Over 35’s
With the Over 35’s relegated to Field 2 at Findlay Park on Wednesday night, for the reason we can only assume being their greater level of adaptability due to their years of experience in comparison to the other games taking place at the time, the Camden Haven Redbacks took to the park with possibly the strongest side (and certainly with the greatest numbers), the team has had all season.
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Taking on Port United, in a competition where all matches are hard-fought and passionate, until the full-time whistle when the esky opens, the Redbacks were keen to replicate their memorable match from earlier in the competition when the side defeated United with just 10 men.
The first chance of the game came to the Redbacks, but when Simon Hancox was ruled to be offside (only by a few metres, and we think some leniency should be given to allow these players a little bit of extra time to get back onside in the first place), the United boys breathed a sigh of relief.
The Redbacks continued their attacking plays though, and just minutes later, a volley from Brian Barry, off the back of a Josh Tomasone throw-in, was blocked by the keeper for what otherwise would have been a shot for the ages. A brilliant shot from the Redbacks from outside the box was also saved by the keeper, but with United on their heels and defending heavily, Club equal top goal scorer Hancox stepped up with an amazing header, which saw the United keeper without a chance, and the Redbacks with a 1-0 lead.
The momentum kept coming for the Redbacks, and not long after the kickoff, a rebounded ball saw Tomasone and fresh recruit (or rather returning legend) Peter Ridland in a sprinting race which would leave many top level players for dead, to see who could get a shot off first. For the record, Ridland won in that footrace, but a shot directly at the keeper saw United once again catch a break.
Whilst Redbacks seemed to dominate play, as the half went on, some enthusiastic and passionate United players saw a shift in the tide. A slip in defence (and no, this is not a euphemism for anything – the ground was about as wet and uneven as they come), saw United with a one-on-one chance with Redbacks keeper Scott Ramsay. But once again, Ramsay showed why he’s donning the fluro yellow each week, with not one, but two saves – the second as the player kicked Ramsay in an attempt we can only guess to move the ball and keeper into the net as one.
As both sides begged their team mates to ‘slow the play down’ the game began to become quite physical. Despite this, Redbacks held their own. A great ball to sweeper Jose Ustariz, who had positioned himself up front, much to the despair of his bellowing defensive line, saw a heavy collison with the United keeper, whilst a chance to Tomasone off the back of a poor United throw also failed to find the net. Hancox continued to showcase his new level of fitness, being ruled offside another two times before the half closed out, but the pending second goal finally came to Barry, giving the Redbacks a 2-0 lead at half time.
The second half saw a change in domination, with United dictating the play, whilst Redbacks struggled to get out of their own half. However the confidence in their own abilities shone through, as eventually Redbacks turned the tide, and began to control the game.
A brilliant run by Barry was unlucky not to end in a goal to Steve Maxwell, after the shot was deflected away. But moments later, Ustariz found himself taken out, and with the referee playing the advantage, a great through ball, followed by a better cross, found the feet of Maxwell, and when many (let’s not kid ourselves, everyone), was calling for Maxwell to take a touch, he shot first-time for a magnificent goal, and a 3-0 lead for the Redbacks.
A combination of complacency and exhaustion led to a disappointing goal to United, bringing the lead back to 3-1. Undeterred though, a great ball from Greg Philp found the outside left foot of Hancox, who magically shot the ball into the net, and almost through it, taking the lead back out to 4-1.
As the clock wound down, an inability to mark up saw United with another chance, which they made no mistake with, taking the scores to 4-2. The remainder of the match saw a number of ‘what could have been’ moments for the Redbacks, with Ryan Barker, Hancox, Ustariz and Ridland all unlucky not to score with some very impressive attempts. But with the final score of 4-2 to the Redbacks, there was nothing but smiles all round, as the boys got to take home the victory, and get off the field and it’s sub-zero temperatures.
This Wednesday sees the men at Dixie Park against Port Saints, with a 6:30pm kickoff.
Ladies
It was another tough match for the Ladies, as they took on Wauchope Lasiandras in Laurieton on the weekend.
Once again plagued by absences and injuries, the Redbacks were forced to call upon Under 18’s Angela Lee, Brienna Rumsby and Jesse Morgan to help field a side. With a dramatically changed lineup, particularly in defence, the Redbacks found themselves on the back foot early, but some great defensive work, led by Hannah Morson and Tamara Dixon saw Wauchope with minimal chances, and very quickly, a change in dynamics of the game.
With Redbacks swiftly taking control, the opportunities began presenting themselves. Striker Maria Wilson played fantastic upfront, with an early one-one-one opportunity unlucky not to find its way past the keeper. A number of further attempts by the Redbacks were all shut down by the Wauchope defence, and when it seemed it was going to be another game with no goals, Wilson struck the ball from half way, launching high into the sky, and eventually down into the net for an unstoppable goal, and a 1-0 lead.
With a 1-0 lead at the start of the second half, the Redbacks continued to control the game and provide little opportunities for the visitors. However a game-ending, and potentially season-ending injury to sweeper Hannah Morson saw a quick change in the defensive line, and with Wauchope on the attack, just moments later, a goal to the visitors, taking scores to 1-1.
The Redbacks continued to hustle, however the Wauchope defence proved too strong, and both teams were forced to settle for a draw.
The result was a little disappointing for all according to Coach Tamara Burns. “We have so much more potential than what we put on the field today. I know the team put in 110%, but unfortunately our complacency with training has caught up to us, and our ability to win games is suffering. We have two games left now before finals, and I’m hoping this will be the wake-up call we so desperately needed.”
Next week sees the Ladies back in Kempsey to take on second placed Kempsey Saints White.
Premier League
It was a mixed bag for the Camden Haven Redback Premier League sides, as they too took on Wauchope in Laurieton.
For Reserve Grade, once again a number of Under 18’s stepping up in Ben Morgan, Zac Alchin, Luke Roe, Jake Novella, Taylor Pate, Heath Rowan and Tinnyson Charlton is helping to highlight the potential for future years, as these youngsters hold their own against much older and seasoned players.
On Saturday though, a victory wasn’t to be, as the Redbacks were defeated by Wauchope 1-0. Unlike previous weeks, the match didn’t close out with a goal-scoring blitz by the opposition, which has often been the case as the Redbacks become weary – a turnaround a true credit to the effort many of these players have been putting in.
In First Grade, things certainly didn’t get off to the start the home side had hoped for, with a goal to the visitors in the opening minute. From here, a few missed chances off the back of some pretty scrappy football, saw the two teams go to the sheds with Wauchope holding the 1-0 lead.
The second half didn’t start off much better for the Redbacks with a send off early in the half. However against all odds, the ten man Redbacks squad regrouped and began a dominant resurgence.
The Redbacks were eventually awarded for the efforts when Jaryd Shaw slotted an equaliser away after many strong runs, bringing the scores to 1-1.
A solid effort from Scott Witchard and Shannon Ravoul, along with senior players Ryan Squires and Ryan Marjoribanks, helped to ensure the side came away with at least a point.
Next week sees Premier League back on the road, as they head to Tuncurry to take on Tuncurry Tigers.