A pulsating match between the junior Masada squad and the firing Sinai resulted in a 2-1 scoreline. Most of the match was even key at 1-1 until Sinai scored the winner 5 minutes before time to a shell shocked Masada squad who found it difficult to form any sort of a fight back. It was unlucky for the boys but a great result for Sinai. In the other match Carmel beat Maccabees 3-1 with goals superbly taken by the players. It was an easy match for Carmel who simply walked over their opponents.
In the Upper School however, Maccabees annihilated Carmel scoring 10 goals one of which was a classy finish by the boy they call Marley who added another 3 to his tally. The other scorer was Tufton who scored 5 goals. Carmel started the fight back late by grabbing a late consolation goal but it brought nothing to ease the pain of the players that were distraught by the abysmal scoreline. If Carmel has any hopes of at least competing in this competition they have to put this scoreline behind them and go out there with more fighting spirit.
In the next match of the day, roaring Masada came out firing from the start of the game, grabbing 2 goals in quick succession. Sinai had something to say about that! They quickly responded and took one back. The players continued to pepper the Masada goal as their weakness was evident with an inexperienced goalkeeper. They finally got the breakthrough just before the end of the half due to a fine piece of midfield play which led to the goal.
At the start of the second half Sinai came out flying by firing home 2 goals and it seemed all hope was lost for Masada. They tried endlessly taking shot after shot until finally, a bit of flare from Masada's midfielder, O’Brien made them get back in the game at 4-3, dribbling majestically through the field and rocketed it into the bottom corner of the net. Masada continued to press along searching for the equalizer and seconds before the end of the game a Sinai player was dispossessed and Masada pounced on the chance which would be the last kick of the game. It took a perfectly placed through ball which split the heart of the strong Sinai defense that gave way for the in-form striker Isaac ‘Mairnaldo’ Mair to score the equalizer right at the death and complete his hat-trick. The game ended 4-4, showing the resilience of the Masada team who were counted out before the game. Their fighting spirit was evident throughout the game it will be difficult to beat them.
After an incredible day of proceedings it was a brilliant game of football overall and we are all looking forward to what the next day will bring. This has been a glorious start for the boys’ inter-house competition. It was everything we expected and more. Let's hope the other days will be equally as exciting.
Matthew Harrison
