2nd half saw a return to form for the team, with Daniel M. scoring the equalizer. Once again a stirling performance from Liam York, our goal keeper kept our goal concessions down. We have a bit to work on next training and they will run and run and run...

9th May, 5-3 WIN v St Bedes
After a slow start in the first half the boys got there act together and sealed the win in the beginning of the second half. While we are still a bit shaky there was a definite improvement today with regards to team communication and marking. Nathan Gladstone making an appearance as left striker put in a great effort with many good cross's off his left foot rather than his right as normal. Thomas Fairchild picked up POTM for some inspired defending, being in the right place at the right time and showing how well he can read the flow of play. Once again our keeper Liam York made some outstanding saves but all in all a good game and a good effort by the team which reflects the final score.

2nd May, 3-3 DRAW v Nomads
This Nomads team came through with us to div 2 from last year. This team has become one that the boys are keen to beat and it seems nothing has changed this year. We have always had close but exciting games vs the Nomads and this game proved to be no exception. We were winning 3-0 at half time as a result of a calm and well organised team, however after half time the Nomads picked up the pace and we sadly fell apart. Nomads scored 3 goals and left us wondering what had happened. Nevertheless it was a good game played in a good spirit, next time we'll get them!
 

26th April, 9-2 WIN v Coastal Spirit
Our first game resulted in a romping win by the team. This is our first game in the competitive division two and is perhaps a good omen of things to come. The two goals we conceded came early in the first half as a result of some poor marking and dodgy passes. However the team shook it off, particularly in the second half with five minutes gone the score was 5-2 to us. At this point Coastal Spirit collapsed allowing an easy win. Although the team was a little rusty, their ability to communicate and work as a 'team' enabled us to take control of the match. A good result highlighting a few areas we need to work on but nothing too unexpected at the beginning of the season. Well done guys!