Courtesy: The Timaru Herald


SC futsal team score good wins at nationals

The Timaru Herald

Monday, 25 February 2008

South Canterbury finished the New Zealand national futsal competition played in Christchurch over the weekend, with several wins and some very close games.

South Canterbury went down to Otago 8-2 in a very close and competitive match. In the last five minutes of the game South Canterbury could not match the high intensity of Otago, conceding four late goals. Scorers for South Canterbury were Thomas Clarkson and Ricardo Santos.

South Canterbury pulled off a great win win against Otago Development side being ahead by four goals in the first 15 minutes. Tragedy struck when goal keeper Dave Stafford and class defender Arash Zamani were injured in the first half. Down to two subs, the team consolidated well for the duration of the match, for a full time score of 7-3 to South Canterbury. Goal scorers were Clarkson 3, Zamani 1 and Santos 3.

The final score of 9-2 to Canterbury didn't accurately reflect the difference in the ability of the two sides. South Canterbury dominated in some aspects of the game, but with few substitutes due to injuries, and without an experienced goal keeper, the Canterbury side finished the game clinically by scoring goals at the end of the first and second half. South Canterbury's two goals came from Troy Tapara

South Canterbury played really well to beat the North Island representative team 7-5. Both sides had plenty of opportunities. However the North Island side failed to finish as well as South Canterbury. Goal scorers for South Canterbury were Peter Rae 1, Clarkson 4, Santos 2.

South Canterbury was unfortunate to be held to a three-all draw in their final match against Vikings NZ Youth. South Canterbury's workout was tremendous and they led for most of the match. Both teams contested fiercely as they both were vying for a mathematical chance to reach the final. South Canterbury dominated possession and were 3-2 up with five minutes before Santos got red-carded for a tackle that was deemed dangerous. Down to four men South Canterbury desperately tried to hold on for the win but conceded a goal. Rae scored two of the goals and Santos the third.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com