Saturday, July 15 started out to be such a beautiful, bleak and overcast start to yet another soccer-filled day for the Tenterfield Thunders, to host home games with the visiting Carlton Club from Stanthorpe. Rain was imminent sometime during the day, but when and how heavy was the question on everyone’s mind.
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Junior Colts took to the field with their usual youthful manner, passing the ball between players, even calling for the ball. But not quite enough energy in the first steps from Tenterfield to keep up to the Carlton players, with Carlton taking a 1-nil lead within minutes of the kick off.
After this Deakin began calling his players when needed to help defend the goal with him, allowing them to force mistakes from Carlton, missing the goal or being caught by Keeper Deakin. David, Bella and Emma all made their share of attacks within the Carlton zone, with Luke finding the net first for Tenterfield. Good job done Luke.
Half time score was 2-nil to Carlton, but the second half Carlton’s’ confidence had grown and they managed to expand the lead further.
(Ladies match report by coach Glenn Caisley)
The start of the third round for the Thunder Ladies saw the absence of Amanda Carpenter and Tia Campbell through season-ending injuries and the return of other key players. After losing to the Carlton side 1-nil in round two, the team was keen to reverse the result on home turf.
The wet and cold weather conditions did not make for an easy first half and both teams struggled to control skidding passes and swirling high balls. Courtney Moss, playing in a forward position this week, had the best scoring opportunities with a couple of her shots shaving the side posts.
At the other end of the field, Tenterfield’s backline continued to show why they have the best defensive record this season by quickly closing down attacking raids. The half time break had the scoreboard at nil-all.
After some simple instructions and brief relief from the rain, the Thunder lifted their intensity and cleaned up errors made in the first 35 minutes. Better structure and passing led to more shots on goal.
Emma O’Brien has improved many aspects of her game including her power when shooting. An excellent first touch across her body allowed her to then hit a bullet shot low past Carlton’s goalkeeper.
The final goal of the match occurred with an obvious Carlton hand ball in the 18-yard box resulted in a penalty. Alanna Melling stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the side netting giving the Thunder another comfortable win 2-nil.
As coach, I would like to thank Amanda and Tia for all their effort on the field this season and hope they both have a speedy recovery.
The men’s game was another fast and furious match to watch, with bodies clashing together, tackles were not soft in the least.
With intermittent showers and even some heavier falls during the game it made for some hard knocks, and falls. Tenterfield was up to the challenge, Danny keeping the backline in check, Pat roaming to and from spaces, and passing was very efficient amongst the team
At times the only voice you could hear was the lone keeper Andrew, summoning his team back to help defend, and within seconds it had reversed and the attack was on Carlton’s goal. Clambering to and from one end to the other, the refs were kept fit in this match, just to keep an eye on the proceedings.
Josh Gower again managed to score, even in the foul weather conditions, and Tom subbing up put one into the net for Thunders.
Full time found some very wet and tired players but Thunders excited by keeping Carlton away from the win. Thunders 2-nil were the victors.
Next week, Tenterfield travel away to CF White Oval to take on Stanthorpe City. We hope to see all supporters there.