Last Saturday the Kiama Quarriers hosted Tarrawanna Soccer Club at the Leisure Centre in a bottom of the table clash in Round Nine of the Illawarra Premier League. This was a must win game for both Clubs. Tarrawanna were in the bottom place with the Quarriers only one place above them. In a dour struggle Tarra got the bounce of the ball and won a tight game 1 – 0.
The Quarriers fielded a side close to full strength and welcomed Mike Merriman back to the field after a long lay off with a cheek injury. The Quarriers have been playing well, though without much luck in recent weeks and his inclusion was hoped to change things around for the side. Coach Brod Crighton was in no illusion about the importance of this game, which in essence was worth six points to the winner. He had worked on his young charges during the week and instructed them as to how the game was going to be played. He wasn’t wrong.
Soccer can be a very free flowing game that dazzles with its artistry and intensity. This game was nothing like that. Both sides appeared to be flat and the normal fire that features in most Quarriers games was missing. Both sides seemed to be misfiring and the match was a stop start affair. For a game of such importance for both sides there were very few incidents to talk about with most of the game being in the midfield. Tarra opened the scoring after twenty-five minutes and the goal summed up the entire game. It was a very scrappy effort, but still counted. Kiama’s goalkeeper Josh Tidswell had to deal with a fairly tame shot from outside the box. As he bent to collect the ball it bounced up and struck him in the chest, rebounding to a Tarra forward who side footed it into the net. The goal summed up the game perfectly.
To be fair to the Quarriers they lifted their game significantly in the second half and took the game to Tarra. The visitors were very content to sit back and defend their lead and their attitude was “Come and get it if you can.” The Quarriers battled away for the entire second half with total dominance but couldn’t break down the Tarra defence. Possibly the busiest man in the Tarra team was their goalkeeper who pulled off a string of fine saves late in the match.
Merriman sparked resurgence late in the game when he pushed into the midfield. This put an enormous amount of pressure on the visitors who defended stoutly. They had one ambition and that was not to concede any goals and to this aim they were successful. The final score of 1 – 0 to the visitors was a shattering blow for the Quarriers and their dressing shed was very quiet after the game. The loss drops them to last place on the table with only six points. Bulli, Tarra and Wests sit just above the Quarriers but it is all up to Kiama to battle out of this predicament.
Mike Merriman was the Kiama Leagues Club man of the match in his return game and his contribution was very strong all over the park. If the Quarriers can keep Mike on the park along with Nathan Broad, out through suspension and Nick Gallagher out injured they can get back into form. At the start of the season the club was well aware that this was going to be a very tough season. They would be playing against sides of a much higher quality than they were used to with much greater commitment so the present situation is no surprise.
The young Quarriers are a very good side. There is no disputing that. They have competed with all Clubs they have played but seem to miss the odd slice of luck other teams are getting. The boys are talented and committed and must fight their way out of the hole they are in. There are plenty of games remaining and the situation is not lost. On their day the team is the equal of any in the competition and only two weeks ago held competition leaders Kemblawarra to a 1 – 1 draw. They are prepared to do the hard work necessary to lift the teams performance. What they also need is some support from the local community to come on up to the ground when they play and shout the place down.
Kiama’s Reserve Grade put in a top effort to record a 1 – 1 draw with Tarra. The visitors battered the Quarriers from pillar to post but the boys dug in and battled away for the point. Kiama’s goal came after Steve Parkes hit a blistering drive that the ‘keeper could only parry. Frazer Earl was onto the ball in a flash and tucked it away for a good goal. The Quarriers battened down the hatches in the latter part of the game and fought off a fast finishing Tarrawanna. James Terry in goals was the Kiama Leagues Club man of the match. Kiama’s Youth Grade continued their recent good form with a hard fought 0 – 0 draw with Tarra. The boys continued their form from last week and put in a top performance. Kiama Leagues Club man of the match was defender Paul Thayer who was very dominant at the back of the park.
Kiama have a free weekend this week with the Illawarra Soccer Association Representative Teams playing the ACT in Canberra on the 8th June. Kiama have six players in action in these games and the Club wishes them all well and pray that they come through unscathed. The following week the Quarriers travel to Unanderra Oval and take on fellow strugglers Western Suburbs in another important clash. If Kiama can over come Wests they can climb up a few places in the table such is the logjam at the bottom.