Waiheke Gorillas U10 V Eastern Suburbs AFC Purple U10. Glover Park.

Final score: Gorillas 2 Purple 7.

It was a cold and early start for the Gorilla’s second away game of the season against the notoriously dominant Eastern Suburbs Purples. The first half saw the Purples attack come out flying with a couple of impressive early goals within the first ten minutes. Rather than despondence, the resolve of the Gorillas defence and attack saw the phenomenal teamwork of Waiheke coming together and stepping up to their opposition. Great skill and footwork from Luca Ball, Victor Hardy and Leo Swann was beautiful to watch, and a very clever goal from striker BenTyler gave them all increased confidence.

By the end of the first half the Purples had another goal in the net, but the Gorillas were showing steadfast determination. Fantastic defence from Fergus Kilpatrick and Grayson Shaw as the second half began had the Purples sweating, while Jai Bartlett and Issac Jack pulled off some amazing strategic play. A fantastic goal from Nate Henwood (Nate the Great) was claimed with his inimitable skill. An appearance from the always impressive Cooper Henwood on the pitch gave the Purples more work to do.

The Eastern Suburbs got lucky with a few more goals scored from the deflected saves of keeper Billy Carter, and resulted in a final score of 7 - 2 to our opposition. The Gorilla’s had a great deal to be proud of holding strong for a very well drilled but evenly matched opposition.