QUARRIERS LOSE FIRST GAME IN PREMIER LEAGUE

The Kiama Quarriers played their inaugural game in the Illawarra Soccer Association last Saturday and were on the wrong end of a 3 – 0 loss to Picton Rangers.

The Quarriers must learn from this game, as it was a brutal lesson in the difference between Premier League and First Division.  Last year in First Division the Quarriers would have won this game and played enough good soccer to do so in this match.  But in a competition where games are won on half chances the young Kiama team were behind the eight ball from the start as they continually failed to convert goal-scoring opportunities into goals.    

The Quarriers were confidant going into the match and the general opinion was that Picton, mid table performers last year, would be a good yardstick for the club to assess its chances for the new season.  Picton have strengthened considerably in the off season, particularly in the forwards, and are a much better side than last year.

The Quarriers did more than enough to win this game but didn’t.  The reason was quite simple.  They did not take the multiple chances they created in front of goals as the match un-folded.  To make the situation even worse for themselves they missed a penalty and hit the woodwork twice in a match they should have sewn up after the first thirty minutes.   

The opening period was all Kiama and they blitzed the Picton defence.  The Quarriers were very fit and very fast and played scintillating one touch football in this period.  They continually tore holes in the Picton defence and on three occasions only had the ‘keeper to beat in order to open their account.  But the Quarriers continually misfired in front of goal and wasted chance after chance.  You cannot do that at this level.

After a great opening thirty minutes and with their stocks soaring the Quarriers relaxed and sat back on their heels and allowed Picton to climb back into the game.  Rangers had done a great job of soaking up the pressure and threw out the occasional counter attack to keep the Quarriers at bay.  In the period just before half time some signs of what was to come were there for all to see as they opened up their game and pushed into the offensive.

Kiama were playing very well at this stage and the midfield of Broad, Mason, Parkes and Triffit were well on top of their opposite numbers.  Signs were beginning to show in the Quarriers forward line that they were running out of ideas and perhaps getting a bit frustrated as they wasted chance after chance in front of goals.  There were eight clear cut goal scoring chances in the first half that the Quarriers should have done better with.  This is when they lost the game.

Taking into account that this was the Clubs first foray into the hurly burly of the Premier League the half time score of 0 – 0 was quite acceptable and many supporters were of the opinion that the side could go on with it in the second half and perhaps knock in a few goals.  Others were of the opinion that a draw was on the cards.  Very few picked the right result.

Playing at this level you must be on your game for the whole ninety minutes.  Kiama disobeyed this rule and paid a terrible price.  Three minutes into the second half Picton threw an attack at Kiama down the right side and scored a very neat goal on the near post.  Four minutes later they did exactly the same to score their second goal. 

Two nil down is not a good place to be in a big match but Kiama had enough chances to pull back from the brink.  Shortly after Pictons second goal the Quarriers hit the bar with a long shot from Merriman.  Two minutes later Mason was dragged down in the penalty box for a penalty kick.  Boardman stepped forward and was horrified to have his spot kick hit the left-hand post and bounce out.  To really make matters worse Rangers then took the ball down the other end and scored their third goal. 

From being two nil down and missing two great chances to even the score the Quarriers were three nil down and in big trouble.  It got worse.  Goalkeeper Tidswell was carried off after Pictons third goal with a dislocated right arm and looks to be out of the lineup for a few weeks.

The Quarriers were honest in their efforts but let themselves down in front of goal.  Realistically they will never get more chances to score than they did in this match and it appears to be a problem the side has, that of not being able to put the ball into the back of the net.  It is up to Coach Brod Crighton and the players themselves to see if they can resolve the situation in time for next week.   

Picton were a good example of what the Quarriers are going to face every week.  They took the few chances on hand and scored against the run of play.  Kiama on the other hand squandered chance after chance after controlling the play for the majority of the game. 

If you disregard the lack of goals, the Quarriers played very well and there are certainly many very positive signs in this display.  A 3 – 0 score line is a bit of a belting but the game was not played out that way with the Quarriers having the bulk of possession for much of the match.

Picton had some very classy players on show for this game and are confident of being in contention for the semi finals series.  They have recruited a number of players from the State League and are a very tidy side.  There is no disgrace in losing to a quality side as Picton are this season. 

Kiama’s day was made even worse by the lower grade results as Picton ran riot in the Youth Grade with a 6 – 0 win and a 4 - 3 victory in Reserve Grade. 

The Youth Grade were unfortunate in playing an older, more physical team with a few years of experience on them but there were some good signs for this very young team.

The Reserve Grade put in a great fight and came back to level terms after being 1 – 0 down to take Picton right to the wire.  This was a very entertaining match and could have gone either way.

The Quarriers must pick themselves up and sort themselves out.  They have a mountain of work in front of them and next weeks game is away to one of the Leagues stronger Clubs, Port Kembla at Wetherall Park, Primbee.  Kiama are a very good young side and have enough potential to give the competition a bit of a shake.  Next week will be a real test of character for the entire Club.  Go the Quarriers.