PNBHS NEWS

1st XI Football v Takaro Jokers Report

 
Picture of Sally Wenham
1st XI Football v Takaro Jokers Report
by Sally Wenham - Saturday, 3 July 2021, 8:35 PM
 

The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI looked to start their Super Eight Tournament week strong by first notching up a Horizons Premiership league win over the Takaro Jokers.  Coming out of this game full of confidence in each other and the playing systems was a focal point.  A 3-1 win did just that. 

Playing at the CET Arena Turf meant the speed was back in the ball.  From the first whistle, PNBHS used this to their advantage, looking to get in behind the Takaro defence with penetrating passes and pacey runs.  Brooklyn Browne was utilised early, and with a safe pair of hands, kept the game level in the early stages.  Opportunities came aplenty for PNBHS, driving fast in transition, but it was not until Adarsh Dutt was tripped at the top of the box that the scoring was opened.  Alex Kilkelly and Ben Mori both stood over the ball however it was the captain who decided to take on the wall – the ball dipping into the bottom left of the net, putting PNBHS in front.  PNBHS continued to frustrate the Takaro defenders with more attacking play; Aadesh Ganugapati unlucky with his long-range effort.  Wrapping up the half, Adarsh Dutt and Jaiden Meyer paired to leave Takaro flat-footed and appealing, putting PNBHS into a comfortable lead. 

 At the change of ends, the competition tightened up.  PNBHS continued to press forward and attack, but Takaro held more possession and were able to exploit gaps that appeared.  Brooklyn Browne worked hard to keep the sheet clean, and the team organised at the back.  Up the front, an attacking run into the box was deemed to have been impeded by a Takaro player, Ben Mori found himself standing on the penalty spot.  Tucking the ball into the corner, left and low, the diving keeper was unlucky not to get more of a touch.  Closing out the game was all that was left, but Takaro did not make it easy.  Scoring one of their own in the closing stages kept the game intensity high right till the final whistle.   

The PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI look to follow this performance with five of the toughest games they will play so far this season.  Starting Monday morning, games against Rotorua,  Napier, and New Plymouth Boys’ will set up the tournament ladder for Tuesday’s semi-final and the final, Wednesday morning.  Games will be streamed live through the Sideline app/website and updates will be posted to Facebook throughout the tournament. 

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