• Shovellers Dig Deep to Find Three Points
Andrew Haulage Balclutha men showed thick skin to defeat Thistle FC 2-1 at the Balclutha Showgrounds on Saturday.
In challenging conditions Thistle started the stronger side, with Balclutha tending to lose the ball going forward — sometimes leaving it behind stuck in the mud, sometimes slipping over.
Thistle managed several attempts on goal, most being saved by an outstanding Oliver Wakelin, but they snuck one through and went into the half 1-0 up.
The Balclutha boys found treasure in early second half goals from Matt Simmonds, including a spectacular diving header that thumped into the crossbar.
Both were assisted by Tekitanga Matang.
Following that period of flowing football came a tense back-and-forth thriller, with both teams creating and saving chances.
Ash Simmonds was a workhorse in midfield and Rod Deverson a solid obstacle at the back.
The next game is against Waihopai, 3pm, May 16, at the Balclutha Showgrounds.
• Outback Welding and Engineering Balclutha AFC vs Crest Clean Wyndham Town FC
Balclutha claimed another 2-1 win, but the game started on a tough note for the hosts.
Wyndham Town took an early lead via a clinical counter-attack straight through the heart of the defence, with a lucky bounce and a low shot finding the net.
However, James Cheesman had other ideas.
Tasked with a thankless central defensive midfield role, Cheesman decided the engine room was too quiet and opted for a marauding run forward.
He latched on to a Toby Deverson pass to open the scoring for the Clutha men and get the side back on track.
The highlight of the match arrived at the 20-minute mark.
Joseph "Fish" Serrong was rested for Robin Waters, who immediately produced a free kick that will be debated in the local pubs for weeks.
While some witnesses claim it was 35 yards out, others insist Waters was standing at his own corner flag.
Regardless of the distance, the ball had the Wyndham keeper at sixes-and-sevens, resulting in a parry into his own net after a distracting run across the line of sight by Krunal Katkar.
Marc Phillips added to the tally soon after.
Then came a moment of individual brilliance: Toby Deverson, who was tireless all day, struck a corner that sailed high into the wind. It took a marvellous curl to find the side netting at the back post.
The second half saw a more tactical focus on positional play and movement with possession. Eventually, Serrong found his natural habitat, latching on to another Deverson cross at the back post.
Some ask why he’s called "Fish" — perhaps because he just can’t stop finding the net.
Man of the Match went to Toby Deverson.
Next game is against Fat Duck Te Anau Div 2 team, 1pm, May 16, at the Balclutha Showgrounds.
• Leishman Ladies vs University of Otago FC Women's Premiers
In the 15th minute, the University of Otago took the lead and they never gave it up.
If it was not for Leishman Funeral Services Ladies keeper Trinity Bradbury, Uni would have been into the late single digits with the first half hour.
The play consisted of Otago University taking back-to-back shots at the goal, most of which did not make it past Bradbury.
Captain Stacey Bell was a storm on the field constantly shutting down any play from Uni, with the support of Kwan Krongyut at her side.
Unfortunately, as the first half rolled on, the visiting team managed to notch two more goals, making the score 3-0 at halftime.
Into the second half, the Leishman Ladies managed to hold their own with Bree Uren and Olivia Pennell taking charge up front, backed up by Katie Murray in the midfield.
Uni had a great defensive line and shut down anything heading their keeper’s way.
The second half was very much a game of constant defence for the Leishman Ladies.
But Uni had speed on their side, and were able to make the final score 4-0.
Player of the day went to Trinity Bradbury for her continued hard work in the goal.
While the Leishman Ladies did not manage to meet the back of the net, they all still played brilliantly.
By Matt Morahan
