Great team effort puts WSC U16 at the top of the Div 2 ladder

WSC Under 16 Vs Glenorchy Knights White

Last time these two teams met was at the beginning of the season and the result then was a very exciting 3 – all draw. This time around both teams began play awash with confidence after securing impressive wins on the previous weekend; the Knights having defeated Clarence 9-2 and Woodbridge on the back of a 4-1 win against Nelson/Mac. On paper, the game promised to be quite exciting and in reality spectators were not disappointed.

On the pitch, the Knights scored first, and just in case they had plans of repeating their 9-goal-scoring-frenzy, Woodbridge thought it best to respond in kind. While Woodbridge's first goal – via our trusty Captain, Phineas - was loudly cheered and a welcome relief, the second and third goals were worthy of the World Cup highlight DVD. Goal two came after a speedy counter-attack; with defenders chasing hard on Bolan's heels and the keeper rushing at him, he kept his head, and at the very last second lofted the ball over the goalie. Time slowed as it arced through the air – a bit like one of those Nike ads [cut briefly to fireworks and scenes of wild celebration on the streets of Woodbridge] – and then the crowd erupted as the ball dropped into the back of the net.

The third goal, from Phin again (begin again), was absolutely awesome too; hurtling net-wards from a distance, it was another Nike moment [cut to cheering crowds lining the streets and waving flags as the Under 16 motorcade drives past] it surprised the Knights' keeper - the ball or the brief visit into the Nike Psyche? no one is quite sure - he barely had time to register the threat before it was past him. And so it was, that by half time some great defending and excellent support in the midfield had helped to ensure a score-line of 3 - 1 in the home team's favour.

Perseverance in the second half saw the Knights pull the score back to 3 – 2 against as they fought hard trying to regain the upper hand. Again Woodbridge found the answer, for a moment it looked as if it might be Jy providing it, but it seems he'll have to wait until this coming weekend to notch up his first goal for the under 16 team. Instead it was Bolan, putting in his second for the game.

With Woodbridge on 4 and the visitors on 2, the Knights bestirred themselves and turned the flow of the game around once more. A series of well-executed attacks stretched the defence and ultimately paid off for the lads from Glenorchy, giving them a third goal. With the margin narrowed to one, a second draw between these two teams was in sight. Time, however, was on Woodbridge's side and the game concluded with a 4 – 3 victory for the home team.

Once again, it was a brilliant team effort with 11 fantastic performances from the Woodbridge squad (and some great play from the opposition too, but let's leave the singing of their praises to someone else). Having carried on a bit about a couple of the goals has left no room to wax lyrical about the rest of the game – suffice it to say that it was an impressive team effort.

Thanks to the re-jigged Division 2 roster and two consecutive wins, this Woodbridge Under 16 team is the first ever Woodbridge youth team to hit the top of the ladder. Well done team! Massive achievement and one well-earned!

[Cut to scenes of the Under 16 team happily clutching the World Cup trophy, while someone avoids spraying champagne all over them because they are too young for that sort of thing].

Post Script:
Woodbridge extends its thanks to the Glenorchy Knights coach, who kindly stepped in to referee the game – thank you :D

Post Post Script:
If anyone is interested, FFT is conducting a FREE referee training and accreditation course in early July, check our website for details. Given that Woodbridge has two senior and two youth teams competing this year, and that providing a referee for home games is usually expected, it would be useful to have some qualified refs to call upon. Come on, you know you want to ...