Playing in Round 1 of the FNSW Boys’ League 2 competition for the 2022 season, U16s Newcastle Jets proved too strong for their counter-parts from Rydalmere Lions.
In cool conditions at Rydalmere Park Main, both teams began the match at a very quick pace, giving spectators the impression they would be in for a good exhibition of football. The Newcastle Jets scored two goals early on and were able to dictate the tempo of the match in the first part of the half.
As the game wore on, possession evened out but with the Sydney team rarely threatening the Jets goal.
With the commencement of the second half, the Newcastle team enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, leaving the Sydney siders to merely chasing shadows! Despite the huge amount of possession, the third goal didn’t come but Rydalmere were kept at bay, rarely threatening the Newcastle goal.
In the later stages of the game, Newcastle Jets won a free kick on the edge of the box which they converted in the third goal which ensured the first win of the season. In the remaining time, the Jets kept possession, eliminating the possibility of any threat of a come-back by the local team.
Not only was this a great result for the Newcastle team but a great performance too, especially in the second half. Considering the squad boasted seven players making their debut in a formal game with Jets colours, both players and coaching staff should be commended.
ROUND 1 U16s Results:
Bankstown United vs Bonnyrigg White Eagle 0-1
Rydalmere Lions vs Newcastle Jets 0-3
NWS Spirit FC vs Hills United 0-2
Nepean FC vs St George FC 2-1
Mounties Wanderers FC vs South Coast Flame 0-2
Central Coast United FC vs St George City FA 0-2
Northbridge Bulls FC vs Hakoah Sydney City 1-3
Round 2 of the competition will pair the Newcastle Jets with Bankstown United at Speers Point on Sunday 27th February.
Rydalmere Lions FC: Adrian-Jamie Cazina 1(GK), Christian Podetti 3, Cooper Van Den Burg 4, Tristan Boutros 5, Marc Bounassif 6, Prayaag Darsjan Thapa 10, Kale James de la Cruz 11, Callum McNamara 12, Zac Zarrino 14, Bassam Jallal Sabbagh 16, Subs: Jamie Adam Matuschka 2, Gian La Grazia 9, Rhys Van Den Burg 13, Aidan Mulder 18, Zac Saitis 19 Zac Chong 28, Remy Freiha 31.
Newcastle Jets: Angus Martin 35, Giles Harrison 36, Caleb Reed 38, Pharrell Trainor 39, Reinhard Lloyd 40, Max Cooper 41, George Tsamouras 43, Cooper Vimpani 45, Luca West 46, Jordan Gu 48, Ethan Lewis 50, Subs: Kynan Watkins 37, Zac Major 42, Kruze Davidson 44, Patrick Innes 66, Seth Anderson 90
Goals: 15′ Luca West, 25′ Luca West, 68′ Kruze Davidson
Cards: Yellow Prayaag Darsjan Thapa
Source: Tom Tsamouras