The U13 side travelled away to face a tough Moruya Swans team whose line-up includes several notable Eurobodalla representative players.  Despite the driving rain both sets of players took to the field with enthusiasm knowing that victory for their team would push them into the top four in the league table.

The Swans started brightly but failed to take advantage of some early pressure. The Narooma midfield soon got into their stride with Jarrah Seaman and Ethan Anderson combining well to carve open the Moruya defence like a Christmas turkey only to see Jarrah's shot parried by the keeper.

The Redbacks continued to grow in confidence and it was no surprise when they finally cracked open the Swans defence allowing Amy Nitsche to fire home a rocket of a shot that stunned the vocal home support.

The Swans tried to lift but could not find a way past the Narooma back four which had a new look with Elise Dixon and Rhiannon Duck at right and left back and Chelsea Ker in front of Rory Surgeon in the middle.

Chelsea especially relished her central defensive role and did not hold back on the tackles.  Elsie was working hard in midfield and was involved in a neat move which ended with Jarrah slotting home number two for the day.

The score remained at 2-0 as the teams left the park for their half time break.  The Redbacks listened intently with minimal chatting while coach Hoots outlined his master plan for the second half and took to the field charged up and ready for action.

The rain continued to fall but that did not affect the efforts of the players as they continued to put on a spectacle for the capacity crowd.

Digger had to look sharp as he sprinted off his line to thwart a Swans attack and bravely threw himself into a crunching tackle which forced the Moruya striker to put his shot wide.  The Redbacks midfield was working hard and playing some excellent flowing football which brightened up an otherwise overcast day.

A free kick was awarded to Narooma for tripping just outside the box and it was Jarrah who stepped up to take the kick.  He quickly fixed his hair before coolly unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the goals.

It was definitely a contender for goal of the season that even had the Moruya keeper clapping in appreciation.

The rain continued to fall and the game continued to entertain as both sides kept up the tempo. Jordan Sharpe was unlucky not to get her name on the scoresheet for a second week and Eleni also came close.

With the clock running out Jarrah broke through the Swans defence again and was poised to send the ball into the back of the net when he was cruelly chopped down from behind but despite desperate pleas from the sideline the referee judged that no infringement had occurred.

Minutes later the sideline erupted in jubilation when the referee blew the final whistle signalling another great Redbacks victory - they now have won their last three games without conceding a single goal. 

The Moruya side can also take great credit from the game which was played in a hard but fair manner.  Narooma have a week off before their next game which will be one of the biggest tests of the season with an away trip to Hanging Rock to play league leaders Batemans Bay.

Final score: Narooma Redbacks 3 v 0 Moruya Swans

NSSC Player of the Match award went to Chelsea Ker who had an outstanding game.

Youth Boys 

THE Youth Boys also played away, taking on an apparently physically superior Clyde.  Taking to the field in driving rain, the lads were not daunted by the task ahead. After a period to adjust to the slippery conditions and wet ball, the team settled in to the rhythm of the passing game they have developed.  Soon they were out-classing the perplexed Clyde side and once again it was Elliott Bendixsen who opened the scoring with a well-taken goal.

Ten goals were scored: four to the home side, one from a penalty and another that spectators vowed was off side.  Of the six to the winning Narooma team Elliott scored three including one from the penalty spot, Pablo Crome scored a beauty lofted sweetly in to the top corner from the edge of the penalty area between two defenders, Luke Seaman struck home a powerful shot off his right foot and Zac Martin got a good one off a break.

It's not all about the goals: Sam Jackson, Logan Sydenham and Sam Negus held the defensive line well against the stronger, taller Clyde with Campbell Allison again strong in goals: Jamie Dunk put in a series of great through balls to the attackers and Zak Wilson used his speed to great effect.  The lads came off the field drenched and frozen but satisfied by a job well done.

Final result: Clyde 4 Narooma 6.

NSSC Player of the Match was Zac Martin.