Phone: (03) 5482 1111
The Border Raiders senior soccer side re-wrote the history books last Sunday at Jack Eddy Oval with a first-ever win against league powerhouse Eaglehawk. The reward for their hard-earned win was a place in the top four and the Raiders did not disappoint with a powerful and sometimes awesome display of attacking soccer.
In the first half, defences kept their attacking counterparts in check with Rob Philpott, Sam Hartley and Harley Richardson prominent.
The assured handling by Lukas Edwards in the Raiders' goal saw the home side grow in confidence by the minute.
Midfielders Harrison Ennis, Seb Hargreaves, Adam Richardson and Luke Hartley then took control with some solid work.
The Raider's turnovers were the only downside, as time and again a promising move was halted as the ball failed to reach the target of forwards Kieryn McKemmish, Bryn Barnes-Webb and Alister Holt.
Finally, at the 60-minute mark, the home side took the lead when Adam Richardson's corner was met sweetly by the head of Hargreaves from 10m, giving the visitors' goalkeeper no chance.
At the 75-minute mark the Raiders deservedly doubled their lead when a Holt thunderbolt was unleashed from 25m out, leaving Eaglehawk's goalkeeper helpless.
To their credit the visitors refused to give in and were rewarded with a late consolation goal five minutes from full time.
The match marked the fifth week Hargreaves has kicked a goal, while Barnes-Webb is leading the goal scoring in division one.
Moama's reserve team lost 5-1 to a powerful, experienced Eaglehawk.
Raiders started brightly and were close to scoring first when Sam McKindlay and Sam McAllan had chances.
Eaglehawk went in front on the half-hour mark and five minutes later made it two goals up when it was awarded a penalty after the visiting striker fell in the box.
The second half continued as the first ended with both teams playing some good football, but it was the visitors who took their chances and scored three more times.
Raiders had a goal harshly disallowed from Rob Foran's free kick and it was not until the 85th minute when defender Tyler Martin scored the goal of the game, curling home a free kick from 30m, that they were rewarded for their hard work.
Round 12 saw the Border Raider women host ladder-leader Eaglehawk.
The first half started as expected with the Raiders controlling the midfield.
It was unfortunate that after seven minutes, a through ball to power player Maika Ruyter-Hooley resulted in a goal for Eaglehawk.
Defiantly, the Raiders continued to play their game.
As in the past, the Raiders women are becoming consistent in their game and, although they were two goals down to the ladder-leader, they started the second half attacking.
After 15 minutes, a foray forward by Raiders resulted in a penalty being given. Danica Kiely stepped up and placed the ball neatly in the corner.
The players impressed their coach with their ability to play as a team.
Final score: Eaglehawk 4 d Border Raiders 1.
The club will hold its annual trivia night tomorrow night, which includes an auction and raffle.
