The boys were feeling up after their two wins last week, the first two of the season. This week had them pitched againt last season’s powerhouse and local rivals, Woonona. Many of the kids also know each other through Academy Training and Shadow Squad. Up early for a quick photo “op” and a 9:30 kick off at what can be the coldest ground in the Illawrra, luckily the wind wasn’t howling. Woonona have lost a few players to the Metro side and P22, they were also unlucky this week in that they only had 10 players available.

Supercoach opted for a fairly standard lineup that was missing Jacob in the backs, and TomM wasn’t feeling well after a week with the Flu, so Ryan spent a bit of time in the back line honing his tackling skills. Wilson started at centre back with TK and Deano was in his customary role.

The back line held up well with only a few genuine chances through the game. Braeden making and excellent one-on-one save at one stage. After causing a bit of havoc up front (and hitting the cross bar from memory) Jack also had a run at Centreback. Any clean sheet is certainly something the whole team can be proud of.

The first half saw a lot of attacking football, with the boys being denied by the cross bar with a couple of shots in quick succession. Wilson’s move from Centre-back to right striker reaped rewards with a cross at the end of a great run up the side line. SamM was waiting in the middle and slammed the ball into the back of the net. I don’t often say it, but if I was giving out points this week then Wil would  have been my pick. He tackled well and chased hard in defence and made a few bullocking runs up the side when he moved forward.

Jai, Matty, Mark and Ruben also saw plenty of ball and controlled the game well between them. Jai’s shot from outside the box took a deflection on the way to the back of the net. The 2-Nil lead never looked in jeapoardy, and it was well deserved. The boys should take the last few wins and build in confidence.

Next week is against Shellharbour and we will have played all of the sides in the comp. I think it’s fair to say that they were competitive in nearly every game, and could have won a few more games, except probably the Figtree game, but even there, there were positive signs.

The State Cup game next week will also be very interesting with the opposition winning all of their games this year. Let me know if you are going to have trouble getting to blacktown on Sunday.

Garry