April 4th, Stop Out 3 Karori 1 (0-1)

12th Promo hosted Karori at the renovated Hutt Park to kick off the 2009 season. Great to be on real home turf with all the comforts of home, plus new toilets & coffee on tap!

The 2009 vintage followed predecessors with the traditional "Stop Out Slow Start". We coughed up a soft goal within the first ten minutes following a comedy of errors during which four or five players each had easy chances to clear the ball, but all declined the offer. Karori didn't need to be asked twice and took the chance. Then slowly but surely our revamped midfield started to stamp authority, buoyed by the solidity of our new backs, Reed and Tom E. Only a fine finger-tip-to-the-crossbar from the Karori goalie denied Hayden from long range and kept us behind going to the half time oranges. Despite the scoreboard deficit, the coaching staff were quietly confident and outwardly calm during the turn-around.

As the second half started, the boys' confidence was growing and they started to express themselves on the pitch. Patrick bamboozled with his trademark "ricochet rabbit" changes of direction and outrageous turns, before he, Cherbel and Brett each tried to outdo the other with game-time ball-juggling displays. Hayden, not to be upstaged, threw in a Maradona "roller coaster" turn. The floodgates opened following a good run down the right flank by Connor leading to some patient short-passing and the inevitable tap-in from  Hayden. Josh B. scored a signature breakaway goal before another patient build-up led to Brett tapping in to make the game safe. Cherbel shot wide then picked out the goalie to keep himself off the score-sheet while signalling that he won't stay off for long. Reed saved off the line in the final minutes to keep our goal intact in the second half, while earning himself player-of-the-day in his first ever game at left back.

While there's a lot of work to be done, the early signs look good for the 12th Promo class of '09.

The following boys have been selected to play in the 12th Grade Promo League team;

Brett Stevenson, Hayden Taylor, Cherbel Khouchaba, Kieran Mouton, Patrick Coulson, Thomas Josephson, Josh Williams, Josh Baron, Kris Singh, Mikara Edge, Reed Collingwood, Tom England, Connor Leahy & Daniel Nield.

Coach; Alan Coulson