GMAS 2 d MR Scorpions

THE Scorpions started their finals campaign with a deficit on players and a credit on playing style.

Travelling to Busselton with only nine players, the team knew they were in for a tough battle.

The team was captained on that stunning, warm day by proven defender Oscar Howse.

Despite the lack of numbers, the visiting Margaret River team took the game to GMAS, and lone forward Lewis Hayes had two great unmarked runs at GMAS’ keeper.

In the 17th minute, Lewis outplayed three opposition defender and ran towards goal.

However, his shot landed straight in the keeper’s arm.

For the first time Henry Rogers played the whole game outfield with Alex Williams taking on the place between the posts.

This brought swiftness in the Scorpion’s midfield while Kane Duggan, Jack Hewton and Oscar Howse controlled the backline superbly.

With the team tiring in the warm conditions, concentration lacked.

GMAS capitalised after a corner kick in the 29th minute when the Scorpions did not clear the ball decisively.

The second half started with a fury.

GMAS was awarded a penalty shot that had to be repeated.

The rebound was converted by a GMAS forward, however he was in an offside position.

Nevertheless, in the 38th minute, GMAS extended the lead to two goals.

Now the Scorpions found better into the game despite the fact that the opposition was able to steadily substitute players.

Henry Rogers and Aaron Locke combined beautifully.

A long cross by Henry found Aaron unmarked on the far corner.

His header however just flew over the crossbar.

In the 50th minute, Henry fired from inside the box over the bar.

In the 57th minute the effort finally gave some dividend with Aaron scoring from a long range shot that the GMAS keeper was unable to block effectively.

Despite the intensive chasing in the last minutes, the equaliser could not be found.

The player of the match award went to Lewis Hayes for a hugely improved play and the fantastic opportunities he created up front.