YOUTH GRADE – Won 4-3: This was a make or break game for the youth grade side after scrapping a draw the week before when they completely dominated the game. The boys had a very disappointing opening 30 minutes and were completely out muscled and out played. An inability to hold possession was hurting them and they coped three goals in the first half.

Emil Totland was the only beacon of light in the first half with a classy chip from the outside of his right foot over the keeper to keep the game within reach. 3-1 down at half time. A very somber and quiet half time talk followed from a very frustrated and livid coach Vando. Matt Shannon was given the duty of out playing and man marking the biggest man and play maker on the Picton side and did a brilliant job . Suddenly everything was gritty and determined from the youthies. Anything and everything that could go right did and Emil and Marty ‘McFly’ bagged three more goals ( ending up with a double each) to secure one of the greatest UOWFC comebacks in recent times. This means that the Youthies are now three games undefeated and leapfrogged both Reserve grade and First grade on their respective tables up into 8th place.

RESERVE GRADE – Lost 5-0: The reserve grade squad has suffered from a lack of consistency in recent weeks due to a combination of injury and unavailability. It seems that the spark has definitely gone from a side that in the early rounds was singled out as potentially challenging for the title this year. Based on the performances of the last few weeks this is now a long way in the distance unless the boys can find some spark and intensity when they play.

The Picton players were disciplined and decisive when they went forward and made the most of their opportunities. Ultimately it finished a 5-0 loss with the RGM boys left licking their wounds.

FIRST GRADE – Lost 2-1: First grade were out to follow up from an important win in the last round however went down 0-1 early on to a quick counter attack after losing the ball in attack up the right. The Picton striker rounded goal keeper Liam Stevenson and slotted it home from a tight angle. UOWFC didn’t take long to equalise with Lochy Ryan storming down the left and out competing for the ball into the Picton penalty box. He followed this up with a great finish into the roof of the net from close to the by line to make it 1-1. Uni pushed and had some close half chances but couldn’t quite get the last pass or header on goal to stick. Promoted reserve grade player Mat Baker and Lochy Ryan both had great first half performances. In the 2nd half a hamstring injury meant that Tobias Williams was subbed for youth grade standout Emil Totland. Emil applied some good early pressure on the Picton keeper to win a corner from a mishit back pass. Unfortunately Picton made it 2-1 from a run away goal courtesy of some indecisive defending and a good finished into the corner of the net. A great one handed save from Liam kept it close and Uni pushed forward. Both Scott Milvyk and Marc Lee had free kicks in good positions but couldn’t take advantage and it finished with a 1-2 loss.

Both First grade and Reserve grade now drop to 9th on their respective ladders, however have some matches in hand on a couple of teams above them. It’s a long season and recent results certainly are not terminal, however a change of attitude and more discipline in training and games is called for in coming games.