PNBHS NEWS

Junior XI v Wellington College (W 7-3) - Wednesday 22 July

 
Avatar Ella Mitchell
Junior XI v Wellington College (W 7-3) - Wednesday 22 July
par Ella Mitchell, Thursday 23 July 2020, 19:58
 

Junior XI v Wellington College (W 7-3) - Wednesday 22 July

A new playing system this year has seen our coaching staff demand a higher level of game understanding from our young men.  The first traditional fixture for the season also gave the Junior XI players an opportunity to size themselves up against a similar age group opposition after playing preseason and grading games in the U19 Division. 

After an unbridled first 15 minutes, Wellington College found the back of the net twice, taking advantage of defensive errors.  The PNBHS players did well to keep their chins up and execute their player roles, constructing well-formed attacking movements.  From this change in temperament, goal scoring opportunities came aplenty, with Zack, Xavier and Darren putting points on the board to lead at the half time whistle.  Halftime score: 3-2. 

The second half saw PNBHS start to dominate the game against a tiring WC team.  After making numerous penetrating runs on the wing, Aiden F scored with a stunning finish.  From the bench, Mateo injected additional speed up the front and was rewarded with a ‘right time, right place’ headed goal.  WC held their own, putting away another in an attempt to get back into the game.  In the closing minutes of the game, Darren notched up his hat-trick, getting on the end of a loose ball and tapping in for his third.  Final score: 7-3 win.

The team and coaching staff will use these learnings to build from.  The level of execution, especially in the early stages of the game, needs to be further elevated to achieve the season goals set out by the players.

Thank you to Year 12 student Abbas Muhammad-Juma for the photos!