BATTLE WITH TARRA

The Gordon Macdonald Youth Grade took on the strong Tarrawanna team expecting a tough game. The Kiama boys started well with all players matching their opponents. Craig Lord at sweeper worked well with midfield players Chris Hughes, James Spence, Danny Pridham, Dave Kay and Scott Schofield as they tried to split the Tarrawanna team for strikers Craig Costello and Wade Mathews. Kiama played some great passing moves as they brought the ball out of defence but couldn't find a way through the Tarrawanna back four.

The opposition started to get on top of the Quarriers in the middle of the 1st half. Paul Thayer and Brad Tuohy held their own but the pressure soon converted to a corner for Tarrawanna. The well flighted corner was punched clear by keeper James Terry and the subsequent drive back towards the goal was well tipped over the bar by Terry to keep the goal intact. Striker Costello created a great chance on the edge of the box but hesitated and looked to pass inside instead of using his terrific speed to get around his defender. He is improving with each game and it won't be long before his confidence is fully back and he will prove to be an even bigger problem for opposition defenders.

Great vision by midfield veteran Dave Kay put Hughes away down the right flank but he didn't drive past his opposite number and unfortunately the move broke down with an opportunity for a shot on goal wasted. Tarrawanna quickly moved the ball downfield and created confusion in the Kiama defence. The boys failed to sort out who was going to clear the ball and despite a huge hint of offside Tarrawanna put the ball into the back of the net to take the lead. Kiama hit back and just before half time swung the ball to the other end of the field and a cross was met by Kay who hit the ball goal wards only to see the Tarrawanna defence get a touch and the ball rolled along the line and the post but stayed out.

Kiama started the second half full of purpose but the well organised and fitter opposition weren't going to be moved. Tuohy in the defence for Kiama was exceptional as he tried to inspire his team-mates with strong tackles and good passing. Unfortunately for the Quarriers a strong clearing kick rebounded off Tarrawanna and fell to their unmarked striker who drew Lord into a desperate tackle and with Lord on the ground put the ball past Terry for their second goal. To their credit the boys didn't give up and showed their trademark perseverance but despite great strikes on goal by Mathews and Tuohy couldn't find a way through the Tarrawanna defence. Even though they lost 2 - 0 the young team still showed that they can match it with any team providing they can start to convert the chances they are making and keep working hard on the training field.