QUARRIERS RECEIVE SMACKING FROM BALGOWNIE

Last Friday night the Kiama Quarriers Soccer Club had their worst fears come to bear when they were unceremoniously thumped by Balgownie Rangers in Round 6 of the Illawarra Premier League at Judy Masters Oval, Balgownie.

The Rangers completely outclassed Kiama to score an easy 5 – 2 win.  In a poor display from the Quarriers the only good news to come out of the game was the return of  Dave Jovanov after a long period out with injuries.  Jovanov came on late and was an inspiration to the side and instrumental on getting the side back into the game in the second half.

The Quarriers injury list continued to be a problem and they lost midfield general Nathan Broad before the game with a thigh injury.  This is the main problem the Quarriers have at the moment, a long injury list, and it is now becoming a major problem, especially after Nathan Wright and Nick Gallagher left the park late in the game with injuries.

The way this game was going to be played was demonstrated in the first minute of the game when Balgownie opened up with a lightening quick attack down the left flank.  Three Kiama defenders were left floundering in the wake of Rangers striker Vic Constabile and the Quarriers must consider themselves lucky not to have gone a goal behind at that stage. 

That was the pattern of play for the rest of the match with Rangers throwing lightening quick attacks at the Quarriers backed up by ferocious tackling and a win at all cost attitude.  Balgownie were simply far too good on the night and Quarriers looked like they had their minds elsewhere.

Bally opened the scoring in the seventeenth minute and followed it up shortly afterwards with a second.  The second goal was a bit of a debacle and scored from a free kick just outside of the Kiama box that deflected off a defender to leave goalkeeper Tidswell out of position.  The free kick seemed to have been given the wrong way after midfielder Damien Mason won the ball in a strong tackle.  The Bally player retaliated by kicking out at Mason but was surprisingly awarded the free kick. 

The Quarriers battled as best they could for the remainder of the half but looked to be a bunch of strangers playing together for the first time.  Realistically the half time score of 2 – 0 was kind to the Quarriers. 

The second half started badly for Kiama and Rangers increased their lead to three from a simple free kick near the half way line.  The ball was played long and high to the far post and Rangers were given two free headers for the goal.  This was kindergarten stuff from Kiama.

The Quarriers received a change in luck shortly afterwards when Rangers’ goalkeeper spilled an easy ball and allowed it to roll through his legs.  Nathan Wright was on hand to pick up the scraps and the Quarriers were on the board. 

Bally’s reply was almost instantaneous and they scored from a terrific turn and drive from twenty metres out.  Once again the marking was schoolboy stuff and the Quarriers were made to pay.

Ten minutes from time Kiama’s Mick Gillsepie hit Kiama’s second and brought the score back to 4 – 2 and the game came alive.  The Quarriers were throwing players forward at the expense of their defense and the ball flowed from end to end as both sides attacks took control.  Kiama’s Tidswsell was the busier of the two ‘keepers and had a terrific second half.  Bally finished the scoring late in the match to bring the final tally to 5 – 2.

From a Kiama supporters point of view this match was terrible.  The team seemed out of sorts and the normally well performed defence was run ragged.  Bally came out for the game all pumped up while Kiama’s players seemed to be in fairy land, especially in the first half.

Kiama’s game improved greatly when Jovanov came on early in the second half and he must be a good chance of getting a start next week.  He brings aggression and determination into the side and those attributes were in short supply in this match. 

In a game that Bally totally dominated two Kiama players stood out.  Midfielder Mick Gillespie had a terrific game while partner Damien Mason was Kiama’s best and the Kiama Leagues Club Man of the Match.

To bring this game into perspective, Kiama badly needed to beat Balgownie who were sitting behind them on the points table.  Bally have bought a number of new players over the off season but have struggled so far this year for form.  They found it on Friday night.  The Quarriers on the other hand have been decimated with injuries.  They rely on team spirit, aggression and speed and all three were missing in this game.  The side is talented and have the character to fight their way back to the winning list.  It is up to them to do it.

The slump in performance was epidemic and the Reserve Grade side put in a sub standard effort in a 4 – 0 loss.  They played attractive soccer in parts of the game but let themselves down in the attacking third of the field.  The scoreline flattered Balgownie but the Quarriers must pick up their form.

Kiama’s Youth Grade result was a mirror image of the Reserves and the kids did not deserve a 4 – 0 thrashing.  They competed well for most of the match and were well in the game, although behind 1 – 0, with ten minutes to play.  The wheels fell off in this last phase and Bally scored three simple goals.  The Kids are a very young team and are learning every week.  Bally went into this game in top spot and the Kids matched them for most of the match.  They have got to keep working at their game.

The Quarriers have a big test next weekend when they are hosts to the strong Kemblawarra Club.  Kemblawarra are performing well and sitting in the top four of the competition while the Quarriers have slid down into the bottom half.  First Grade kick off at 3.00pm on Saturday at the Leisure Centre  and all supporters are welcome.