Weather Hampers Waiuku Prems Advance

Both clubs reserve sides played on the same pitch before the first team’s fixture and this did nothing to improve the state of the playing surface. That game finished in a 3-0 victory for Waiuku. Head coach Jim Evans returned from overseas and re-took the reigns from assistant Jason Heather. With a full squad to choose from things were looking promising after last weeks away win over Tauranga City.

The game kicked off and within five minutes the home side had Waiuku under pressure. Playing into driving wind and rain Waiuku had major difficulties judging the high ball or even controlling the ball on the heavy, muddy surface. Papakura capitalized on this when at the fifteen minute mark, new signing Ross Berry, made the most of some shabby defending and getting into space he fired his side into a 1-0 lead. Reeling from this, Waiuku tried to counter and got some useful passes going out wide but again the weather playing its part in breaking things down. Then 10 minutes after opening the scoring, Papakura doubled their lead with a high, looping ball fooling Waiuku defender Sam Van Pomeron. He misjudged the bounce and Berry ran on to slide the ball past Justin Baldwin in the Waiuku goal. 2-0 at the break and both teams glad to get out of the elements.

 Waiuku kicked off the second half with the wind at their backs and it was clear how much the weather was having an effect on the game. With the middle of the pitch now virtually unplayable, Waiuku dominated on the flanks and caused a lot of trouble for the young Papakura fullbacks. Struggling with the onslaught, Papakura finally broke and Waiuku were on the score sheet. Waiuku striker Derek Sinclair picked up on a failed clearance on the edge of the penalty area and tried to lob the keeper. Going over the keeper the ball seemed to be goal bound but Shane Godden was taking no chances and his diving header at the far post made sure. This was his first goal against his old club after signing for Waiuku in May. The equalizer wasn’t long in coming when the pressure was again too much for the Papakura defense. Striker Cody Ralph took on two players at the bye line and put a perfect cross in to find Sinclair unmarked on the six yard line. This time there was no doubt and he fired the ball home. The conditions weren’t only a problem for the players as the referee and his two assistants had trouble controlling the game. At least two obvious penalty claims and numerous free kicks went begging for the visitors. The game ended 2-2 but one can’t help thinking that with a better playing surface, things could have been much better for Waiuku.

After the game Waiuku assistant coach Jason Heather said “the conditions played a major part today and we’re glad to come away without any injuries. We would’ve liked to claim all three points but we’re still very much in the race for top spot. Player of the day went to Wayne Trout.”

Waiuku are now in sixth place and six points behind leaders Hibiscus Coast. With five games left there is still everything to play for but in such a tight league anything could happen. Next week Waiuku host Mangere United at Massey Park. 2:45 Kick Off.