There was a feeling in the air that the Senior Primary Boys soccer team were about to create history. Sixteen enthusiastic boys were sure they would win the tournament and be able to shave their coach’s eyebrows as part of their celebrations.
Reality hit hard in the first game against a very well-drilled Green Point Christian College.
GPCC were among the favourites for the tournament and were ready to pounce on any hesitation or mistakes PCS made in defence. Three nil down at halftime the boys rallied to make several forays into Green Point’s half only to be thwarted just before a PCS player fired their shot on goal. The quick counter attacks by Green Point saw the score blowout to 8-0.
Shellshocked and rattled the boys found themselves five nil down at half time against Inaburra in their second match. However they rallied well and had more chances than their opponents in the second half, with their keeper being busier and pulling off some great saves. Final score 7-0.
Game three saw the boys take on tournament favourites Mamre Anglican School, who have a football academy attached to their school and a permanent soccer coach as part of their staff. They needed a score of 8-0 or more to top the group ahead of Green Point, but found themselves constantly denied despite near constant attack. The boys were unlucky to see two goals put past them in the first half but they dug deep and only conceded one goal in the second half. Final score 3-0 which saw other school’s coaches applauding PCS’ defensive efforts.
In the 7th vs 8th play-off match, PCS took on Toongabbie Christian School. History was indeed made with Peter McIntyre scoring the team’s first goal, deftly slotting away a penalty after being cut down in the box on his way to goal. The final score was 3-1 with the opposition’s three goals being scored by a boy who was born in Forbes!
Peter was unlucky not to score more throughout the day, making all goalkeepers he faced have to pull off incredible saves. Will Westcott and Edwin Lacey shared the goalkeeping duties and both received praise from referees for their efforts and attitude throughout the day. Daniel Heard demonstrated his excellent leadership skills by captaining the team with a positive attitude and determination to work hard for the team. Bailey Wynstra was a rock in defence who prevented every opponent from scoring more than they did. He was ably assisted by his fellow defenders.
With warmer weather, a larger field than boys were used to as well as playing on artificial turf, the boys did their best and can be proud of their efforts. Every player ran themselves into the ground which made subs hard in the last game with many struggling to continue but finding some inner strength to carry on and allow our injured players to rest on the sidelines. While our journey (this season) has come to an end, I am very proud to have been able to coach these fine young players and I hope that they continue their football with a sense of pride and a renewed determination to improve further.
Well done, PCS boys. Mr Fredericks
