The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI contended against Scot’s College Wellington in a three-team football exchange. The pressure was on the 1st XI to make it a clean sweep, with the PNBHS 2nd and Junior XI both winning their respective games, 3-1. The PNBHS 1st XI came away victors, winning the game 4-1.
After multiple weeks of games on grass, PNBHS was quick to come to terms with the pace and bounce of the artificial surface. Settling into a rhythm, the team was able to advance forward multiple time to threaten the goal. From playmaker to goal scorer, Aadesh Ganugapati got a taste of glory, opening the scoring early in the first half with a heftily struck shot. Making the most of a ball chipped over the defence, Ben Mori tapped in before the halftime whistle, giving PNBHS a comfortable lead.
Scot’s College upped the pace and aggression in the second half, using the long ball to strain PNBHS defensively. A penalty in the box was given and converted, bringing the score to 2-1. Much of the remaining time saw PNBHS attempting to hold the ball and maintain possession, but Scot’s were looking intently for the equaliser. Success from a PNBHS short corner removed much of the pressure – Jaiden Meyer finding the head of Adarsh Dutt, who in turn, found the net. Not to leave a job half done, the 1st XI made the most of the final minutes. Stealing possession with a sliding tackle in the attacking third, Adarsh Dutt lofted a pass to Bay Shi who battered the ball into the top of the net. The final score: 4-1.
Congratulations to Aadesh Ganugapati and Bay Shi who scored their first goals for the PlaceMakers 1st XI. Also, thank you to Scot’s College for taking a lengthy detour to get to us yesterday. We look forward reciprocating next year.
Thank you to our 1st XI Football Sponsors.
