Hillmorton Football Off to a Roaring Start in Preseason for Premier First XI Division

Starting Line Up: Wen Seng, Mnase, Jack, Andre, Jaxon, Azriel, Brad, Cameron, Shoei, Patrick, Tim

Substitutes: Stuart, Rowan, Connor, Yuma, Joren

On the 24th of June, our Hillmorton Football First XI squad beat Riccarton High School 4-3 in the final game of a short pre-season. Coming off of a convincing 4-1 victory against Rangiora High School, the squad were all feeling very confident, and we had put together a very strong starting lineup to represent us proudly.

The boys were one goal up at the half time break thanks to a worthy effort from Brad Steffensen in the 18 yard box, and the confidence increased. We had the majority of the big chances, and we were looking strong on the ball. However, shortly after the break we conceded an equalising goal due to a breakdown of communication and marking, it was a shock to the boys. We then conceded 2 more goals in quick succession, and the game looked all set for defeat. But our team never gave up, and they never dropped their heads and kept fighting for at least a draw.

Cameron Rean started our inspired comeback after a free kick from around 25 yards curled over the wall in a style reminiscent of David Beckham, to which the team all enthusiastically celebrated, but the job wasn’t done yet. After passing three players, Cameron then slotted our third goal in the bottom right, and it was all set for a draw with only one minute left of game time, but something was in the air. After a throw in from Patrick, and a good controlling touch from Brad, he passed it into Tim, and with a powerful effort into the top of the net the comeback was completed. The team were ecstatic, and they celebrated a fantastic effort, and a brilliant comeback.

Written by Azriel Taylor, Year 13.

Photography by Tyson Collins, Year 13.