PNBHS NEWS

PNBHS v Hamilton Boys' High School Super Eight tournament Report

 
Picture of Sally Wenham
PNBHS v Hamilton Boys' High School Super Eight tournament Report
by Sally Wenham - Wednesday, 7 July 2021, 7:23 PM
 

PNBHS v Hamilton Boys' High School Super Eight tournament Report

Rain made for warmer, but slippery conditions in the playoff for third place against Hamilton Boys’ High School. Hoping finish one place higher than last year, the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI went into the game chasing a podium finish. PNBHS prevailed in a nail-biting fixture, winning 1-0.

The first ten minutes saw PNBHS successfully establishing and maintaining a defensive block and minimising Hamilton’s attacking threats. Transitioning to attack, PNBHS managed to pick up a free kick out front – John Blackwell given the ball to hammer towards goal, however, just going over the crossbar. Adarsh Dutt continued to threaten up front but was screened out driving goalward. Thomas Bell also tried hooking one into the top corner but collected the crossbar. Further attempts from the attacking formation were squashed by Hamilton Boys’, but PNBHS maintained pressure when on the ball and remained tight at the back when dispossessed.

Adarsh Dutt began the second half by turning and burning through the Hamilton defensive line but his angled ball back to the PNBHS shirts streaming into the box was cut out by the retreating defence. At the other end of the park, Brooklyn Browne kept PNBHS in the game with another stand-out performance, taking a 1-on-1 challenge cleanly with safe hands. PNBHS finally broke the stalemate with John Blackwell playing a ball into the corner for Xavier Coleman to chase down and cross into the box. An aerial header from Adarsh Dutt into the top corner put PNBHS in front with fifteen minutes to play. PNBHS re-established their tight defence and worked to keep the lead till the final whistle.

Congratulations to Aadesh Ganugapati for playing his 50th game for the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI and being awarded the Team MVP award for his efforts during the tournament. His level-head and mistake-free play added a high level of security to the team’s defence, and a reliable connection in the midfield when transitioning. After five tough games, the PlaceMakers PNBHS 1st XI are content with their efforts, but also realise the work required to further improve. PNBHS return to Horizons Premiership league games this Saturday.

Thank you to our 1st XI Football Sponsors.