Round 1 - Under 14 Tornadoes vs Sawtell Scorpions

Northern Storm Logo Northern Storm Football Club Match Report
Northern Storm Team u14s Tornadoes
Date & Venue 2/4 Toormina
Opposition Sawtell Scorpions
Coach / Manager Craig Caruana
Player of the Match Luke Walker
Score 3-2
Match Report:

First up game for the under 14’s was a grand final replay against Sawtell who the storm have played in the grand final for the past two seasons.

The off season saw six new players come into the team and some familiar faces move on and although having a good pre-season we were not sure how we would match up on the day. With the hot temperatures and only one fit substitute it was going to be test with the hot weather for an 11.30 kick off.

In the early stages the storm dominated the game crafting out a number of opportunities, unfortunately none were converted as three very good chances went begging.

Sawtell looked dangerous in patches but never really threatened the storm goal as we dominated field position and ball security. Luke Walker dealt with everything that came his way and looked to having everything covered in goal. With his defenders providing a high pressure defence, Sawtell were struggling to get anything inside our box.

After twenty minutes the storm had their first goal, a neat move finished by Robbie Sullivan who held is nerve and slotted home from the edge of the area. Five minutes later the storm were up 2-0, this time Jaman with his first appearance for the storm struck home from outside the box, putting it into the roof of the net giving the Sawtell keeper little chance.

With chances being created and smart play by Mabiyor Garang and Blake Austin, the score was flattering the hosts at the half time break. But 2-0 in this game is a score line you would take every day of the week.

The second half started much as the first with the storm carving out a number of good chances, 10 min in and a killer ball in between defenders by Harry O’Geary put it on a plate for Blake Austin who timed his run to perfection and slotted home from 12 yards with a cool head.

At 3-0 it was a question of how much but to their credit Sawtell pressed and as the we tired in the heat and a couple of boys on one leg the opposition somehow started to gain possession with 15 to go got one back, then a mix up and they had 2 back and it was game on for the final ten minutes and all the momentum had swung.

Several important saves by Luke Walker kept them at bay and we picked up our heads and got back on the job with some great defending, with several break away runs as Sawtell searched for an equalizer we should have put the game to rest but in the end 3-2 was enough and an excellent result. A good start to the season but I think the boys know they need to play for the whole game and not give their opposition an opportunity. To get back into the game.

Hard to pick out best on ground, a great team effort.

Man of the Match Luke Walker.