Guantanamo Go Down In Gutsy Performance

20th August 2008

Racing Guantanamo went into the match against Hagan’s Heroes buoyed by their win two weeks earlier against Pearl Coast Pirates. However, with three of their star players on the way out the door, the team entered a period of rebuilding.

Former Orange hero Terrance Jack was re-signed for the team in the eleventh hour, along with Guantanamo youth academy product Tyler Demaine and newcomer Danny Panchos. Jo Tighe and Tim O’Brien were missing from the squad as well as Joel Hamling who nears closer to returning for the team in Orange. Vice-captain Tim Gray made a return from injury and started in the centre of defence.

The match began solidly with Guantanamo making the first attack courtesy of Luke Turner, who was again looking like the danger man for the Mighty Oranges. However, the dream start was not to be with the Heroes returning with a counter attack which resulted in a goal for the Reds.

The lack of midfield physical presence was noticeable, with Tyler Demaine performing admirably but being out-muscled on several occasions. Hagan’s threatened to run riot with another 4 goals scored before half time with Guantanamo answering with only one of their own.

In the second half, the Oranges made a few changes with Tim Gray pushing into midfield, Demaine pulling back into the right side of defence and captain Ryan Platten moving to the centre of defence. Chris Hingston took up his place on the left, while Danny Panchos moved into midfield and Terrance Jack pushed forward to partner Luke Turner. Jon Falconer remained on the right wing.

The changes seemed to galvanise the team in Orange as they pushed forward, punishing the Reds defence and exposing their slow speed. Despite the Guantanamo onslaught, the Reds still managed to get forward and attack Francois Kruger’s goal, with one of the highlights of the game coming when Hagan’s players peppered the goal five times, each time the Orange defence blocking the shots and frustrating the players in red.

The second half saw Guantanamo score 2 goals to Hagan’s 1, leaving the Orange supporters happy with the second half display, but praying for the return of big name players Joe Tighe and Tim O’Brien to add some steel and skill to the spine of the team in Orange.

Racing Guantanamo Matchday Squad
Ryan PLATTEN, Tim GRAY, Francois KRUGER, Jon FALCONER, Tyler DEMAINE, Terrance JACK, Danny PANCHOS, Chris HINGSTON, Adam SHANLEY, Luke TURNER

Final Score
Racing Guantanamo AFC 3 – 6 Hagan’s Heroes

Attendance
4