Westlake find their scoring touch in a nine goal thriller
Westlake’s first XI football team found their scoring form, breaking a run of three scoreless performances, to edge out Mount Albert Grammar School in a thrilling 5-4 home win. The home team was forced into several changes due to suspension, illness and injury and were rewarded with standout performances by newcomers and established players alike.
Westlake started on the front foot and had MAGS defending in depth early on. They took the lead in spectacular style after only three minutes when right back Keanen Bhagaloo delivered a searching cross and striker Jaidyn Hendriks improvised with a gravity defying overhead kick that flew into the top corner of the net from 15 yards. Surely the goal of the season. Jaidyn Hendriks striking partner Braeden Acarapi then had a chance to score when he attacked another right sided cross, but his effort was blocked for a corner.
MAGS were then awarded a free kick inside the Westlake penalty area after a supposed deliberate pass back to Zac White. However the Westlake defensive wall stood firm and the resulting shot was well blocked. Unfortunately Westlake failed to heed the warning and MAGS equalized soon after when they took a free kick quickly, catching the home side napping, before crossing to an unmarked player who stroked the ball home unchallenged. Bronson Kelly then had his close range shot blocked after he had timed his run well to get onto a near post cross from the right.
Westlake were making real inroads down their right flank and it was from this channel that they regained the lead. This time it was Braeden Acarapi providing an inch perfect cross for Jaidyn Hendriks who made no mistake with a well-placed header from 12 yards out. MAGS replied by pinning the home side into their defensive third, winning several corners. However Westlake extended their lead when they broke from one of these set pieces. Jack Pirie cleared to Jaidyn Hendriks who flicked the ball on to the speedy Sean Skeens who ran at the MAGS defense before beating the keeper with a low, left foot drive. The final act of the first half saw Zac White, in the Westlake goal, pull of an acrobatic save when he tipped a shot that was destined for the top corner over the bar.
After such a hectic first half one might have expected a slower pace in the second spell, however this certainly was not the case as both sides went at each other with renewed energy. Daniel Lim replaced Keanen Bhagaloo at right back, otherwise Westlake’s lineup remained unchanged. Westlake looked to have put the match beyond the visitors when they made it 4-1 after 56 minutes. Good pressure high up the field led to Sean Skeens running through the heart of the MAGS defense, drawing the keeper and finishing calmly with his right foot. However, straight from the restart MAGS pulled a goal back after some weak tackling allowed their winger to score from the edge of the penalty area. Jaidyn Hendriks continued to torment the MAGS defense as he out-paced his marker before squaring the ball across the goal. Unfortunately he had also out-paced his support and the chance went begging.
The striker should have had his hat trick shortly after when the MAGS keeper gave the ball away and Jaidyn Hendriks drove his shot towards the empty goal, only to see it rebound off the post. Minutes later he was through on goal again but this time the keeper did well to steal the ball as the striker attempted to dribble past. The Jaidyn Hendriks hat trick did arrive when Zac White’s accurate throw released the striker who cut inside from the left and smashed a right footed shot into the top corner of the MAGS goal. A tiring Braedan Acarapi, who had proved a great foil for Jaidyn Hendriks, was replaced by Brad Cain.
At 5-2, there was still drama to come. Some more loose defending allowed MAGS to score and when their striker headed a cross over the stranded White for 5-4, Westlake nerves began jangling. However, some desperate defending allowed the home team to see out the final seconds and celebrate an important victory. In an outstanding team performance it was difficult to single out individuals but Jaidyn Hendriks hat trick was impressive and his striking partner Sean Skeens was a constant threat. Luke Johnson and Michael Booth were solid at the centre of defense and Zac White made some important saves. Jack Pirie and Bronson Kelly were tireless in midfield and Braedan Acarapi put in a valuable cameo.
Westlake finish their Premier league campaign with a home match against Kings College next Saturday, 12noon kick off. The team then travel to Nelson for the Secondary Schools National Tournament from 31st August- 4th September.
Team: Zac White, Jack Pirie, Michael Booth ©, Clarke Foulds, Luke Johnson, Bronson Kelly, Keanen Bhagaloo, Sean Skeens, Braedan Acarapi, View Rungpao and Jaidyn Hendriks. Subs: Daniel Lim, Brad Cain, Trent Baker, Finn Medemblik. Scorers: Jaidyn Hendriks (3), Sean Skeens (2)
WBHS 2nd XI vs Mount Albert Grammar School 2nd XI
The 2nd XI had a hard fought home game versus MAGS. A win or draw in this game would see them secure 3rd place for the season. Westlake gave a penalty away in the first half, and then MAGS followed this up with a well taken goal. The second half Westlake stepped up and scored 2 goals to get a 2 all draw. A good fight back and a game in which Westlake could have had a few more goals.
Other Football scores:
WBHS 1st XI won 5-4 vs Mount Albert Grammar School
WBHS 2nd XI drew 2-2 vs Mount Albert Grammar School
WBHS 15A1 drew 1-1 vs Rutherford College
WBHS 14A1 lost 3-0 vs Auckland Grammar School
WBHS 14A2 won 2-1 vs Avondale College
WBHS 13A1 won 4-0 vs Mt. Roskill College
WBHS 13A2 lost 3-2 vs St. Peter’s College
