REF WRITES....15th Grade Sapphires Girls Team...Game Two

A wind that could freeze an ice cream was how I would describe Saturdays weather as Pukekohe hosted Three Kings at home. And with that I was determined to ref the whole game (just to keep warm). Alas they wanted to do thier half as per the rules and I was benched for only the third half a game of the season.

With a new look on the setup of this team Coach Troy had 100% commitment from the girls that two players would now stand down every week to ensure the championship title was on the agenda.

Pukekohe played with the wind in the first half at the top high school field playing uphill.  Using the wind well Pukekohe fired long balls over Three Kings defence and but for the number 11's brilliant speed and skills we would have been up by 2 early.

It took just till the 11th minute when passes from the feet of our defence through to midfield onto Natalie in prime striking speed who took the ball swiftly into the box and fired in past the keepers left hand.

A continued assault on the Three Kings defence resulted in good saves and sheer bad luck, till, from out of nothing in the 19th minute, Kate, on half way, fired an absolute screamer 8 inches under the bar to see the keeper picking our second from the net. Pukekohe supporters were checked for heart rate levels after the shock. This was the straightest  longest kick we have seen from any player both for us and our opposition.

More pressure and beautiful work from Renelle, Kate, and Natalie left the opposition in two minds and the field opened up on the left side for Cherrie, starting from halfway to work around two defenders and once inside the box placing the ball with precision to the keepers right.

Half time saw a satisfied but hungry team come off the field. Coach Troy reminded the girls that they had the wind first half giving them an advantage.

"Watch the long balls" was a supporters comment as they went on.

Both teams were aggressive and hungry for action with many flayling hands and feet from both teams resulting with many minor injuries. The referee allowed play and did not call anything believing as did I that this was two sided and all fair from both teams. Well done Ref.

7 minutes gone and with the ball at feet Natalie took no time at all out running the defense to squeeze a lovely placed shot past the keeper.

Attack from the opposition was fierce and constant with Haley in the right back position taking most of the hard work in her stride not allowing anything through. I counted 20 times they attacked her and only turned her twice and merit from Coach Troy was her reward. Well done. When they did get through the ever ready and outsatnding Renelle was there to clear things up. A defender that just shut everything through that came her way earning her Player of the day. Excellent work Renelle.

This week we are at home again to Papakura who came with just 11 players in the first game of grading. They will be here for payback I am sure. We look forward to seeing you all at Pukekohe High School at 12 to watch the future of Pukekohe's ladies teams in action.