On Wednesday May 31st, Port Lincoln High joined a number of other schools from across the Eyre Peninsula at Ravendale Oval for the annual Open Boys Football Carnival. Competing as a Division 1 school, we were scheduled to play games against St. Joseph’s School and Cummins Area School. A great group of young footballers were selected to represent PLHS, with both games proving to be very successful for our school.
Game 1: versus St. Joseph’s School
Our first game against St. Joe’s proved to be a real arm wrestle with blustery conditions (not unknown to Ravendale) pushing the ball to difficult areas of the ground. Working the ball into the wind in the first quarter was a challenge for our boys, however they controlled the play for most of the period and certainly negated St. Joseph’s use of a strong breeze. Ashur Miller-Pickett touched the clouds, taking an exceptional mark in a huge highlight. The boys kicked away to a two-goal lead at half time, using the wind to get the ball long and strong to our forward targets.
St. Joe’s were able to equalise the score at three quarter time, however our boys were determined to finish the job. With the wind behind them in the final quarter, they kicked away, piling on four goals and taking their first win of the day. Tristan Edwards and Connor Madden dominated in the midfield with their speed and carry. Kade Mullins and vice-captain Nathaniel Hirschausen-Burk controlled the air down back, whilst initial emergency player Dusty Symonds was called in and used his poise and class on the wing.
Game 2: versus Cummins Area School
Our final game of the day pitted us against Cummins Area School, coached by former PLHS “Supercoach” Boyd West. Cummins certainly challenged St. Joe’s in their game, so we knew we were in for a stern test. From the outset, our boys hunted the football, making the most of a decent rest between games. They worked the ball into the breeze with control and brilliant skill execution to kick a few early goals. Our backline was superb, intercepting the ball in dangerous positions and rebounding with speed in the back half. Our forward line worked unselfishly to create great scoring opportunities, led predominantly by Luke Pearce and Brad Jacob, who both had fantastic games. In the final quarter, the magnets were thrown around – as a coach, it was great to see our boys enjoying their football and striving to get each other involved in the play.
Our boys ran away comfortable winners, a result which saw us ultimately claim this year’s carnival. Tristan Edwards was again exceptional, with his blistering speed and goal-kicking capability on full display. Dusty Symonds again proved to be a prized recruit, playing his role beautifully. Best-on-ground honours went to vice-captain Nathaniel Hirschausen-Burk, who barely lost a one-on-one contest for the entire day.
It was another fantastic day of sport for Port Lincoln High School. We thank St. Joseph’s School for their effective running of the day’s proceedings, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
~ Mr. Hayden Bennett (Accompanying Teacher/Supercoach)
