The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI travelled to New Plymouth to play Francis Douglas Memorial College in a qualifying match for the NZ Secondary Schools National Football Tournament. After blowing a gale for the three days prior, Taranaki put on a stunning Autumn Day – the mountain creating a spectacular backdrop. PNBHS won the fixture and qualified for the tournament, 6-0.
The pace of the forward attack took everyone by surprise with Daniel McDougall cleaning up a bouncing cross, hitting it hard and low past the keeper after just 13 seconds of play. Moments later, in similar fashion, Adarsh Dutt tapped in to put PNBHS two goals ahead after 12 minutes of play. Aadesh Ganugapati was up to his old tricks, pinching midfield possession yet again during transitional play, setting Jaiden Meyer free to play a ball through the goal box, finding Adarsh Dutt, who converted. To round out the first half, Adarsh tidied up a volleying ball, linking up with Ben Mori, who secured the fourth goal.
The second half started with a different intent – PNBHS happy to retain possession and focus on game management. FDMC looked to have some spark at times, however, Brooklyn Browne remained in a sweeping role and rarely using the gloves, continuing the trend of the first half. Riley Maclean put himself on the scoreboard late in the half, beating the keeper with a shot into the bottom corner. Rounding out the match, Jaiden Meyer notched up another goal – this time cracking one from the edge of the box, continuing his goal-scoring form.
Thank you to our First XI Football Sponsors.
