It was glorious and unforgettable morning at Scarborough park for the Rockdale Raiders Under 7/8 side. As the team deliver their best performance of the season so far in an epic encounter against Oatley RSL. The Raiders showed why they are fast becoming known as the entertainers of the St George under 8 competition scoring four sizzling goals in their victory.
Rockdale had the early running of the game and it was Raiders who opened the scoring in the first half after Oscar threaded the ball through two Oatley defenders releasing goal scoring machine Spencer up the middle of the field. His right footed shot curved around the out stretched hand of the Oatley keeper and the ball rocketed into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Oatley regrouped and it wasn’t long before Alexander in the goals was called upon to make three consecutive saves.
After some fantastic pressure from Oatley the Raiders defence was cracked twice. Down 2-1 and facing enormous pressure it was the mid field general Rory who changed the game turning defence into attack stealing the ball at the back and dribbling his team out of trouble running the length of the field and beating a number of Oatley players in the process. His solo effort ended in in a right footed shot at goal which was deflected out by the keeper. From the corner Rhys skilfully picked out Thaisen at the edge of the box. He held the ball up beautifully drawing in two defenders and giving a deft little pass to Tevita who drilled the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net leaving the Oatley keeper clutching at thin air. The teams headed off the field at half time with the scores level at 2-2.
After the break it was Oatley who took the ascendency and after some consistent pressure they went ahead 3-2. It looked like they would extend their lead after a wicked left footed shot curved around the Raiders’ defenders but Oscar in the goals made a remarkable save athletically diving to his left and pushing the ball around the corner of the post to save the day.
From the Oatley corner it was Navya who intercepted the ball and started the counter attack passing to Spencer who found Haylie in space as she made a well timed run down the right hand side of the field. Haylie passed the ball to Rhys who gave a nice touch onto Spencer. He raced down the field and crossed the ball to Tevita who was unmarked on the edge of the box his shot cannoned into the woodwork and rebounded into the path of Rami. Rami’s dazzling footwork bamboozled the Oatley defenders turning them inside and out. He slotted the ball pass the keeper with a clinical finish scoring a great team goal. With time running out Oatley pressed hard for a winner but Rory won the ball at the back and for the second time of the match dribbled his team out of trouble taking the ball up over half way weaving in and out of defenders his pass found Alexander who knocked the ball onto Spencer. He gave an incredible through ball to Rami. This time Rami turned provider as he set up Tevita just inside the box. Tevita curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the net bringing the Rockdale faithful to their feet as the game finished 4-3 to the Raiders.
The Raiders thanked Oatley RSL for a great game which was played in good spirit.
