The Camden Haven Redbacks took on Port Saints on July 5.

The Redbacks took to the field in the hopes of replicating their brilliance from the week before. Saints were first with the opportunity to score. Although some solid defence saw that that didn’t happen. 

Moments later, a penalty awarded to the Redbacks saw the crowd on the edge of their seats (though all still wrapped up in their blankets), as Simon Hancox stepped up to take the shot. Alas though, the hat trick brilliance of the week before just didn’t seem to be with Hancox this time round. The shot was deflected away by the Saints’ keeper. Undeterred though, after some desperate attempts by the defence, Brian Barry came charging through, belting the ball into the keeper, and consequently into the goal. This gave the Redbacks a 1-0 lead. 

As the half closed in, some tired defence from the Redbacks saw Saints outnumbering the home side in an attacking play. Despite some scrambling defence, Saints scored, taking the scores to 1-1 at half time.

The second half seemed to be all Redbacks, as the home side dominated play and made some fantastic opportunities. Recent recruit Boyd Goodear showcased a spectacular dummy in front of goals, which had the Saints defence completely stumped. Goodear then capitalised on to take a shot, although it was wide. Saints were quick on the counter attack in a rare moment of offensive play for them. When defender Jose Ustariz was ruled to have tackled from behind inside the box, the crowd (and we suspect players), held their breath as Saints stepped up for their penalty shot. Keeper Scott Ramsay showed incredible poise and class as he maintained his cool while the Saints player’s shot hit the crossbar and eventually into the safe hands of Ramsay.

The Redbacks presented the home crowd with a plethora of goal scoring potential. Former Premier League Coach Simon Hancox showcased some amazing passion and talent, perhaps inspired by the Premier League Supporters Section.   A superb run from Hancox, including the defeat of four Saints defenders, ended with the shot being saved by the keeper. It would have been four incredible goals for Hancox, but such is the game of soccer, where sometimes the ball just doesn’t go your way. The final score was 1-1. 

Over 35’s games are on hold this week for the final State of Origin clash. Competition for Premier League and Ladies will be in Kempsey against Kempsey Saints.