THIRROUL THUNDER

District League Round 5
Saturday 30 May

Thirroul 5 def Kiama 1

On a blustery day that left fans wishing they had packed that extra layer, and buoyed by wins in both Division One and Youth Grade, Thirroul Thunder overcame an early deficit to triumph 5-1 against Kiama in round 5 of the Illawarra Credit Union District League.

From the start Kiama looked every part a side that’s yet to drop a point. Some exceptional play from the league leaders resulted in an early goal after a lightning counter attack was finished sweetly with an 18 yard strike that left the Thirroul keeper little to do but fetch the ball from the back of the net.
 From there the battle between the sides heightened. Thirroul found their way back into the match via some lovely one touch passing and penetrating attacks, midfielders Alex Thompson and Scott Penfold leading the way.  Before Kiama had time to really press for a second, Thirroul constructed a wonderful play down the centre of the park that was finished superbly by returning striker Ben French and his clinically deft right boot.

With parity restored on the score board and the pitch, the remainder of the first half played out as a battle between two sides likely bound for the finals. Real chances were created and if not for some exceptional defending either side could have headed to the break with a lead.

At half time Division One coach Michael Davey stepped up to take the Thirroul reins. Whatever the debutant boss said must have worked. After withstanding some quality Kiama attack the Thunder burst down the right hand side of the park to unleash a pin point cross that found man of the match Scott Penfold unmarked on the 6 yard box. From a perfectly timed run, Scott rose to meet the ball and rocket in a header that, for the first time in the match, gave Thirroul the lead.

From there Kiama had little time to react. Within a matter of minutes winger Serhat Pakyuz took a pass within the Kiama 18 yard box and, on a slippery pitch, lost his footing. As the danger to the Kiama goal appeared to subside, the nervous defender almost inexplicably held Serhat down as he attempted to regain his feet. With that the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Showing nothing but class Thunder striker Paul Thompson stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and complete the turnaround. At the start of the game if you had offered the Thirroul fans 3-1 they would have grabbed it with glee, thankfully though that isn’t how games are decided and more was to come..

Much to Kiama’s credit the 3-1 Thirroul lead never felt as comfortable as the score line suggested. If it wasn’t for the solid defence provided by Mathew Batley, Nathan Cirson, Josh Biddulph and Zac Beeten Kiama may have found a way back in. But in the end the tactics of pushing forward left them exposed at the back. With discipline and flair Thirroul twice managed to take the ball down the flank and cross back in for first Alex Thompson and then Ben French to put the game beyond doubt.

An excellent win for the thunder boys in conditions that literally clouded most of the second half and at times, had the entire crowd huddled underneath the lone awning Kiama Leisure Centre has to offer.

Special mention to Youth Grade players Lachlan Harris and dashing debutant Daniel Arthur who looked every bit at home in the first grade ranks.

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