This afternoon’s game was one way traffic against the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI. An in-form Tauranga Boys’ College continued their strong run through their oppositions. PNBHS held their own, kept high standards and a high work rate throughout the game.
From the first whistle, TBC showed a powerful presence on the field. Brooklyn Browne made every effort to keep the game alive, making great reactionary saves, but TBC players following in and tidying up the dregs. A free kick to PNBHS was punched long range and collected up by Jaiden Meyer, but the shot was off target. To finish the half, Jaiden crossed in a ball of his own however the aerial efforts of both Adarsh Dutt and Xavier Coleman were not enough. TBC went into the break leading 3-0.
PNBHS maintained a high work rate in the second half, with Alex Kilkelly digging the ball out of a heavy tackle and setting Adarsh Dutt up on an aggressive drive to goal, but the attack was squashed. After holding out for a long period, TBC scored again with tidy play through the middle of the pitch. Bay Shi came off the bench to inject aggression into the midfield and was effective in bursting through multiple tackles to set Thomas Bell up on a bobbling ball in front of goal. The side of the foot was all that was required and PNBHS had their first.
Much was learnt from the game: most certainly the most comprehensive team PNBHS have come up against this season. Preparations have already begun for the match with Hamilton Boys’ tomorrow morning, where a third placing is on the line.
