Div 2 South Mens Surfside Waves 3 def Drysdale 2
ON a beautiful day for football, the Waves travelled to Howard Glover to take on Drysdale and played some decent football in the first half without much reward initially.
Waves went 1-nil up with Bodey Ditloff continuing on from last week’s hat-trick scoring after 30 minutes. The second half was a display of quality passing and possession based football. Ditloff scored again in the 51st with Alex Ketchen scoring the third in the 55th. Several changes were then made with the game secure and then two goalkeeping howlers from our two goalkeepers allowed Drysdale back in the game momentarily. We didn’t look like losing and was a good run out for the team which is second on the ladder with many players playing out of position to gain further experience at senior football.
Women’s Div 1 Surfside Waves 1 drew with Geelong 1
It was a case of shaky first half and solid second half for the Waves. Lily Woodward and Rose Evans slotted into the team seamlessly, with Evans outstanding at the back and LilyWoodward and dangerous in midfield. The Waves were a little slow to close the play down in the first half and were often second to the ball, which led to a sloppy goal conceded from a corner. The team improved significantly in the second half, led by Neisha Pearson and Gina Murphy in midfield hard at the ball. Madi Wilding was great again in goal, with a super dive to her left saving a certain goal. The rest of the back four behind Pearson were sound after the scrappy goal – Jasmin Pickett sweeping with style, Kate Elstone giving her usual flat-out effort at left back and Evans then Melissa De Bruin keeping the right safe. The midfield stabilised in the second half, although the Waves had some brief magic from Cath Sattler, in the first 10 minutes of the game before she retired with tiredness. Surfside rotated several players through the midfield around the central two of Murphy and Jordan Tabakovic to good effect. These were Faye Kendall as skilful as ever, Indiah van Galen working hard, Woodward with great pace and skills creating several chances for the dangerous pacy forwards in Steffi Wallace and Alexis Pearson. Waves equalised midway through the second half with a great free kick conversion by Murphy. Overall a satisfying result showing real resilience and ability to turn a game around.
Div 2 South Mens Surfside Waves 6 defeated Deakin Ducks Gold 0
The Waves playing at home on a beautiful pitch despite several wet weeks and following on from last week’s 3-nil victory, commenced confidently against Deaking Ducks Gold who had defeated the Waves 2-1 in round two. The Waves took the lead through Tayler McKenzie with his first ever goal for the club after 21 minutes. The Waves’ defence was solid and played quality football into midfield and saw the star striker Bodey Ditloff score in the 26th and 43rd minute to take a 3-nil lead at half time. With the bench full of youth the instructions were to sure up the game in the second half and continue to play flowing football. Five changes were made off the bench and the fourth goal was again to Ditloff who completed his first ever hat-trick in the 81st minute, promptly followed by a long-range effort from the captain Isaiah Mujica in the 82nd and another from Julian Powell in the 87th minute. A great result for the Waves who are continuing their consistency and are clear second on the ladder.
Under 17 Boys Surfside Waves 2 defeated Geelong SC 1
The Waves took on Geelong SC at Shell Road and it was going to be a tough match as the Waves currently sit equal second on the ladder on the same number of points as Geelong SC and Surf Coast. A brilliant strike from Noah Mujica who scored from 40 yards and sailed into the top corner saw Geelong SC rattled. Waves continued to stick to the proven methods and a fine goal by Julian Powell from a well-guided header saw them 2-nil at half-time. Coach’s instructions were to remain calm and continue to play in the same manner. A third goal almost came after a great run by Mujica down the left wing and a well-centred cross found Riley Fuller one on one with the goalkeeper – however he hit the post. That would have been game over. Geelong SC then scored after a defensive lapse in concentration however The Waves held them out superbly to secure a wonderful victory. Waves are equal second on the ladder with Surf Coast.