Round 12– v Waverley at HHF, 3.30pm.

To say that everyone, including his team mates were surprised and delighted when Rowan Yeo’s tomahawk shot into the circle from 20m out scored our first goal, would be an understatement. The ‘own goal’ credited to Yeo, came off a startled defender in the circle.

This was at the two minute mark of the match and fired the home side Waverley into action. They came at the Strikers with a concerted effort for the next ten or so minutes and for much of that time, the ball seldom left our half! However, it was pleasing to see the defensive role of all players rise to the occasion and no opponent was left unmarked in our circle. This is a marked improvement in responsibility and showed that our ‘goals against’ record can be slowed, if not reversed.

David Hammond was called on to play one of his best ever games to deny the Panthers a goal. Some of the shots he parried were from point blank range in heavy traffic – difficult, to say the least. He was ably supported by the reliable and composed Matt L’Huillier, Mark Tesoriero and the other defenders who showed a lot of commitment.

With the half time score in the Strikers favour, their confidence grew and most of the second half play was in mid-field with neither team able to gain real control. The Strikers did earn more corners but were unable to convert any of them. At the twenty fifth mark of this half, the Strikers persistence paid off when Yeo was able to get a clean shot at the goal to score his second for the match, giving the Strikers a well earned 2 – 0 win. This adds to the first round win against Waverley and is one to be truly savoured.