Successful Road Trip for Redbacks

The Rockingham Redbacks Willow Bridge Cup side continued their great start to the season with their third win from 3 games when they accounted for the South West Strikers 3-1 at Busselton on Sunday afternoon. Although Rockingham had trouble adapting to a Turf which they seldom play on, they were still able to come out on top.

The game started in spectacular fashion with Rockingham missing a goal in the first 30 seconds. The Redbacks continued to dominate the Strikers for the next 7 to 8 minutes but fell down in front of goal after having several shots. Strikers fought hard after this initial onslaught and got back into the game. Strikers were also aided by some lapses in the midfield which saw them  awarded several short corners and with only 8 minutes left in the half they capitalized on one of these. Strikers were able to go into the break 1-nil up.

After some stern words from Coach Michael Nobbs, the Redbacks came out ready to make amends for the first half and within 4 minutes Olly Bond was able to pick up the rebound of the keeper to even the scores.  The Redbacks defense were able to get on top, enabling them to give the forwards some penetrating balls – but they still had trouble in front of goal. This all changed at the 13 minute mark when Shaun Ford, with some brilliance in the midfield, was able to carry the ball into the circle despite some harsh treatment by the Strikers fullback. Some great umpiring saw Ford allowed to play on as he still had the advantage and he was able to score a great goal. Shaun followed this goal with another 16 minutes later in similar fashion to his first goal putting the result beyond doubt.

As well as the goal scorers, all the defense played well with Hardev Singh, Brad Thompson and Todd Ford as standouts.

The Coach was very happy with the second half effort and pleased to come away with the points. As the next round is played at home on Sunday Rockingham will be on familiar turf and should again be able to perform to their full potential.

Neville Ford

Willow Bridge Cup Team Manager